2026’s theme is “Pathways to Impact: Driving Indigenous Employment Outcomes” – a full day of First Nations-led thinking, honest conversation and practical action. As the only national conference convened by an Indigenous-led employment and training peak body, attendees will hear from First Nations and industry leaders and leave with practical tools and strategies to strengthen recruitment, retention and career development in their own organisations.
The Alliance Celebration Dinner follows on the evening of 11 November – a three-course evening with live entertainment and guest addresses, bringing together colleagues, partners and sector leaders to reflect, connect and celebrate.
- The State of First Nations Employment: Where We Are and Where We're Headed - a national snapshot of key trends, challenges, reforms and opportunities shaping employment outcomes across Australia
- Building Workforce Pipelines for the Future - how industry is responding to workforce shortages and building sustainable pathways for First Nations talent
- From Community to Career: Building Work Readiness that Works - culturally grounded approaches that support people through complex barriers and into employment
- Supporting the Whole Person: Trauma-Informed Workforce Practice - workforce systems that understand people, not just employees
- Why People Stay: Mentoring, Belonging and Retention - how mentoring, connection and culturally safe support help First Nations employees thrive
- Employment Services Reform - exploring reform directions and what they mean for the sector
- Beyond Awareness: Embedding Cultural Safety at Work - moving beyond awareness training toward accountability and lasting workplace change
- Leading Forward: Indigenous Leadership and Succession Planning - building the next generation of Indigenous leaders
- The Road Ahead: From Conversation to Collective Action - bringing together the day's insights into a call to action.
Following the conference, you’re invited to join The Alliance Celebration Dinner. Enjoy a three-course dinner with live entertainment and inspiring guest speakers. It’s an opportunity to continue the day’s discussions, strengthen connections and celebrate the people and organisations driving real change in First Nations employment and training.
Kylie Hill is a proud Kalkadoon, Quandamooka and Waanyi woman whose artwork features throughout The Alliance Conference 2026 – from our conference materials to the event itself.
Resilience and Community Links is a celebration of connection, culture and collective strength. Centred on a meeting place, the work reflects knowledge-sharing between Elders, families and industry partners. Coolamons symbolise contribution and care for future generations. Songlines ripple through the piece to honour ancestors and the lasting impact of their guidance, while scattered dots represent the diverse decision-makers shaping inclusive outcomes. Bridge motifs convey partnership with communities, and a palette drawn from Country – earth tones, blue and aqua, signals healing, waterways and hope.
The work embodies resilience through community and the enduring spirit of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
To learn more about Kylie’s work, visit KJH Artworks or contact Kylie directly at kjhartworks@gmail.com.
