Stronger Smarter Together Summit to Reimagine Australian Sovereignty
The Stronger Smarter Institute, an Aboriginal-led organisation, will host the Stronger Smarter Together Summit: Reimagining Australia's Sovereignty in Brisbane on 7–8 May 2026 at voco Brisbane City Centre.
Background
The Institute was founded by Dr Chris Sarra following his work as principal at Cherbourg State School, where attendance rose from 62% to 94%. Now in its 21st year of operation, the Institute has trained 5,710 school and community leaders nationally and delivered 390 professional development programs since inception. 78% of partner schools are in the lowest half of the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA), and 63% are in regional or remote areas.
Summit Details
The Summit will explore how "high-expectations relationships" shape leadership and opportunity across Australian life. Dr Chris Sarra describes the core concept as "relational sovereignty" —focusing on how Australians relate to one another in the systems that shape everyday life.
“Relational sovereignty is about how we choose to stand with one another as Australians... The question now is what might change if those same principles shaped leadership across the country.” — Dr Chris Sarra
The program includes panels on the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy and sport. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Dr Chris Sarra, Professor Peter Yu, and Dr Terri Janke—founder of Terri Janke and Company, a 100% Indigenous-owned law firm.
Comedian Kevin Kopinyeri will host the gala dinner, with live music from Adam James and his band. Artist Dylan Sarra will create a live artwork during the event.
“When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are leading in these fields, it expands what's possible not only for our young people but for Australia's innovation capacity.” — Kim Dyball, Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy
Contact
Media enquiries: Aryanna McLure, Events Manager
0449 795 660
[email protected]