Animation Launch

Join us for the launch of an exciting new animation designed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, demystifying economics and showcasing its relevance to communities. This engaging resource aims to inspire the next generation of young minds to consider economics as a pathway for creating positive change.

The event will showcase data on Indigenous enrolments in economics, feature a screening of the animation, followed by a panel discussion with educators, economists, and community leaders. The discussion will focus on strategies to support and encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue economics.

Together, we’ll discuss ways to remove barriers, spark curiosity, and create meaningful opportunities for young people in this field. This is an opportunity to connect with like-minded educators, policymakers, and community advocates who are passionate about empowering the next generation. We’d love for you to be part of this important conversation.

This event, co-organised with The University of Queensland School of Economics, is free of charge and open to non-members of the ESA QLD. 

Register now

Panel

Cassandra Diamond, Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit, The University of Queensland

Cassandra Diamond is a Torres Strait Islander woman who grew up on the Darling Downs in Queensland. She is the oldest of 4 children and an Auntie to 12 nieceand nephews and a great Auntie to 3 nephews. She lives in Tulmur (Ipswich) with her husband and cat Betsy. Cassandra is currently the Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit at the University of Queensland and a member of the Board of the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts.

Cassandra worked at CSIRO for 6 years in the Indigenous STEM Education Project team and was lucky enough to be involved in the establishment of the Academy. Prior to working at CSIRO Cassandra worked for the Queensland Government in Indigenous development and engagement, child safety, housing, and youth justice. She also worked for many years with young people at risk and rural communities in Western Queensland. Cassandra has a Bachelor of Arts (Justice Administration) and a Bachelor of Education (Honours). Cassandra has long been an advocate of education for First Nations people as a way to increase economic and social wellbeing and her work at the University of Queensland has helped her realise her goal of supporting Blak Excellence and opening up opportunities for First Nations people.

Christine Dowd, President - Queensland Economics Teachers’ Association

Christine is a conduit between different elements of Economics education in schools. She represents the Queensland Economic Teachers Association where she is President. Christine is passionate to ensure teachers are supported to provide high quality education outcomes for all students, and to improve the diversity of Economic students – gender and geographical. She is a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Education Advisory Panel where she represents Queensland Economic teachers. Christine teaches pre-service Economics and Business to Masters students at Griffith University. In her day job she is responsible for managing the Economics syllabus to support Economic teachers across the state.

Rick Macourt, Managing Director at First Nations Economics

Associate Professor Rick Macourt is a proud, queer Gumbaynggirr man, lawyer and economic specialist. In addition to leading First Nations Economics as Managing Director (Strategy and Foundation) he is also the Associate Dean of First Nations Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney. With more than 15 years’ experience across government, corporate and non-for-profit sectors, he is passionate about the economic development of First Peoples. Rick was previously Director, First Nations Expenditure and Outcomes in NSW Treasury, where he led the state’s inaugural Indigenous expenditure reporting processes, as well as establishing the nation-leading First Nations budget process in 2021/22. Prior to this Rick was an executive in the Westpac Group where he led First Nations affairs. He has extensive history in government, monitoring and evaluation and negotiation. He has held senior roles with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, City of Sydney and Standards Australia. Rick is a published author with Oxford University Press, sits on the First Nations Advisory Board of Siemens Australia, and is a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barnardos Australia.

James Reynolds, Founder and CEO of Mirabou Energy

James has 22+ years experience in Australia’s energy markets and infrastructure services industries. He has held senior positions across Australia’s energy sector, acting as a trusted advisor in transmission and distribution networks, energy markets (trading and retailing), utility and market regulation, business execution and project delivery .James is a proud Gangalidda / Waanyi man.

 If you cannot attend, but you are interested in receiving the link to the animation, please contact econ.engagement@uq.edu.au.