CURRENT WORK

Vanessa is a passionate advocate for human rights, a distinguished lawyer, and a Fulbright Scholar. Recently appointed as the inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Vanessa brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her role. Having survived Out of Home Care and overcome significant injustices, Vanessa has transformed her journey into a lifelong commitment to empowering Indigenous self-determination and advancing the rights of First Nations peoples and children, both in Australia and on the global stage.

With a proven track record in championing human rights, Vanessa’s primary focus is on the rights and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people, global Indigenous rights, and fostering transnational solidarity. As a Fulbright Scholar, she actively forges connections at national and international levels, strengthening the movement for justice and equality within Indigenous communities worldwide.

Vanessa is also the acclaimed author of Long Yarn Short: We Are Still Here, a powerful story of survival and resilience, which sheds light on Australia’s ongoing legacy of child removal and the enduring strength of our history, connection and love.

Through her leadership, advocacy, and storytelling, Vanessa continues to inspire change, amplify Indigenous voices, and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.

Vanessa's impactful advocacy as a survivor focuses strongly on amplifying the voices of marginalised people including Children and young people and Human Rights, offering crucial insights into addressing national injustices confronting First Nations communities. Vanessa actively promotes the transformative potential of intersectionality, highlighting the significance of gender diversity, Indigenous People's rights, Human Rights, and Children’s Rights.

Elevating her distinctive international and national standing, Vanessa actively collaborates with others, shapes and influences policy agendas, and undertakes evaluations to ensure comprehensive representation and inclusivity in practice.

She holds a notable position on the international Indigenous World Council for One Young World, advocates globally and continues to provide insights and knowledge to all audiences.

Embracing diverse platforms, Vanessa has delivered compelling addresses at prestigious events such as After-Hours at the NSW Art Gallery, One Young World Summit, TEDx Speaker, All About Women at the Sydney Opera House, The Sydney Writers Festival, and Ngalu Warrawi (We Stand Strong) at the Australian Museum, in addition to numerous national health, suicide prevention, youth, and interdisciplinary conferences.

Through her presentations, Vanessa encourages audiences to embrace truth-telling, showcasing her deep compassion for humanity and vision for a more harmonious world shaped by collective action.

For inquiries regarding engagement opportunities with Vanessa and to explore collaborations, please use the contact information provided below.

Let’s Re-Imagine A Better World.

Together

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Human Rights Lawyer, Advocate, Author, speaker, survivor and scholar.

Reimagining a better world is not only possible; it is our duty as survivors to ensure our voices are heard once we are free. Our unique lived experiences hold the power to change the world. Vanessa passionately believes that by sharing our stories, we can collectively envision a brighter future.

Embracing openness to listening and learning is love and justice. It is our responsibility to liberate our families, communities, businesses, and organisations. Silence is a choice, but showing up for one another is where true power lies. It is the most impactful choice we can make.

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts is a proud Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul Woman, a dedicated Human Rights advocate, lawyer, author, and writer. Vanessa completed law school at the University of New South Wales, and also holds a degree in Social Work, culminating in a First-Class Honors thesis.

Vanessa is a survivor of Out of Home Care, forcibly removed from her family at the age of 10.5. Understanding the history, pain, and truth, Vanessa uses her experience to share the importance of human rights, children’s rights, and creating a better world. Removed by the department, Vanessa shares her survivor story to navigate change and bring healing. Vanessa's critical thinking, speaking, and consultancy offer a new perspective of inspiration and action. Her motivation for studying law and social work was driven by the disproportionate impact of the law in her community growing up. With her past experiences of pain, harm, and trauma, Vanessa has witnessed the transformative power of generational strength and healing.

Vanessa's advocacy and work was recognised with the prestigious Australian Human Rights Medal in 2019, conferred by the Australian Human Rights Commissioner. Her impactful acceptance speech saw global recognition and impact alongside her distinction as the Campaigner of the Year at One Young World Summit in Belfast, Ireland. In 2024, Vanessa took out the Marie Claire, change maker of the year award. Vanessa has also graced the TEDx stage as a speaker, attesting to her standing among luminaries in thought leadership, in addition to being celebrated as one of 10 Changemakers embodying courage and commitment to shaping a brighter tomorrow by Women's Agenda among emerging Indigenous leaders in the Power Generation cohort, working with triumph over adversity.

ADVOCACY & MEDIA

A state is not a parent: Why the child welfare system fails | Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, winner of the 2019 Human Rights Medal

Art After Hours Online: Blak Douglas and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts in conversation with Yumi Stynes

PUBLICATIONS

Vanessa’s compelling written work has been featured in esteemed publications such as The Guardian, Indigenous X, Junkie, and Victoria’s Women Trust. Renowned for her insightful commentary, she serves as a frequent media contributor and trusted advisor to various political entities, both internationally and nationally on matters impacting Indigenous communities and Children.

For more details on Vanessa's written contributions, kindly refer to the writing publications listed below

UQP acquires 'Long Yarn Short: We Are Still Here' by Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Real love is justice, and I owe it to the matriarchs who came before me

I was 10 years old when I was taken from my home.

The stolen generations never ended: Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Trauma then and now: Implications of adoption reform for First Nations children

The history of black protest - tributes, highlights and where to next

Show Up for black Lives

If You Hate Being Called A Racist, Imagine Experiencing Actual Racism

The Stolen Generation That Never Stopped

There Is No Reconciliation Until Australia Acts On Indigenous Suicide

The onus is no longer on Indigenous Australia. Come and rise to change the nation

Meet The Activist Fighting For Justice And A Better Future

WORKING TOGETHER

How can we envision a transformative future for our world? Is it within reach? In her thought-provoking presentation, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, a respected Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, guides audiences on this journey of exploration and action. Vanessa emphasises the crucial role each individual plays in demanding societal change, underscoring our collective responsibility to reject complacency. Known for her ability to mobilise communities through activism, influence audiences with her impactful speeches, and exemplify true leadership, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts inspires us to imagine and actively build a better world.

Vanessa offers expert insight and support across a range of areas, including Child Protection, Youth Justice, Policy Reform and Evaluation, Strategic Implementation, Indigenous Rights, and the Criminal Justice System. Please contact below for further information.

Bringing The People Together...

Key Takeaways:

You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to identify ways to support the rights and wellbeing of First Nations people
The audience will walk away with resilience, strength and inspiration, listening and learning with a survivor who has done all she can to be in this very position.
Recognise your contribution, and understand ways in which your organisation, company and community can gain greater knowledge and insight into re-imaging a better world that places values, ethics and justice at the frontline for change.
Have the opportunity to listen and share with an individual who has both lived and professional experience and qualifications.
The rights and wellbeing of children’s rights, Indigenous rights and human rights.
Motivated to create and practice a better world in your everyday life. Understanding that our skill sets are all unique, but together play a crucial role to demanding justice.

Who this is for:

Educators
Organisations / companies with social and corporate responsibility ethics and those wanting to identify ways to improve their workplace with ethical values and standards
Human Rights Events and Organisation
Organisations looking to centre Indigenous / First Nations Voices and perspectives on the History of Australia, the impact of history and understanding truth-telling.
Future women and intersectional events
Organisations looking for intersectional perspectives on Diversity and Inclusion, Cultural Competency and building safe spaces for First Nations, LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented groups.