The Blaklash FORUM series returns with Creating Impact for First Nations Communities, bringing together three First Nations leaders to discuss the work they are doing within major Australian organisations and what it takes to create meaningful outcomes with and for First Nations communities.
Jordan Eaton (Lendlease), Mel Grills (Arup) and Norman Laing (EY Australia) will join Blaklash Managing Director Troy Casey for a conversation about First Nations engagement, connection to Country, organisational change and creating impact within workplaces and broader communities.
Lineup:
Jordan Eaton — A Bundjalung and Githabul man working across development and placemaking, helping embed First Nations voices and connection to Country into the built environment through his role at Lendlease and broader community work.
Melanie Grills — A proud Gomeroi woman and Arup’s First Nations Lead for Australia and New Zealand, working across First Nations engagement, reconciliation and organisational change.
Norman Laing — A Dunghutti man and Managing Partner of EY’s Office of First Nations Engagement, with experience across law, government, Indigenous affairs and leadership.
Blaklash is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated design consultancy working across community engagement, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, masterplanning, public art and strategy.
Date: Thursday 8 October 2026, 5:30–8pm
