Reflecting on the Success of the National Indigenous Legal Conference 2024
Travis Lovett and Professor Aunty Eleanor Bourke AM
From 2–5 December 2024, Tarwirri proudly hosted the National Indigenous Legal Conference (NILC) in Naarm (Melbourne), marking a historic milestone as the largest conference in the event’s 17-year history.
Alongside the conference, Tarwirri delivered a powerful suite of associated events, including the First Nations Law Students Day, Welcome Reception, and the Tarwirri Gala + National First Nations Law Awards.
Across four days, legal professionals, advocates, academics, students, and allies from around the country came together to engage in meaningful discussions on issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the advancement of law and justice, and the future of Indigenous legal advocacy. The program fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing, with sessions exploring both contemporary challenges and opportunities for reform. The depth and diversity of perspectives on display underscored the strength of First Nations legal professionals and their pivotal role in shaping a fairer and more inclusive legal system.
A particularly significant moment was the return of the National First Nations Law Awards after more than four years. Reviving the Awards was an important step for our communities, recognising, celebrating, and elevating excellence in First Nations law, and honouring those whose work continues to create change across the profession.
Tarwirri extends its deepest thanks to our funders and supporters, whose generosity and commitment were crucial to making this historic event possible. We are equally grateful to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, and contributed to the success of the conference and its associated events. The conversations held during these days will continue to inspire action and progress well beyond the conference itself.
Tarwirri is proud to have provided a platform that celebrated the achievements of First Nations legal professionals, students, academics, and supporters. NILC 2024 stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and collective commitment. We look forward to the ongoing impact of this work and to continuing to elevate Indigenous voices within the legal landscape in the years ahead.
You can watch the conference sessions and highlight at https://www.youtube.com/@Tarwirri
