At the 2026 CRANAplus Conference, we proudly introduced Aunt Lesley Radloff, a respected Elder of the Kairi Nation and Yuuwaalaray/Euahlayi Nation, as the Elder in Residence. Aunt Lesley was invited to join us in this role to provide cultural guidance, support and connection for delegates, speakers and attendees. Here, CRANAplus First Peoples Advisor, Dallas McKeown, shares why having an Elder in Residence was such a valued part of this year’s conference.
I have seen firsthand the difference that culturally safe spaces can make. That’s why appointing an Elder in Residence was such an important step for this year’s conference.
For many organisations, Cultural Safety is discussed as a concept. We wanted to make it visible, practical and meaningful.
The role of an Elder in Residence is varied and is organisation-specific.
An Elder in Residence encourages and promotes understanding and respect for First Peoples’ perspectives, cultures, and values.
They provide support and encouragement to delegates and provide a cultural connection to them on their learning journey.
Aunt Lesley explains why the role is so important. “I think having an Elder in Residence is really important in most conferences, but particularly if you have a large population of First Peoples professionals coming through, so they’ll feel a little more comfortable having someone that they know that they can go to and just have a bit of one-on-one with them, and it’s treated confidential.”
Elders hold a unique place within communities. They are mentors, guides, teachers and knowledge holders. They carry stories, culture, language, history and lived experience. The stories they carry are not just memories – they are identity, survival, culture, strength, love and legacy.
An Elder in Residence can provide spiritual support, encouragement and guidance while helping create an environment where learning, reflection and connection can occur in culturally safe ways.
Bringing an Elder into a conference space is not simply about creating a role. It is also about ensuring the environment itself is culturally safe. Cultural Safety is about shared respect and shared power. It is about truth-telling and not denying history, identity or experience.
Before the conference, I spoke with Aunt Lesley to understand what she needed to feel comfortable and supported in the role. She requested a quiet space that was easily accessible to delegates and where private conversations could take place if needed.
The CRANAplus Mental Health and Wellbeing team helped make this possible through the Conference Wellbeing Lounge (pictured below). The space allowed delegates to pause, recharge and reconnect through mindfulness activities, meaningful conversations or simply by finding a quiet place to reset. It became Aunt Lesley’s base throughout the three-day event.
Importantly, Aunt Lesley told us that the Wellbeing Lounge felt welcoming and culturally safe for both herself and delegates.
She also shared insights about the importance of language.
“There are two common phrases that a lot of people say, and they don’t realise that it’s offensive to Aboriginal people because no one has ever told them, and of course you don’t know what you don’t know, so it’s not your fault. One of them is ‘you people’ and the other phrase is ‘our Aboriginal people’.”
Importantly, Aunt Lesley noted that she had not experienced these issues during the conference and that nobody had approached her regarding any cultural concerns.
he value of having an Elder in Residence extended well beyond formal conference sessions. It brought a sense of respect, care and understanding to the event and reinforced the importance of relationships, connection and community.
For CRANAplus, the experience demonstrated the positive impact an Elder in Residence can have for both First Peoples and non-Indigenous delegates. The role created opportunities for learning, cultural connection and support in ways that are difficult to achieve through a conference program alone.
I would encourage other organisations to consider the role of an Elder in Residence when planning future events. It is a meaningful way to strengthen Cultural Safety, support First Peoples participants and create environments where people feel welcome, respected and connected.
We are deeply grateful to Aunt Lesley for sharing her wisdom, knowledge and guidance throughout the conference.
The attendance of an Elder in Residence at the 2026 CRANAplus Conference was made possible thanks to support from Limelight People.
