Jane Vadiveloo

Culture, Voice, Justice, Change: A story we all

need to hear

Jane Vadiveloo stands as a prominent leader in the pursuit of equality and justice, particularly in her extensive work with First Nations communities. With a master’s degree in forensic psychology, Jane began her career in the Victorian prison system before co-founding Caraniche, a forensic and psychology company dedicated to psychological and behavioural health.

Living and working with First Nations communities in the Northern Territory for over thirty years, caused a transformative turn in her journey. Here, Jane pioneered strength and justice-based approaches aimed at achieving systemic and long-term change. In 2000, alongside the Arrernte people in Central Australia, she co-founded Akeyulerre, one of the first organisations in Australia rooted in First Nations knowledge systems focused on cultural, social, and emotional wellbeing, as well as traditional healing and health.

Working with and guided by the wisdom of Elders and community leaders, Jane co-founded Children’s Ground, a groundbreaking systems change organisation that privileges First Nations knowledge and practices. This 25-year initiative is led by communities possessing vision and solutions but facing oppression through structural racism and social, cultural, and economic injustice. Children’s Ground is dedicated to ensuring that future generations of First Nations children can enjoy freedom, opportunity, and the right to determine their future, encompassing economic, political, social, and cultural wellbeing.

Jane’s expertise and dedication have also seen her consult for Virgin Unite, the Northern Territory and Federal Governments, and various Aboriginal organisations in the Northern Territory. Her impact was recognised in 2014 when she was named one of the Westpac Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence. Under her leadership, Children’s Ground was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Innovation award at the NT Education and Care Awards in 2021.

Jane Vadiveloo's work is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, systemic change, and the empowerment of First Nations communities