Building Trust Across Cultures
Description
2026 Sir James Plimsoll Lecture
This year’s Sir James Plimsoll Lecture will be presented by Julie-Ann Guivarra, Australia’s first Indigenous woman to serve as an ambassador and now Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency. Drawing on her extensive diplomatic and leadership experience, Julie-Ann will reflect on Australia’s changing place in the world and the importance of trust, cultural understanding and diverse perspectives in strengthening our international relationships.
The lecture will be moderated by Professor Greg Lehman, a Member of the University of Tasmania Council.
Sir James Plimsoll Lecture
The Sir James Plimsoll Lecture is a prestigious annual event jointly presented by the University of Tasmania, the Australian Institute of International Affairs, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Named in honour of Sir James Plimsoll, a distinguished diplomat in Australia's history, the lecture series was established in 2005 to feature influential figures in the field of international relations, both from Australia and beyond.
Ideas worth sharing about issues that matter
Island of Ideas invites all Tasmanians to join our series of free public talks designed to ignite conversation and curiosity across our community. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the program brings together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and community voices to discuss the issues that matter.
Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list for updates or visit Island of Ideas to watch past talks and register for upcoming events.
The Experts
Julie-Ann Guivarra, Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Australians Agency
Julie-Ann Guivarra is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). Julie-Ann was born in Cairns and is proud to be of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. She is passionate about inclusion, collaboration, and making a positive impact, her career has taken her to live and work in many parts of the world including India, Switzerland and Spain. Julie-Ann joined the NIAA in 2021. During her time with the agency she has held several Senior Executive positions where she has led the coordination of Commonwealth policy development, program design and implementation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Prior to joining the NIAA, Julie-Ann held various senior roles at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These included Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, becoming Australia’s first female Indigenous Ambassador, and Australia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Andorra and Equatorial Guinea. Julie-Ann has also been posted to New Delhi and Geneva, serving as the Counsellor (Agriculture) in the World Trade Organisation. Prior to that appointment, she served as Australia’s lead services negotiator for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) while she was Assistant Secretary of the South East Asia Investment & Services Branch.
Moderated by Professor Greg Lehman, a Member of the University of Tasmania Council
Professor Greg Lehman is a well-known Tasmanian art historian, curator, poet, essayist and commentator on Indigenous identity and place, who is descended from the Trawulwuy people of north-east Tasmania. Greg is a member of the University Council at the University of Tasmania. His research spans Indigenous cultural values, land and fire management to representation of Indigenous people in colonial art.
Event Schedule
- 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Complimentary refreshments available on arrival
Arrive early and enjoy complimentary refreshments before the talk commences. There is free parking, including accessible spaces, available at the venue. Please bring a copy of your printed or electronic ticket to scan on arrival.
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Island of Ideas talk
Seating is first come, first served. The event will be live streamed and recorded.
- 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Moderated audience Q&A
You are invited to participate in a Q&A directly following the talk.
FAQs
- I can no longer attend in person, can I attend online?
Island of Ideas talks are available to attend either in person or online!
If you would prefer to watch the event live online via Zoom, please register here.
Alternatively, a YouTube livestream will also be available (Q&A is available only through Zoom).
- How can I find out more about Island of ideas events?
Want to learn more about the University of Tasmania's Island of Ideas public talks series?
Catch-up on past events, register for upcoming talks or get in touch with us via our Island of Ideas webpage or subscribe to our mailing list for Island of Ideas updates.
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