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Register now for the 2026 Aboriginal Staff Forum
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Aboriginal Staff Forum which will be held on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 October 2026, at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The forum is a two-day professional development, wellbeing and cultural event for Aboriginal employees working in South Australia’s public sector.
The 2026 forum theme is: Lead From Where You Stand: Every Role, Every Generation, Strengthened by Culture, celebrating the contribution of Aboriginal employees at every stage of their career, recognising the strength that comes from culture, connection and shared experiences.
Designed for Aboriginal employees, the forum provides opportunities to connect through collaboration, relationship building, cultural activities and shared learning.
Access interactive sessions, learn from colleagues across agencies and acquire tools to support your professional development and help navigate your way through work–life balance.
The forum is open to Aboriginal South Australian public sector employees only. There is no charge for staff to register to attend this forum.
Aboriginal employees from all South Australian Government agencies, including those located in regional and remote areas, are encouraged to attend. Limited places may be available for employees who can attend for one day only.
Places are limited and registrations are essential.
2026 Keynote Speakers
Adam Goodes
Adam is a proud Adnyamathanha man, known for his leadership within the community. In 2009, Adam set up The Goodes-O’Loughlin Foundation (GO Foundation). The GO Foundation’s vision is to create a brighter future for Indigenous children through education.
Adam was named the Australian of the Year in 2014. This distinguished award recognised Adam’s community work and advocacy in the fight against racism, empowering the next generation of Indigenous Australians.
Adam co-founded the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium (iDiC) in 2016, that provides education, skill training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians to support large defence and infrastructure projects.
He is a dual AFL Brownlow Medallist and premiership player for the Sydney Swans, four-time All-Australian, member of the Indigenous Team of the Century and representative in the International Rules Series. Adam Goodes holds an elite place in Australian Football League's history. He announced his retirement from the AFL in September 2015, leaving the field as the Swans' games record holder on 372, and one of the most decorated players of all time.
Adam's work within the corporate world extends to advising large organisations such as David Jones, Woolworths and Qantas, on their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP). He is also currently an ambassador for many prominent brands including Toyota, David Jones, Qantas, Woolworths and more recently Wanderlust.
Adam is a co-author of the award-winning Welcome to Country picture book series. The books are written for young children, and their families, and introduces First Nations history to a broader audience.
Associate Professor Melanie Turner
South Australia’s Chief Psychiatrist
Mel is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and took over the role of SA Chief Psychiatrist in May 2026. Mel was Deputy Chief Psychiatrist from 2023 and has continued to work across multiple roles.
Her professional background includes senior clinical leadership, regulatory and governance roles, and medical education.
She has held positions such as Presiding Member of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board, Chair of the Medical Board of South Australia, Board Director of RANZCP and Mental Health Australia; and involvement in national policy development through advisory committees.
She is also engaged in teaching and training medical students and specialist registrars. Mel is the first Aboriginal Chief Psychiatrist in Australia and is working on representing her mob and continuing to improve the health pathway for all Aboriginal people.
Master of Ceremonies
Shelley Ware
Shelley Ware is a proud Wirangu and Yankunytjatjara woman whose work sits at the intersection of community, education, storytelling and sport.
A teacher with more than 25 years’ experience, Shelley has dedicated her career to creating safer, more inclusive spaces by embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives into classrooms, organisations and public conversations. Her work is grounded in community, accountability and truth telling, with a strong focus on listening first and working alongside people rather than speaking for them.
Shelley is a respected voice across television and sports media, with a career also spanning over 25 years, where she brings cultural insight, clarity and care to national conversations. She is also a sought-after MC, known for her ability to hold space, connect audiences and honour the significance of moments, whether in community settings, major sporting events or corporate and government forums.
Across all her work, Shelley is driven by a commitment to integrity, respect and the belief that genuine change begins with relationships.
Delahay Miller
Delahay Miller is a proud Wirangu and Mirning man from the Far West Coast of South Australia and an experienced Aboriginal leader, entrepreneur and strategic advisor with more than 12 years’ experience spanning government, Aboriginal affairs, business, fisheries, governance, economic development, organisational strategy, facilitation and community engagement.
He began his career as a school support officer in Port Lincoln and progressed through the South Australian public sector into senior leadership, including acting at the Commonwealth Executive level, before going private and then establishing his own businesses and advisory interests.
Delahay has worked with more than 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the nation and proudly works at the intersection of government, industry and commercial development, partnering with Aboriginal organisations, governments, major corporations, boards and communities to turn ambition into practical strategy, partnerships, investment and economic opportunity. He isa considered chair and facilitator, absolutely loves working with his mob and is passionate about seeing Aboriginal people, businesses and communities create opportunities, build wealth and shape their own futures.
Breakout session themes
Breakout sessions facilitated by a dynamic selection of Aboriginal professionals - the themes are:
- Cultural Connection
- Strengthen Leadership
- Strengthen Self
- Strengthen Skills
- Your Life
- Your Voice
- Your Wellbeing
Register now
Register to attend the forum. Secure your place and find out more about the breakout sessions:
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Learn more about the benefits of attending
Attendees and presenters reflect on their experiences at the 2025 Aboriginal Staff Forum.