John Monash Scholars on ‘The next Generation’ this NAIDOC Week
Melbourne , 6 July 2025 — During national NAIDOC Week (July 6-13 2025), we celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Among the John Monash Scholar community are First Nations leaders and collaborators working across law, media and storytelling to create lasting change.
Their work reflects the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," and reminds us that truth-telling, cultural knowledge and self-determination are vital to Australia’s future.
Treaty in Practice: Karri Walker & Noah Bedford with Daniel Yore
In November 2023, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government officially commenced Treaty negotiations – a national first. This moment marked a significant milestone in the long process of recognising the sovereignty of Aboriginal peoples in Victoria.
Karri Walker (2023 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar) is a Nyiyaparli woman and Senior Lawyer at the Assembly, working closely on these negotiations. Alongside her is Daniel Yore (2021 Tim Fischer John Monash Scholar), Treaty Negotiations Manager. Also present at the commencement was Noah Bedford (2024 Bob Hawke John Monash Scholar), a Wiradjuri man and then Principal Government Affairs Advisor. Noah now works with Prof Peter Yu on economic development initiatives that continue this momentum for change.
New Models of Leadership: Emma Garlett
Emma Garlett, a Nyungar-Nyiyaparli-Yamatji woman and 2022 Wesfarmers John Monash Scholar, is a lawyer, academic and founder of the Garlett Group – a 100% Indigenous women-owned consultancy focused on amplifying Indigenous voices and promoting inclusion in sustainability, digital and media.
Launched in 2023, it delivers commissioned research, sustainability strategies, educational training, Indigenous engagement strategies and strategic communications, all rooted in deep respect for Indigenous knowledge.
Emma is also a columnist for The West Australian, co-host of the Paint it Blak YouTube channel, and holds academic roles at Federation University and the University of Western Australia. She also serves as a Tribunal Member for the Western Australia Football Commission.
In June 2025, she was appointed an inaugural Board Member of the Perth Bears, contributing to inclusive governance in sport.
Telling Stories Through Film: Bronte Gosper
Bronte Gosper, a Wiradjuri woman and a 2021 Gandel Foundation John Monash Scholar, uses documentary and screenwriting to explore the complexity of regional and Indigenous identities.
Her thesis film the everywhen received the Brodsky Oral History Award and was later screened in New York with support from the American Australian Association. After returning to Sydney, Bronte joined the NITV Commissioning team, working on films like Journey Home and Emily I am Kam, both featured at the Sydney Film Festival.
Currently studying at NIDA, Bronte is developing a short film titled Class Pet with AFTRS, exploring Wiradjuri sisterhood and rural identity. She also works as a researcher on SBS’s Living Black and will be a featured speaker in a live podcast event at the Powerhouse Museum on 23 July, discussing Indigenous conceptions of time.
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and to participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
You can support and connect with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by attending activities and events held across the country.