Professor Kerry Arabena

Professor Kerry Arabena has an enduring commitment to Indigenous health, education, and advocacy.

She is a compassionate leader and role model, devoted to social justice, transformation, sustainability and education.

Kerry founded First 1000 Days Australia, which works to strengthen families so they can give their children the best start in life. It aims to reshape early childhood healthcare by embedding cultural safety and self-determination.

Kerry is a proud descendant of the Meriam people of the Torres Strait.

She is Managing Director of Karabena Consulting, which elevates First Nations voices and works to influence policy at state and national levels. Karabena Consulting is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples and to sharing knowledge across Australia and the world.

Her latest venture is Ilan Style, a range of Australian native teas and products that balance the wellbeing of people, the planet, and Indigenous culture. It also supports Torres Strait Islander language revitalisation.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (UQ) and an award-winning Doctorate in Environmental Science (ANU).

She is Professorial Fellow with the University of Melbourne and a Life-time Achievement Awardee for Indigenous Allied Health Association.