As local and global landscapes shift — from changes in Queensland’s approach to treaty to broader challenges facing DEI globally — the need for meaningful, grounded reconciliation has never been more urgent.
Join us for an engaging fireside conversation with distinguished leader Vonda Malone, as we explore what sustainable reconciliation looks like in practice. Drawing on her experience across government, diplomacy, and community leadership, Vonda will share insights into truth-telling, inclusive leadership, and how to drive change that honours and uplifts First Nations peoples.
This event offers a chance to pause, reflect, and realign our efforts toward long-term impact in a complex environment.
Who should attend: Diversity Practitioners, HR Leaders, RAP Committees, or anyone interested in learning more about Reconciliation and inclusion of First Nations peoples in the workplace.
Where: Grant Thornton, Level 18, 145 Ann Street, Brisbane
When: 11:45am - 1:30pm (includes light lunch)
Investment: Free for DPA members, $50 for non-members, new members welcome to join now here
Participants will leave with:
A deeper understanding of reconciliation in today’s changing context
Practical ideas for building respectful, reciprocal relationships with First Nations communities
Insight into the role of truth-telling in systemic and cultural change
Leadership insights from a highly respected and experienced leader
Special thanks to Grant Thornton for hosting Diversity Practitioners Association for this event.
About Vonda Malone
Cultural Background & Connection to Community:
Vonda Malone is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leader with traditional connection to the Peiudu Clan of Erub Island in the Eastern Islands of the Torres Strait and Yupungathi in the Western Cape York Region.
Professional & Community Experience:
With a lifetime of experience and over 32 years dedicated to Indigenous Affairs across Federal, State, and Local Governments--as well as international and non- government sectors Vonda Malone has been a driving force in Far North Queensland. Her work has been instrumental in advancing housing, health, and economic participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As the Chair of the Torres and Cape Indigenous Council Alliance (TCICA), Vonda played a pivotal role in securing the final $105m allocation from the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing (NPARIH). She also worked closely with the Department of Housing and Public Works to rollout the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019-2023, ensuring the effective implementation of the State's $40m commitment to housing in remote indigenous communities. Through her leadership, she helped resolve longstanding land tenure issues, unlocking new housing opportunities for communities in need. Vonda's advocacy has directly addressed critical housing shortages for indigenous councils, catalyzing significant progress in the Torres Shire Council's Horn Island Affordable Housing Project and the development of the Torres Shire Local Housing Plan, which strategically defines housing needs for the shire.
Leadership & Governance Experience:
Vonda Malone has served in various leadership roles including being a former member of the Queensland Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry and Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority. Vonda made history as the first female Mayor of the Torres Shire Council, serving from 2016-2022 and in 2017 was named the Susan McKinnon Prize Emerging Political Leader of the Year recognising her contribution and outstanding leadership as Mayor.
Additionally, as Chairperson of Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ), Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance (TC/CA) and the Founding Chair of Torres Health, the first community-controlled health organisation in the Torres Strait.She brings expertise in Indigenous Affairs, local government, public sector management, governance, strategic planning, change management and community and stakeholder engagement. These experiences ensure that she is ideally placed to work towards meaningful and sustainable outcomes addressing the ongoing challenges of housing and homelessness for First Nations people.
Education & Qualifications:
• Susan McKinnon Political Prize, Emerging Political Leader of the Year - 2017
• Company Directors Course, Australian Institute of Company Directors - 2014
• Graduate Certificate in Australian Rural Leadership, James Cook University - 2013
• Centenary Medal, Distinguished Service to the Torres Strait Regional Authority - 2000
• Graduate Certificate in Management, University of Western Sydney, Nepean - 2001
• Indigenous Fellowship Program Office of the Human Rights Commission, United Nations Geneva, Switzerland - 2001