Lil Gordon
2023 Cohort
Pronouns: she/her
Lil continues to show up as a strong First Nations woman, leading with purpose and authenticity, willing to connect and collaborate to influence change grounded in culture and Country.
Lil is a proud Ngemba woman from Brewarrina in NW NSW with strong connections to Awabakal country. Lil is a Yinnar (mother) with a teenage son, born to Awabakal country and he is her grounding. Lil's mother has had a long career in education and her father, now passed, is a strong warrior for her people. Both Ngemba and a major influence on her life. Lil's Nan, Yuwaalaraay, also passed, is always guiding her. Lil is a strong in her identity and thrives on building connections with people, growing, learning and laughing.
Lil is a highly skilled executive leader, MC and facilitator, with extensive experience working alongside Aboriginal people and communities and influencing government partners to support the self determination of Aboriginal people and communities. Lil says it is a privilege to work in such roles, alongside exceptional people. Lil’s current endeavours include First Assistant Secretary - First Nations Partnerships with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and Consultant/Facilitator, First Nations.
As the previous Head of Aboriginal Affairs, Lil led a highly complex and diverse policy area providing expert and strategic advice to the highest levels of NSW Government.
Oh, and Lil likes to think she is funny and witty.
“I intend to continue my leadership path, grounded in my deep connection to my ancestors and culture to drive change so our ancestors can rest.”
Social change work
Lil's social change project is focused on building powerful relationships through deep immersive experiences, building enduring relationships, fostering thoughtful understanding, trust and knowledge sharing by being co-directionally present, with Country. The essence of the project draws on the idea of a mutual liberation of First Nations and non-Indigenous leaders in public service to cultivate collective leadership that acknowledges the deep bonds and responsibility First Nations public servants hold with their communities represents a major strength and powerful driver of change.