Embedding Indigenous voices in parliament and the arts
In the two years since winning a 2016 UTS Alumni Award for Excellence, Sean Gordon has continued to tirelessly advocate for Indigenous self-determination and economic empowerment.
After serving as CEO of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council for almost a decade, striving to make Aboriginal land rights law work effectively for Indigenous communities, Sean funnelled his energy into establishing the Gidgee Group, a unique enterprise which aims to foster productive partnerships, catering to individual projects, between clients and Indigenous Australians.
Sean was a key architect and signatory of the Uluru Statement From the Heart, issued by 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in May 2017 and calling for a First Nations’ voice to be enshrined in the constitution. Deflated but unbeaten by the Turnbull Government’s rejection of the proposal, Sean maintains the momentum for constitutional recognition – without disturbing the constitution’s operation – as well as nutting out operational details through his role on the strategic committee of the non-profit organisation Uphold and Recognise, which also seeks to achieve an enduring Indigenous presence in parliament.
Sean returned to a university environment to improve socioeconomic disadvantage as an Atlantic Fellow for Social Equity at Melbourne University (October 2017–March 2018).
He also received a 2018 Boss Magazine True Leader Award in recognition of his work enhancing the bonds between all Australians and convincing conservative politicians and other citizens of the societal and cultural benefits of formalising Indigenous inclusion. Cultural expression underpins belonging and storytelling, driving Sean’s passion for the arts.
As longstanding board member of the NAISDA Dance College, a leading performing arts college, Sean is currently involved in developing the ‘Naya Wa Yugali’ learning precinct on the NSW Central Coast.
The vision is to build a centre of excellence celebrating Indigenous history and culture for everyone to appreciate.
2016 UTS Alumni Award
Republished from UTS Advancement - 2016 UTS Alumni Awards:
Sean Gordon
Bachelor of Education in Adult Education (2000)
Sean Gordon is applying his considerable leadership skills to drive Aboriginal economic development and reduce government dependency through creating real opportunities and benefits for communities.
A Wangkumarra/Barkindji man, Gordon is a strong advocate of self-determination for Aboriginal communities, and for social, cultural and economic empowerment. For the past eight years, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, a leading Land Council focused on improving the health and wellbeing of the NSW Central Coast community.
Under Gordon's leadership Darkinjung has built combined assets in excess of $55 million, and is currently developing innovative affordable housing and home ownership models that allow potential homeowners to build equity and save a cash deposit while renting community housing.
"The opportunity to move out of the social housing sector and into home ownership provides a sense of security and safety," he explains. "It sets our people on a path toward wealth creation, which in turn establishes a solid foundation for their family's future."
As an educator, Gordon has developed and implemented vocational education programs with the TAFE NSW Hunter Institute, and advised the NSW Government on the development of culturally responsible strategies for Aboriginal adult education.
Gordon is deeply connected to community, and has served on numerous boards and advisory groups. He was inaugural Chair of the Barang Regional Alliance, and serves as Chair of the Empowered Communities: Empowered People Leadership Group, facilitating sustainable reform through strategic partnerships between Indigenous leaders, governments and industry.
He is also passionate about preserving and developing Aboriginal culture as Director of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Academy.
Gordon delivers transformational impact within the communities he works with, and drives policy change at a national level.
"Our goal is to close the gap on the social and economic disadvantage of Indigenous Australians, and enable cultural recognition and determination to preserve, maintain, renew and adapt our cultural and linguistic heritage for future generations."
