Announcing the members of the ALIA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Expert Advisory Group

Canberra, 8 March: ALIA has today announced the establishment of the ALIA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Expert Advisory Group (EAG).  

The members of the EAG bring with them a high level of individual and collective expertise across universities, public and state libraries, and research hubs.
 
EAG Member Yanti Ropeyarn said “I’m excited to be working alongside an amazing group of individuals who are all passionate about this space.”
The members for 2022-23 are:

 

  • Lesley Acres - Program Officer, Indigenous Services, State Library of Queensland (SLQ) | Bidjara/Kairi/Baduga
  • Rebecca Bateman - Acting Director, Indigenous Engagement, National Library of Australia (NLA) | Weilwan and Gamilaroi
  • Renee Johnson – Reconciliation Officer, Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education, University of Adelaide | Malak Malak
  • Yanti Ropeyarn - Indigenous Library Liaison Officer, James Cook University | Angkamuthi Yadaykana Woppaburra Meriam
  • Ryan Stoker - Digital Collections Librarian, University of Sydney | Wiradjuri
  • Kirsten Thorpe - Senior Researcher Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education & Research, UTS | Worimi
  • Damien Webb – Manager, Indigenous Engagement Branch, State Library of New South Wales (SLW) | Palawa
 
 
ALIA President Vicki Edmunds will act as the Board liaison. She says “I want to thank the members of the EAG for their time and commitment. The ALIA Board identified a need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices to be heard and action to be taken to better support First Nations people working in the library and information sector and accessing our services.”
 
“We have a lot to be proud of in terms of existing programs and projects but still a long way to go to make libraries relevant and inclusive for Indigenous people nationally. The expertise that this group will provide will be invaluable and I am looking forward to listening and learning.”
 
Over the next 12 months the EAG will advise the ALIA Board on a range of matters including the optimal form for ongoing governance and representation, options to advance the recommendations in the National Survey on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment in Australian Libraries, and engagement with Indigenous LIS colleagues in the region and internationally.
 
“I am excited about the formation of the expert group and the opportunity to collaborate with members of the group and ALIA to advance the recommendations from the National Survey on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment in Australian Libraries report,” said EAG Member Ryan Stoker.  
 
“I’m most looking forward to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues from across the sector on how we can make our libraries a culturally safer and welcoming place to work and visit.”
 
The EAG will also consult and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in library and information services, including ALIA Members, students and retirees.
 
“I am looking forward to collaborating with the members of the group and ALIA to engage in deep dialogue about the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian library sector” said EAG member Kristen Thorpe.
 
“We have a lot to be proud of in terms of existing programs and projects but still a long way to go to make libraries relevant and impactful for Indigenous people nationally.”