Join Simon Marnie for an important evening at NSW Parliament, bringing together five respected Aboriginal leaders for an open conversation.
A powerful and rare evening at the Parliament of NSW celebrating truth telling, resilience, courage and leadership.
This special event is an extension of Wirdi man, Logan McAvoy's current exhibition on the NSW Parliament's Reconciliation Wall featuring portraits of each panel member.
This event brings together five extraordinary Aboriginal leaders whose work has had a positive and lasting impact shaping communities and culture. Through decades of advocacy, courage and resistance, they have helped Australia move closer to truth and justice.
Together, they will share personal stories, reflect on challenges and accomplishments of the past, and discuss the work that still lies ahead in the journey toward a fairer Australia.
This is a unique opportunity to hear these influential voices to listen, learn and engage with leaders who have dedicated their lives to positive change.
- Date: Thursday, 26th March 2026
- Time: 6:45pm to 8:00pm (Join us anytime from 6:00pm for drinks and canapes)
- Location: Theatrette (Level 6), NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Panellists
Simone Marnie -
Simon Marnie has more than 30 years of experience in the Australian media industry. His broadcasting career began in the 1980s, leading to roles at Triple J, SBS and ABC, where he worked across radio and television. He was formerly a familiar voice on ABC's Weekends, covering Sydney's vibrant culture and diverse communities.
Tony McAvoy -
Wirdi man, Wangan Jagalingou People
Tony McAvoy, Chair of the Wangan Jagalingou Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, is Australia's first Aboriginal King's Counsel. He has served as Senior Counsel Assisting both the Don Dale Royal Commission and the Yurrook Justice Commission, the first truth telling inquiry into systemic injustices against Aboriginal people in Victoria. Tony is a proud father and uncle, deeply committed to truth, justice and Country.
Tony McAvoy, Chair of the Wangan Jagalingou Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, is Australia's first Aboriginal King's Counsel. He has served as Senior Counsel Assisting both the Don Dale Royal Commission and the Yurrook Justice Commission, the first truth telling inquiry into systemic injustices against Aboriginal people in Victoria. Tony is a proud father and uncle, deeply committed to truth, justice and Country.
Professor Valerie Cooms -
Valerie Cooms belongs to the Quandamooka people of Minjerribah or North Stradbroke Island. She is also a Professor in the College of Governance Law and Policy at Australian National University. Professor Cooms was recently appointed to Minister Bowen's First Nations Renewable Energy Advisory Committee and previously served as both a Member of the National Native Title Tribunal and the CEO of Queensland South Native Title Services. In 2018, Valerie was awarded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mediator of Year by the Australian disputes centre.
Wally Stewart -
Walbunja man, South Coast Aboriginal People
Wally Stewart is the project manager with Joonga Land and Sea Corporation, creating pathways for South Coast communities to work on Sea Country restoration and respond to environmental challenges such as sea urchin barrens. Through Nar-Oo-Ma Tours, he delivers cultural education on the impacts of colonisation and allyship. Wally also featured in White Rock, a documentary on marine ecological decline. Alongside Danny, he is a leader of the South Coast Aboriginal Fishing Rights Group.
Wally Stewart is the project manager with Joonga Land and Sea Corporation, creating pathways for South Coast communities to work on Sea Country restoration and respond to environmental challenges such as sea urchin barrens. Through Nar-Oo-Ma Tours, he delivers cultural education on the impacts of colonisation and allyship. Wally also featured in White Rock, a documentary on marine ecological decline. Alongside Danny, he is a leader of the South Coast Aboriginal Fishing Rights Group.
Peter Cooley -
Bidgigal man, South East Sydney
Peter Cooley is CEO of Indigigrow, an Aboriginal nursery reviving the critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub and providing employment and training for young Aboriginal people. He cofounded Black Markets and First Hands Solutions, supporting Indigenous makers and producers across NSW and Victoria. A much-loved member of the La Perouse community, Peter is a proud father and uncle dedicated to cultural revitalisation and community strength.
Peter Cooley is CEO of Indigigrow, an Aboriginal nursery reviving the critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub and providing employment and training for young Aboriginal people. He cofounded Black Markets and First Hands Solutions, supporting Indigenous makers and producers across NSW and Victoria. A much-loved member of the La Perouse community, Peter is a proud father and uncle dedicated to cultural revitalisation and community strength.
Danny Chapman -
Walbunja man, South Coast Aboriginal People
Danny Chapman is a longstanding advocate for the South Coast Aboriginal Fishing Rights Group and serves as a South Coast Regional Councillor on the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. He played a key role in negotiating the Native Title Act and establishing the first representative native title body in NSW. A dedicated father, grandfather, great grandfather and community advocate. Danny works tirelessly for his community, leading with integrity and commitment
Danny Chapman is a longstanding advocate for the South Coast Aboriginal Fishing Rights Group and serves as a South Coast Regional Councillor on the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. He played a key role in negotiating the Native Title Act and establishing the first representative native title body in NSW. A dedicated father, grandfather, great grandfather and community advocate. Danny works tirelessly for his community, leading with integrity and commitment