Trailblazers. Warriors. Women who have confronted some of the most formidable institutions—from media conglomerates to academic and government agencies. This panel examines the invisible burdens these women shoulder in their battles for accountability, exploring both the personal and professional costs of their courage. How does media coverage shape their narratives? Has their disruption sparked lasting change or is the fight forgotten? Will history remember their bold stands against the establishment with admiration or condemnation? Join us for an unflinching conversation with women who refused to remain silent—and the complex legacies they continue to forge.
Antoinette Lattouf is an undeniable powerhouse—a fearless journalist, celebrated author, and passionate human rights advocate known for her bold storytelling and commitment to championing diverse perspectives. With a collection of prestigious media and human rights awards to her name, she’s rightfully earned her spot as one of AFR’s 100 Women of Influence. Antoinette’s impact doesn’t stop there. As a TEDx speaker, mental health ambassador, and co-founder of Media Diversity Australia, she’s dedicated to creating lasting change in the media landscape and beyond. As the host of The Weekend Briefing podcast, Antoinette engages some of Australia’s most influential voices on the biggest issues of the day with curiosity, insight, and a genuine passion for meaningful dialogue. Known for her fearless approach that seamlessly blends boldness with her signature wit and warmth, Antoinette’s storytelling doesn’t just inform—it inspires, proving that powerful voices delivered with heart can truly make a difference. Antoinette is currently writing her second book. Her first book How to Lose Friends and Influence White People was published by Penguin Random House in 2022.
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts is a proud Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, who has degrees in both law and social work, and was recognised with an Australian Human Rights Medal in 2019. She is a human rights lawyer and Fulbright scholar whose current research is focused on unveiling the intersections of human rights, child removal and the implications of forcible removal, ensuring that First Nations child survivors and those impacted are heard, while providing solutions towards ending child removal. In 2024, Vanessa was appointed the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Her first book Long Yarn Short was published by UQP in 2024.
Sara M Saleh is an award-winning writer, poet, human rights lawyer and the daughter of migrants from Palestine, Egypt, and Lebanon. Her poems, short stories and essays have been widely published nationally in English and Arabic. She is co-editor of the groundbreaking 2019 Arab, Australian, Other. Sara made history as the first poet to win both the Australian Book Review's 2021 Peter Porter Poetry Prize and the Overland Judith Wright Poetry Prize 2020. Her 2023 poetry collection, The Flirtation of Girls/Ghazal el-Banat, also won Australian Poetry's Anne Elder Award. Her first novel, Songs for the Dead and the Living, won the Barbara Jefferis Award and was shortlisted for the Multicultural NSW Award at the NSW Premier's Literary Award. Sara lives on Bidjigal land with her partner and their fur children, cappy and belly hooks.
