Keynote speakers

Keynote Speakers

This year's keynote speakers include:

  • Uncle Travis Lovett, Executive Director, Centre for Truth-Telling and Dialogue at the University of Melbourne
  • Aunty Felicia Dean, CEO Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative

Read more about the conference keynote speakers below.

Uncle Travis Lovett

Travis Lovett is a proud Kerrupmara Gunditjmara, Boandik man and Traditional Owner who served as Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia’s first formal truth-telling inquiry. A lifelong advocate for justice and cultural preservation, Lovett has held senior leadership roles in the Victorian Public Service, including Executive Director and Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing Treaty and truth-telling, reforming Koori Courts and protecting cultural heritage across Victoria.

Lovett’s commitment to truth was powerfully embodied in his 513 kilometer “Walk for Truth,” a symbolic and deeply personal journey from Gunditjmara Country to Melbourne, marking the Commission’s closing chapter. His work helped amplify First Peoples’ voices, illuminate the enduring impacts of colonisation and deliver a landmark report with over 100 recommendations for systemic reform leading to a historic apology from the Victorian Government.

He is passionate about practicing Culture, working with Community and preserving Aboriginal languages, with a focus on healing, unity and creating lasting change.

Aunty Felicia Dean

Felicia Dean is a proud Yorta Yorta and Taungurung Winya (Woman). She has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

She has completed a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching, Advanced Diploma of Business Management and Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Governance.

Felicia is the business owner of “The Connection” in Shepparton. She has been running her own function and conference centre which includes catering and a restaurant, with a focus on modern bush foods for 10 years now.

Felicia is the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rumbalara returning in September 2019 after being away for 6 years and being in the position for 10 years previously.

Felicia has a strong background in Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector and firmly believes in the ACCO model with its foundation based on Self Determination, and flexibility as the way forward for addressing the disparity across Australia for Aboriginal Communities.

Felicia is also a Board member of several Aboriginal Organisations across the State, and an active Community member who often volunteers at local events and activities in her free time.

Felicia first started at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd as an Aboriginal Health worker, working in the Health Services Nutrition Program then moving across to the Mental Health team to support the Woongi Mental Health research project.

Rumbalara supported Felicia and others to undertake further study via Ballarat University (now Federation University) to complete both a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Business Management. Upon completion Felicia took on the Inaugural Deputy CEO role and 18 months later stepped into the CEO role at age 35 years.