Prof Leanne Holt, Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous at UNSW - on Reconcliation in Higher Education

In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week 2026, Prof Judyth Sachs interviews Indigenous leaders about reconciliation in a higher education context, what it means for them, and how they see their contribution to the institutions in which they work. This first episode in the 2026 series features a conversation between Judyth and Prof Leanne Holt, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). They discuss: Prof Holt's remarkable journey from leaving school in year 11 to leading Indigenous strategy at one of Australia’s top universities, and her personal insights on overcoming 'imposter syndrome' The importance of systemic institutional change over temporary programs, and how UNSW is centering Indigenous knowledge within its broader societal impact goals. Redefining reconciliation as voice, agency, and action - a compelling look at how universities can go beyond internal targets to create genuine community agency and lasting societal change.