Federation’s National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice expands leadership with inaugural deputy directors

Federation University's National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice will expand its impact with the appointment of two distinguished Indigenous academics to inaugural deputy director roles.

Professor Emma-Jaye Gavin has been appointed as Deputy Director, Indigenous Global Engagement, and Professor Bindi Bennett as Deputy Director, Indigenous Research.

 These new leadership positions recognise the exceptional work and contributions of Professors Gavin and Bennett and mark the continued growth of the National Centre's regional, national, and international influence in reconciliation, truth, and justice.

Professor Gavin, a proud Garrwa woman and Australia's inaugural First Nations Professor in Truth-Telling, brings deep expertise in Indigenous politics and international collaboration.

Professor Bennett, a K/Gamilaroi woman, is a nationally recognised leader in Indigenous research and social work, with a strong focus on embedding Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing into research practice and higher education.

Professor Gavin said she was honoured to step into the new role and help extend the Centre's reach globally.

"This new position provides a powerful opportunity to build meaningful relationships between First Nations peoples in Australia and Indigenous communities around the world. Together we will share stories, strengthen solidarity and advance global conversations on truth, justice and healing," Professor Gavin said.

"In this role, I look forward to deepening regional, national and international partnerships that support Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge exchange and collective action — ensuring that our truths are not only heard but shape pathways toward justice, and reconciliation globally "

Professor Bennett said she looked forward to further growing and embedding the Centre's focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research and methodologies.

“This role is about ensuring Indigenous research is led by our communities, grounded in our knowledges and accountable to the people and places it represents,” Professor Bennett said.

“I’m passionate about creating research systems that are relational, reciprocal and transformative – where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander methodologies are not an afterthought, but the foundation for ethical and impactful scholarship.

“Strengthening this work through the National Centre means expanding opportunities for truth-telling, community-driven research and international collaboration that honours Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.”

The National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice, first established in 2023, provides national leadership on truth-telling, reconciliation, and social justice.

Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Gunstone, who is Executive Director of the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice, said the two appointments recognise Professor Gavin and Bennett’s outstanding work and leadership – and significantly strengthen the National Centre’s regional, national and international work in reconciliation, truth and justice.

"I am thrilled to be able to work with, and learn from, Professors Gavin and Bennett, as we lead the National Centre in the next stage of our transformational journey."

The National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice is Australia's leading academic think-tank on reconciliation. More information about the National Centre can be found on this webpage or by following the centre on LinkedIn