Meeting organised by Voice from the Heart Alliance
Building Genuine Allyship Post-Referendum: ANTAR’s Role in Strengthening Solidarity and Action
Blake Alan Cansdale, National Director of ANTAR, will present on ANTAR’s vision, strategic priorities, and advocacy model, highlighting nearly three decades of work in the fight for justice, rights, and respect for First Nations Peoples. Blake will outline how ANTAR operates through deep relationships with First Nations leadership, supporting self-determination, and mobilising a national network of allies to drive systemic change.
The presentation will explore the evolving role of allyship post-referendum, emphasising the shift from performative allyship to meaningful, sustained action. Drawing on insights from First Nations leaders, including Thomas Mayo, Blake will discuss what genuine allyship looks like in this new era.
Blake will also introduce ANTAR’s post-referendum allyship strategy, including its First Nations partnership model, grassroots campaign incubator and national allyship network-building projects. He will highlight opportunities for collaboration with the Voice from the Heart Alliance (VftHA), particularly in strengthening localised truth-telling initiatives in NSW, Blake will also discuss ANTAR’s plans to develop a scaffolding model to support state and territory-based ally networking bodies across Australia.
Blake’s bio
Blake is a proud Anaiwan man, National Director of ANTAR and Acting National Director of Change the Record. Dedicated to empowering First Nations Communities, Blake has a background in legal practice with experience in public policy, lecturing, Aboriginal affairs, business management and Aboriginal land planning.
Blake holds a Master of Public Policy and Management from Monash University and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) / Bachelor Science (major psychology) from UNSW. Prior to joining the team at ANTAR, Blake held Senior Executive roles within the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector in NSW, namely as Chief Operating Officer at Tranby National Indigenous Adult Education & Training, and most recently as Chief Operating Officer at Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.