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Conference Overview
Something truly historic awaits in February 2026.
CareerTrackers will bring together the largest gathering of First Nations university students, alumni, industry and university partners for a week of leadership, learning and celebration.
Over three transformative days, more than 1,500 participants will converge in Sydney for the Leadership Development Institute (LDI), the National Gala Awards Dinner and the National Alumni Conference, a landmark series of events designed to strengthen pathways from university to career success, community contribution and leadership, and to showcase First Nations excellence on the national and global stage.
This year’s program carries extraordinary significance. CareerTrackers will proudly host Martin Luther King III, whose visit to Australia will connect Dr King’s enduring legacy of justice and equality with the ongoing story of Indigenous leadership and empowerment in Australia.
The CareerTrackers model itself traces its roots to the pioneering U.S. INROADS program — founded after its creator stood in the crowd for Dr King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. In 2026, that legacy comes full circle.
Mr King’s presence will amplify First Nations voices, inspire a new generation of Indigenous professionals and celebrate the partnership between students, universities and employers who are building a stronger, more inclusive future.
Wednesday 4 February to Friday 6 February
Sydney Olympic Park, Wangal Country
LDI is the heart of the CareerTrackers internship experience and mandatory for interns. It’s a national gathering where more than 400 interns from across Australia come together to connect, learn and grow as a part of their internship program and CareerTrackers’ curriculum.
Across three days, participants will hear from some of Australia’s most influential First Nations and industry leaders, engage in workshops to build confidence, communication and leadership skills and form lifelong networks of support.
Thursday 5 February 2026
6pm to 10pm
International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Gadigal Country
The CareerTrackers National Gala Awards Dinner is our signature celebration and is an unforgettable evening of recognition, storytelling and inspiration.
Bringing together over 1,500 guests, including interns, alumni, corporate partners and university leaders, the Gala honours the achievements of our interns and alumni and the organisations who champion their success.
Each year, ten national awards are presented to individuals and partners who exemplify excellence, leadership and a commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of First Nations professionals.
In 2026, the Gala will be elevated to historic significance as Martin Luther King III joins the celebration as keynote speaker, connecting Dr King’s global legacy of equality and empowerment with the continuing story of First Nations excellence and leadership in Australia.
This landmark event will shine a national and global spotlight on Indigenous achievement, celebrating the partnerships and people who are shaping a more just and prosperous future.
If you’re an intern, alumnus, manager or business coordinator, you can nominate someone for the National Gala Awards.
Thursday 5 February to Friday 6 February
South Eveleigh, Sydney, Gadigal Country
The CareerTrackers National Alumni Conference brings together over 200 Indigenous professionals for two days of leadership development, peer connection and shared inspiration.
Designed for CareerTrackers alumni who are now making their mark across business, government and community, the conference provides a platform to reunite with their former intern peers, reflect on progress, build new capabilities and collaborate on the future of Indigenous leadership.
Sessions will explore emerging themes such as capital markets, digital fluency, entrepreneurship and social impact alongside workshops on communication, negotiation and personal leadership.
This year’s program will also include opportunities to engage with global guests, including Martin Luther King III, and to contribute to a shared national dialogue on Indigenous excellence, innovation and legacy.
Martin Luther King III
Civil Rights Leader and Global Humanitarian
Martin Luther King III is a globally respected humanitarian and civil rights leader engaged in some of today’s most critical global movements for social change. He connects the important lessons of the past with the critical needs of our future, motivating a new generation of authentic leaders.
As the oldest son of the late Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Mrs Coretta Scott King, Mr King has devoted his life to promoting global human rights, consulting with heads of state, governments and NGOs, and earning a reputation as a respected international statesman. He has delivered keynote addresses at major institutions including the United Nations, the World Economic Forum and the Nobel Peace Laureates Summit, where his perspectives on justice and inclusion continue to shape discourse.
Mr King’s leadership has been recognised with numerous honorary degrees and awards for contributions to human rights. He and his family remain dedicated to sharing the enduring King mission and legacy, inspiring changemakers everywhere.
Fiona Jose: A Leader in Indigenous Empowerment
Fiona Jose is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Cape York Partnership and a proud Aboriginal (KuKu Yalanji) and Torres Strait Islander woman.
She leads the strategic direction for the Partnership’s reform agenda to empower Indigenous families across the Cape York region. Her leadership extends to a national level as a key driver of the Empowered Communities initiative.
Fiona also contributes to national change as a member of the Paul Ramsay Foundation’s First Nations Advisory Council, guiding philanthropic investment to support community-led, self-determining outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
Dr Terri Janke: Leading Indigenous Lawyer and Writer
Dr Terri Janke is a proud Wuthathi, Yadhaigana and Meriam woman, a writer, and one of Australia’s leading Indigenous lawyers. She built a unique, 100% Indigenous-owned law firm — now a team of 28 — dedicated to empowering Indigenous people in the arts, culture and business.
Terri is a global authority on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. She has worked internationally with the World Intellectual Property Organisation, which in 2024 concluded the first-ever treaty on intellectual property, traditional knowledge and genetic resources. Terri was excited to be there to see this happen.
Terri created the widely used True Tracks® framework and wrote the book True Tracks, which was shortlisted for a NSW Premier’s Literary Prize. She is now writing her memoir, sharing the stories and lessons behind her journey.
Brian Hartzer, CEO Quantium Health
Brad Welsh
Founder and CEO, Mawal | Non-Executive Director, nib Holdings | CEO, Energy Resources of Australia
Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human
Rights Commission
Robert, a commercial lawyer by background, is a prominent human rights and social justice advocate, and a leading figure in public and social policy areas.
He was the inaugural NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner, the Australian Productivity Commissioner for over 10 years and convened the Commonwealth and State Governments’ steering committee that produced the biennial Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report.
