The National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) Foundation has announced the appointment of Rhoda Roberts AO and David Gonski AC as its new co-Patrons.
The Foundation, chaired by Mr Douglas Nicol, works in partnership with NAISDA to support performing arts education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Ms Roberts and Mr Gonski's appointments come as NAISDA prepares to mark its 50th anniversary next year.
The organisation is expanding its curriculum, increasing student intake, and broadening its support for First Nations communities nationwide.
Ms Roberts, a Widjabul Wiabal woman from the Bundjalung nation, is a long-time advocate for cultural storytelling and equity in the arts.
"It is a huge honour to be named a Patron of the NAISDA Foundation, and it's actually an obligation," Ms Roberts said.
Ms Roberts said performance provided a space for truth-telling and visibility, adding that NAISDA held a vital place in the national arts landscape.
"NAISDA has a space as one of our leading training grounds, sitting alongside some of Australia's finest institutions, but it is ours, and we have a Black lens on it – and that's really important," she said.
"We have to provide the right environment to have a future that is not of deficit, but is of fulfilment, hope, and showing the world we are the oldest culture in the world."
Mr Gonski is widely recognised for his work in education, business and philanthropy.
He praised NAISDA's role in delivering strong student outcomes that exceed national VET sector averages.
"NAISDA not only provides world-class training in dance and the performing arts, but also empowers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to connect with culture and express their stories through movement and creativity," Mr Gonski said.
"I see NAISDA as a place where First Nations culture can be celebrated, and where young people can be educated and inspired."
Mr Nicol welcomed the appointments, saying the new co-patrons would play a key role in guiding the Foundation's direction.
"Rhoda and David bring a depth of wisdom, integrity and advocacy that will help guide the Foundation and strengthen NAISDA's future," he said.
He said the appointments come as NAISDA develops into an international centre for First Nations performing arts education.
NAISDA continues to deliver nationally recognised training underpinned by cultural knowledge and a First Nations-led wellbeing model.
The organisation receives three times more enrolment interest than it can accommodate, highlighting demand for its approach, which integrates Indigenous knowings with mainstream arts education frameworks.
As it expands, the Foundation is seeking support from donors and partners to further increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The announcement follows the leadership of former Patron Professor Dame Marie Bashir and outgoing chair Mr Shane Simpson AM, who have supported NAISDA's growth to date.