The partnership
Our partners
Bridging Worlds is built on a partnership between Indigenous-led organisations, universities, and corporate Australia. Each partner brings something distinct, and each is seeking something specific from the work. The framing below reflects the project's shared understanding of the partnership.
Contribution + outcome
Partner profiles
University of Melbourne
What they bring
Administering institution — providing research leadership, rigour, ethics governance, and academic infrastructure.
What they're seeking
World-leading research, capacity building (including Indigenous PhD candidates), and lasting institutional impact.
Swinburne University of Technology
What they bring
Partner institution — contributing research leadership, rigour, and academic infrastructure alongside the University of Melbourne.
What they're seeking
World-leading research, capacity building (including Indigenous PhD candidates), and lasting institutional impact.
ANZ Banking Group
What they bring
First Nations Strategy team, led by Shelley Cable (Head of First Nations Strategy). Corporate scale, internal programs, and a direct line to executive leadership.
What they're seeking
A credible, research-backed framework that extends its Reconciliation Action Plan work and embeds Indigenous strategy that outlasts leadership change.
Life Again Foundation
What they bring
A not-for-profit connecting corporate organisations with Indigenous-run organisations; over a decade in this space. Provides project management, stakeholder coordination, and the Grounded Project foundation.
What they're seeking
A scalable, financially sustainable program that builds long-term security and lets it keep doing good work.
Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative
What they bring
CEO Christopher Sheppard, Portland, Victoria. Strong community standing across Western Victoria and connection to Budj Bim and Tower Hill Country.
What they're seeking
To develop a sustainable, scalable program and economic pathway from the research, grounded in community.
J&L's Outback Experience
What they bring
Traditional Owners John Liddle and Lorraine St Clair, NT. Over twelve years delivering On Country cultural immersion with Life Again Foundation. Deep local knowledge of land, seasons, plants, and people, and access to established On Country programs.
What they're seeking
To formalise and extend the reach of On Country leadership experiences, and strengthen the next generation's connection to this knowledge.