Anne Poelina

Professor Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa Traditional Owner and holds dual roles as Chair of Indigenous Knowledges and Senior Research Fellow at Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame Australia. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Charles Darwin University’s College of Indigenous Education Futures, Arts & Society. Her work focuses on Indigenous environmental governance, water justice, and climate resilience. Key roles include inaugural membership in the Murray Darling Basin Advisory Committee (2022), Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council (2018), and Assistant Commissioner for Australia’s National Water Initiative (2024). She has been recognized with global awards including the Zonta International Climate Action Award (2023) and Geneva-based Laureate honor (2017).

• Education: PhD, PhD, MA, MEd, MPH&TM
• Advisory Roles: Commonwealth Indigenous Water Interest Group, WA Aboriginal Water and Environment Group (AWEG)

Her research integrates Indigenous knowledge systems with environmental policy, advocating for forever industries that balance ecological and cultural sustainability. She has collaborated with international bodies like IPBES and served as a Water Justice Hub Visiting Fellow at ANU.

• Awards: Includes Kailisa Budevi Award (2022), Zonta Says NOW Team Recognition

Prof. Poelina advises on climate change policy at national and global levels, emphasizing Indigenous-led solutions to water and biodiversity challenges. She is an ambassador for WA Natural Rangelands Management (2023) and contributes to UNOC3 initiatives on ocean sustainability.