A powerhouse in Australia’s reconciliation journey, Karen Mundine has employed vision and drive to bring essential issues to life. Now, as CEO of Reconciliation Australia, she leads with a fierce commitment to justice and equity.
Karen’s dynamic leadership is all about action and accountability, forging a path towards a fairer and more inclusive Australia. Building a legacy of reconciliation: Karen’s involvement in reconciliation spans several decades, marked by her instrumental role in significant national events.
She played a pivotal part in the National Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008, Centenary of Federation commemorations, Corroboree 2000 and the 1997 Australian Reconciliation Convention. Her work led to the development and implementation of the State of Reconciliation in Australia report and the Australian Reconciliation Barometer, key documents that guide and measure national reconciliation efforts.
“I prefer action in social justice over public profile, and responsibility to community over individualism.”
“Reconciliation is not just about acknowledgment but about meaningful actions that lead to real change.”
Karen Mundine
CEO of Reconciliation Australia and UTS graduate
A heritage of activism
Karen was born into a family of trailblazing Aboriginal activists. Her mother, Kaye, and two aunties, Olive and Ann, were prominent figures in the fight for Aboriginal rights. Growing up with such strong role models, Karen felt the pressure of expectation. She responded by quietly learning and giving back to her community.
Her family’s legacy of activism provided a foundation for her own journey, inspiring her to continue their work in new and impactful ways.
Karen has held senior roles in federal government departments and influential organisations, and her expertise in social marketing campaigns has furthered the impact of reconciliation initiatives.
She serves on the boards of Gondwana Choirs and the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre, and she has also held positions with the Mary Mackillop Today and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), demonstrating her broad commitment to social justice and community development.
Vision for the future
Karen’s vision for reconciliation is rooted in her belief in action and community responsibility. She continues to lead efforts to bring about a more equitable Australia, ensuring that reconciliation remains a national priority.
“Reconciliation is not just about acknowledgment but about meaningful actions that lead to real change.”
Connect with the UTS FASS Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group and the Centre for the Advancement of Indigenous Knowledges.
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