Supporting Aboriginal-led solutions through grounded policy, research, and community engagement.
The School of Visibility® founder Samantha Nolan-Smith also pursues her passion for equity by supporting structural visibility - ensuring Aboriginal voices are centred in the policies and decisions that affect their lives.
To achieve this, she works as a consultant in Aboriginal policy, partnering with communities, organisations, and governments to support Aboriginal-led change through strategic policy, research, and engagement.
Samantha is a policy, strategy, and engagement consultant with a long-standing commitment to Aboriginal-led change. She has worked at the intersection of policy, community development, and government for over 20 years, with a focus on initiatives that respond to structural inequality and support Aboriginal self-determination.
Samantha has supported not for profits and small businesses owned and operated by Aboriginal women to be more visible. She has partnered with Aboriginal organisations—including the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research—and worked directly with Aboriginal community members, Elders, and leaders across a range of projects. Her work is grounded in deep respect for culture, Country, and community, and centres the voices and priorities of Aboriginal people at every stage.
She brings expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, research and report writing, and strategic policy development. Samantha has held senior roles in government - including Executive Policy Director in the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs - and has partnered with Aboriginal organisations and government agencies to deliver meaningful, community-driven outcomes.
Samantha's experience includes:
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Contributing to the implementation of Closing the Gap through community led research, stakeholder engagement, and co-authoring reports - ensuring Aboriginal voices were expressed, documented, and considered in the development of community-informed responses.
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Playing a pivotal role in the creation of a place-based partnership in Redfern–Waterloo, one of the first of its kind in NSW, bringing together community, government, and service providers to collaboratively respond to local needs.
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Returning Wellington Common to Aboriginal ownership, working collaboratively with stakeholders to support a culturally safe and successful land transfer process.
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Developing a whole-of-government strategy to improve socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal people in NSW.
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Facilitating the return of Mt Grenfell, Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks to Aboriginal management.
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Advising on cultural heritage policy and supporting implementation of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW).
