About First 1000 Days Australia

First 1000 Days Australia is an Indigenous-led organisation focused on advancing knowledge, leadership and practice around the critical early life period from conception to a child’s second birthday.

Our work is grounded in the understanding that the first 1,000 days are foundational to lifelong health, wellbeing, learning and connection to culture — and that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, these early years are deeply shaped by culture, community, Country and self-determination.

We exist to educate, influence and strengthen the systems and workforces that support Indigenous families during this vital time. Through research translation, education and professional training, we help practitioners, organisations and leaders build the capability to work in culturally safe, informed and strengths-based ways.

Professor Kerry Arabena

Managing Director, First 1000 Days Australia

Professor Kerry Arabena is a proud descendant of the Meriam people of the Torres Strait and the founding Managing Director of First 1000 Days Australia.

Kerry is an internationally recognised leader in Indigenous health, early life strategy and social policy. She holds qualifications in social work and environmental science and has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through community-led, culturally grounded approaches.

Her extensive leadership experience includes roles as:

  • Executive Director of Apunipima Cape York Health Council

  • Chair of Indigenous Health at the University of Melbourne

  • CEO of the Lowitja Institute

  • Inaugural Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples

Through First 1000 Days Australia, Kerry brings together research, policy, community development and cultural knowledge to reshape how early life learning and practice are understood and delivered. Her leadership ensures the organisation remains deeply connected to Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, while influencing systems, services and professionals nationwide.