Linda Burney

A member of the Wiradjuri Nation, Linda Burney is a natural leader. Born in 1957, Linda was one of the first Aboriginal students to graduate from Mitchell College, now known as Charles Sturt University, with a teaching degree in 1978. After teaching for only two years, at the young age of 22, Linda asked to join John Lester, Lynette Riley and Trevor Cook in establishing the first Aboriginal Education Unit within the NSW State Department of Education. In this role Linda assisted in creating the first ever Aboriginal Education Policy in NSW which set the template and ongoing standards for Aboriginal education across Australia. Linda’s achievements are clearly demonstrated over three decades of continuous commitment championing Aboriginal rights in education, reconciliation and politics. Linda has contributed significantly to the development of Indigenous communities locally, regionally and nationally as an educator, championing reconciliation in Australia and as Member of the NSW Parliament.