Council of First Nations CEO urges First Nations groups to join and build a national body
Duane Fraser evoked Dr Charles Perkins’ metaphor of ‘fire in the belly’ to deliver the 26th Dr Charles Perkins AO Oration at the University of Sydney’s Great Hall on Tuesday night.
Honouring the long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and peoples coming together to self-determine, share knowledge and shape their futures, Fraser also shared a call to action for First Nations groups and organisations to join with him and the Council as founding members.
A Wulgurukaba and Bidjara man raised between Tennant Creek and Magnetic Island, Fraser is a longstanding advocate for First Nations autonomy, sovereignty and caring for Country.
Beginning his Oration, Fraser reflected on the legacy of Dr Perkins, reminding the audience that boarding the bus that became the Freedom Ride was not the end of his work for civil rights.
“Charles Perkins spent his life fighting for our people to have a say at the national level,” Fraser said.
“He was not satisfied with our people being heard only when it suited the government of the day. He wanted a national voice that could influence the choices being made about our lives.”
Speaking three years after the Voice referendum, Fraser argued that First Nations people should continue pursuing reform while also building institutions independent of government and electoral cycles.
His address reflected on lessons passed between generations of First Nations leaders, including from Dr Perkins to Fraser’s own grandmother, through to him.
Fraser spoke about the importance of collective action and community leadership, noting that many leaders whose hard work improved lives for generations established programs and built organisations with little money but extraordinary determination.
The address outlined a vision for the emerging Council of First Nations, which Fraser described as “a permanent, independent national institution” governed by First Nations and representative organisations with authority for Country.
He spoke of the “remarkable inheritance” from those who have organised to protect and grow First Nations rights.
“We’ve also learnt something from the national bodies that came before us. Each had achievements and reflected a determination to give our people a national voice. But institutions that depend on the decisions of government can be weakened or dismantled when the politics change.
“Our children should inherit institutions that grow stronger with every generation. Institutions that can withstand changes of government, changes in political priorities, and the passing of those who helped build them.
“We have an opportunity to leave something behind that none of us will own, but generations of our people will inherit.”
Awarded annually, the Dr Charles Perkins Memorial Prize is presented at the Oration event and recognises the highest-performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Each recipient is awarded $4000 in recognition of their academic excellence. The 2026 recipients are Elvie Howell, Jadzia Stronell and Lily Thomas-McKnight.
Lily and Jadzia met at the university’s Gadigal Centre in their respective first years of study and became friends. Being recognised for their achievements, with an award bearing Dr Perkins’ name, is especially meaningful to them.
“Dr Perkins’ legacy is a big source of inspiration for me, my family and my community as well,” said Jadzia, a PhD candidate and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) graduate.
“My mum always told me to ‘walk the walk’, but to never forget to stop, turn around, look behind you, and bring your community along with you, and that’s what this award represents for me.
“I see it as an award for my mum and my community, because they’ve equally achieved this. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have at university without them.”
