MELBOURNE, VIC — 16 July 2026 — Victorian Aboriginal News (VAN) has announced the appointment of prominent academic and reconciliation advocate Professor Andrew Gunstone as the organisation’s inaugural Reconciliation Advisor, effective 29 June 2026.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for VAN, anchoring reconciliation alongside the independent media organisation’s core pillars of Treaty, self-determination, and truth-telling. In his new role, Professor Gunstone will guide VAN’s strategic focus on key reconciliation issues, particularly in shaping content for the widely listened-to VAN Talks podcast.

In tandem with his advisory role, Professor Gunstone and VAN Founder Charles Pakana are launching a joint public speaking initiative. The duo will offer specialised speaking services tailored for Victorian business and government sectors, as well as community events, addressing critical pathways forward in reconciliation.

Professor Gunstone, who also serves as co-Chair of Reconciliation Victoria, expressed his enthusiasm for his new career chapter: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Victorian Aboriginal News as Reconciliation Advisor. I have long admired the transformational work VAN is undertaking and have always enjoyed collaborating with my close friend Uncle Charles Pakana."

Charles Pakana welcomed the appointment as a natural progression of their long-standing professional relationship: “Following years of collaboration with Professor Gunstone, his recent retirement from the world of full-time academia represented an ideal opportunity to build on that collaboration and further strengthen the voices of reconciliation across Victoria."

Information

Organisations and community groups interested in booking Professor Gunstone and Charles Pakana for public speaking engagements are encouraged to secure bookings early.

Media & Booking Contact

Karina Wells

Victorian Aboriginal News

Email: karina@vicaboriginalnews.com.au

Website: www.vicaboriginalnews.com.au

About Victorian Aboriginal News (VAN):

Victorian Aboriginal News is an independent media platform dedicated to amplifying First Nations voices, truth-telling, and driving deep engagement with the Treaty and reconciliation processes across Victoria. Through news coverage and the VAN Talks podcast, VAN provides vital community journalism and informed commentary.