Ernie Dingo AM

Yamatji

Tradeshow MC & Acknowledgement of Country

Ernie Dingo AM is a proud Yamatji man from the Murchison region of Western Australia and a designated Australian National Living Treasure. He has earned enormous respect as a performer capable of extraordinary versatility, with talents as an actor, television host, reporter, and comedian making him one of Australia's best-known and most loved figures.

Ernie's extensive television credits include hosting The Great Outdoors for 16 years, Going Places with Ernie Dingo, Heartland, and Redfern Now. His film credits include Bran Nue Dae, Crocodile Dundee II, The Fringe Dwellers, and Tudawali, for which he received an AFI Award nomination for Best Actor.

In 1990, he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his service to the performing arts, and in 1994 he was voted "Aboriginal of the Year" by the NAIDOC Committee.

Ernie will open the Tradeshow with an Acknowledgement of Country and serve as MC throughout the day.

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Cherie Johnson

Gamilaroi and Weilwun

Facilitator

Cherie Johnson is a proud Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman based in Newcastle, NSW, and the founder of Speaking in Colour — a 100% Indigenous-owned arts and education consultancy dedicated to connecting people to culture. An accomplished educator, artist, author, and entrepreneur, Cherie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and a Diploma in Teaching from the University of Newcastle, and is a PhD candidate researching the effects of urban Indigenous women coming to culture in the contemporary context.

A highly regarded lecturer in Indigenous culture and education at the University of Newcastle, Cherie has exhibited photographic and woven artworks across Perth, Sydney, and Newcastle, and has completed major public artworks in Newcastle. She is an active member of the Awabakal Community and serves on the boards of several organisations, ensuring that business success supports positive social impact in local communities.

Cherie will be facilitating the Cultural Wellbeing Tent on Day 1 of The Summit 2026.

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Dean Widders

Anaiwan

Facilitator — 'You're in a League of Your Own' Footy Toss Challenge

Dean Widders is a proud Anaiwan man from Armidale, NSW, and one of Australia's most respected Indigenous rugby league figures. A former NRL professional with 219 first-grade games across the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and England's Castleford Tigers, Dean scored 59 tries and represented Australia in the Prime Minister's XIII and Country Origin.

Off the field, Dean has dedicated himself to community and culture. In 2004 he was awarded the NRL's Ken Stephen Medal for his positive work with youth, and in 2006 was appointed to the Federal Government's National Indigenous Council. He currently works with the NRL as Indigenous Pathways Manager and has coached the Parramatta Eels Women's team in the NRLW. He is also an Ambassador for the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia (NASCA) and co-host of NITV's Over the Black Dot.

Dean will be returning to The Summit 2026 to facilitate the fan-favourite 'You're in a League of Your Own' Footy Toss Challenge at the Networking Dinner on Day 1.

(Dean may also be joined by some very special guests — watch this space!)