National Indigenous Legal Conference 2024

2-5 December
Naarm

NILC 2024 Conference

Reflecting on a Historic Event

Tarwirri hosted the National Indigenous Legal Conference 2024 (‘NILC’) in Naarm (Melbourne) from 2-5 December 2024. This NILC marked a historic milestone as the largest conference in its 17-year history and brought together legal professionals, advocates, and thought leaders nationwide. Alongside the three-day NILC, Tarwirri hosted the First Nations Law Students Day, Welcome Reception, and the Tarwirri Gala + National First Nations Law Awards.

A Platform for Dialogue and Advocacy

The 2024 NILC provided a dynamic space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and critical conversations around the pressing issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Participants discussed reforms within the legal system, nation-building, and the future of Indigenous legal advocacy. In 2024, Tarwirri also hosted and celebrated the return of the National First Nations Law Awards after a four-year absence, highlighting excellence in First Nations law.

Tarwirri extends sincere gratitude to its sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and attendees who made the NILC 2024 a historic and impactful event. The conference underscored the essential role Indigenous legal professionals play in creating a more equitable and inclusive legal landscape.

Conference recordings

Download the Report

Download the program

NILC Official Proceedings

3-5 December 2024
We came together over three days to discuss critical legal and policy issues, share best practices, and foster collaboration in a culturally safe forum.

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First Nations Law Students Day

2 December 2024
Sponsored by Lander and Rogers, this event brought together over
50 law students to engage with legal professionals and peers. This event underscored the importance of supporting future leaders who will continue to create a just and equitable legal system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

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NILC Welcome Reception

2 December 2024
Tarwirri invited NILC 2024 registrants to a free pre-conference Welcome Reception. This event was an opportunity for delegates, speakers, and supporters to network before the conference begun. Complimentary drinks and canapés were served.

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Gala Dinner and National First Nations Law Awards

4 December 2024
We celebrated First Nations excellence and contributions to the legal profession along with performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

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NILC Official Proceedings

3 December - 5 December 2024
Held at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park

The NILC conference explored key issues such as the path to Treaty, Native Title, self-determination, truth and justice, the Stolen Generations, cultural safety in workplaces, increasing the presence of First Nations lawyers at the Bar, and protecting the intellectual property of First Nations artists.

Some speakers included:

Her Honour Magistrate Rose Falla (Supervising Magistrate for Koori Justice, Victoria)
The Honourable Kevin Bell AO KC (writer, researcher, and educator in human rights)
Hans Bokelund (Associate Deputy Secretary, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions)
His Honour Judge Johns (Judge in Charge of the County Koori Court)
Timothy Goodwin (Victorian Barrister)
Brian Bero (Principal Lawyer, Jaramer Legal)
Travis Lovett (Deputy Chair, Commissioner, Yoorrook Justice Commission)
Hanina Rind (Principal Lawyer & Founder, Yarn Legal)
Andrew Boe (Barrister, Black Chambers)
Warwick Padgham (Program Manager, Indigenous Law and Justice Hub and Indigenous PhD student)

Conference recordings

Download the Report

Download the program

First Nations Law Students Day

Monday, 2 December 2024
Event sponsored by Lander & Rogers

The First Nations Law Students Day presented a unique opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students to network, discuss important issues and connect in a relaxed setting. They had the opportunity to hear from esteemed First Nations speakers in the legal sector and enjoy a complimentary light lunch and drinks.

This was a free event. First Nations law students only.

NILC Welcome Reception

Monday, 2 December 2024
Event sponsored by the Victoria Bar Association

The Welcome Reception provided a relaxed setting to welcome attendees of the NILC. This event offered delegates, speakers, attendees, and supporters the chance to network and connect prior to the commencement of the conference. The reception was proudly sponsored by the Victorian Bar Association.

This was a free event.

Tarwirri Gala Dinner and National First Nations Law Awards

Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Pullman Melbourne on the Park Ballroom

The Tarwirri Gala and National First Nations Law Awards 2024 commenced with a traditional smoking ceremony and a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder Bill Nicholson, while Ganga Giri performed on the yidaki.

The keynote speaker, Brian Bero, Torres Strait Islander Meriam man, co-founder, Principal and Director of Jaramer Legal and long-term Tarwirri member, discussed the importance of the NILC and shared the event's history over the 17 years.

The main performance of the night was by Mitch Tambo. Mitch sang in language and was vibrant, enthusiastic and a real crowd-pleaser.

One of the key highlights was the return of the National First Nations Law Awards, which had been absent for five years. The awards were presented at the Tarwirri Gala, celebrating excellence in various legal fields. The 2024 recipients were:

Award Winners

National First Nations Senior Lawyer of the Year

Brian Bero
National First Nations Junior Lawyer of the Year

Ganur Maynard
National First Nations Legal Researcher of the Year

Gemma Sentance
National First Nations Law Student of the Year

Christine Conn
National First Nations Barrister of the Year

Timothy Goodwin
National First Nations Law Firm of the Year

Terri Janke & Company

What did attendees think about the NILC 2024?

“Conference was amazing and all staff and volunteers did amazing work, so thank you”.

“It was incredible. Tarwirri thought of every little detail. Andrew is great and very supportive”.

“The Tarwirri members, volunteers and staff were so kind. The venue was so beautiful and comfortable, and much better than sitting in a lecture theatre at a university. This NILC was very professional”.

“The Treaty session by the Victorian members was very inspirational, particularly to others from interstate. We have much to learn from our brothers and sisters in Victoria”.

“Everything was well thought out. It was the best NILC I've attended in many years. It was very professional, yet had the elements of culture and was comfortable. The Tarwirri team was excellent, and you can tell a lot of work and thought was put into the NILC.”

“One of the most successful, stimulating, and enjoyable conferences I've been to”.

“Great job, Tarwirri Committee. Thank you so much to Tekan, I'm thankful for her support and professionalism. The team did an incredible job. The management of this NILC was superior. The program was excellent, as well, with high-profile speakers. The venue was lovely, and all the staff was helpful. The food was very good too. The cultural performances were amazing and good to see. I hope Tarwirri hosts again soon!”