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THE LEADER TAPES PROJECT

The Victorian Aboriginal News (VAN) Leader Tapes is a project born of a passion to promote effective and respectful leadership with Victorian Aboriginal communities. Our goal is to provide a resource where emerging leaders can learn from those leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to leading community and achieving in areas such as self-determination, truth-telling, education, treaty and community strength.

DOWNLOAD SERIES 2 INFO

THE SERIES 1 LAUNCH

THE VAN LEADER TAPES

Partner: The NED Foundation – providing critical funding for the VAN Leader Tapes project

Partner: The NED Foundation – providing critical funding for the VAN Leader Tapes project

Series 2 of the VAN Leader Tapes given the green light thanks to the very generous support of the NED Foundation.
The VAN Leader Tapes: Uncle Herb Patten – growing up and influenced by some of the greatest leaders

The VAN Leader Tapes: Uncle Herb Patten – growing up and influenced by some of the greatest leaders

In this video Uncle Herb Patten passes on some of his recollections and words of advice to the emerging Aboriginal leaders who will help to shape the future.
The VAN Leader Tapes: Aunty Jill Gallagher, AO: One of Victoria’s most recognised and respected leaders

The VAN Leader Tapes: Aunty Jill Gallagher, AO: One of Victoria’s most recognised and respected leaders

Throughout her life Aunty Jill Gallagher has experienced a raft of challenges that have shaped her as one of Victoria's most recognised and respected leaders.
The VAN Leader Tapes: Yoorrook Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter shares her growth as a proud Aboriginal leader

The VAN Leader Tapes: Yoorrook Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter shares her growth as a proud Aboriginal leader

Sue-Anne Hunter never aspired to leadership, but it found her nonetheless and has positioned her as an inspirational and influential Victorian Aboriginal leader.
The VAN Leader Tapes: Aunty Esme Bamblett, proudly taking positions of leadership in community for over 50 years

The VAN Leader Tapes: Aunty Esme Bamblett, proudly taking positions of leadership in community for over 50 years

From her early years spent on the missions at Cummeragunja and Rumbalara, Aunty Esme Bamblett has emerged as one of Victoria's strongest Aboriginal leaders.
The VAN Leader Tapes: Uncle Col Clark – a quiet and thoughtful approach to leadership with others always in mind

The VAN Leader Tapes: Uncle Col Clark – a quiet and thoughtful approach to leadership with others always in mind

Elder-in-residence at Dardi Munwurro, Uncle Col Clark is a leader who believes compassion and caring are fundamental to good leadership.
The VAN Leader Tapes: Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, a fearless leader for change and Treaty

The VAN Leader Tapes: Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, a fearless leader for change and Treaty

One of Victoria's most effective leaders, Aunty Geraldine Atkinson speaks frankly to VAN about her style of leadership and drive to promote education.
The VAN Leader Tapes: Uncle Bill Nicholson – the youngest recorded Elder of the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung

The VAN Leader Tapes: Uncle Bill Nicholson – the youngest recorded Elder of the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung

Uncle Bill Nicholson of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung speaks out about his style of leadership and passion for education.

THE LAUNCH OF THE LEADER TAPES SERIES 1

On the evening of the 30th of November 2023, in partnership with the incredible team at Reconciliation Victoria we launched Series One of the VAN Leader Tapes. At the offices of Reconciliation Victoria in Brunswick, political representatives from various levels of government mixed in with Victorian Aboriginal Leaders, including Uncle Bill Nicholson and Aunty Esme Bamblett, along with community members and a host of others to reflect of the critical importance of capturing lessons from Blak leaders.

Our thanks go out to the team at Reconciliation Victoria for massive ongoing support, and a special thanks and note of gratitude to our own Sophie Kahl who oversaw pulling together the event. Well done, Sophie!

Uncle Bill Nicholson

Uncle Bill Nicholson, the very first leader to be interviewed, speaks at the launch about the importance of capturing blak stories and lessons from leaders.

Charles Pakana

OK, so a bit of a self-satisfied grin on his face, VAN’s Charles Pakana sits back and enjoys one of his favourite foods – a good ol’ sausage roll (sans sauce).

The Crowd Watches

Attendees at the launch of the VAN Leader Tapes series 1 sit in the collective space at Reconciliation Victoria to watch a montage of the eight videos comprising this first series.

Aunty Esme and Nicole

Aunty Esme Bamblett, one of the leaders featured in series 1 of the Leader Tapes with the CEO of Reconciliation Victoria, Nicole Findlay

Charles Pakana

Founder and editor of VAN, and producer of the VAN Leader Tapes, Charles Pakana presents a montage of videos that represent series 1.

Uncle Herb Patton

Always the centre of attention, whether he wants it or not, Uncle Herb Patton, one of the eight leaders featured in the series, yarns with attendees at the launch.

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