Phil Duncan
Centre for Applied Water Science

Phil Duncan

Professor Phil Duncan

Professor Leslie (Phil) Duncan is from Moree, NSW,  and is a member of the Gomeroi Nation. His homelands are Moree and Terry Hie Hie. Phil has over 40 years’ experience working with Aboriginal people and government to improve the lives of Aboriginal people through recognition of our rich cultural history, the return of our lands, the improvement of our living conditions and education of our next generation, through both his employment and active volunteer community work. Phil provides high-level policy and strategic advice and leadership to key Indigenous representative organisations, universities, state and federal government agencies and key external stakeholder groups. His strategic advice, leadership and engagement is around issues of culture and heritage significance and community engagement in on-ground projects, as well as the design, delivery and implementation of programs in partnership with government. Phil has made significant contributions in a variety of domains from education and organisational reconciliation action through to areas of focus such as natural resource management, freshwater river management, forestry, native fish, water rights and allocations.

Phil is extremely passionate about promoting greater partnerships and collaborations using 2-way knowledge exchanges and enhancing the voices of Traditional Owners in land and water management via the integration of cultural science into western scientific frameworks and models.

Industry affiliations:

  • University of Canberra Galambany Professorial Fellow, Centre of Applied Water Science
  • Griffith University – Award of Doctor of the University
  • Acting CEO Economic Participation Indigenous Communities
  • Murray Darling Basin Authority – Basin Community Committee – First Indigenous Chair
  • NSW Natural Resource Access Regulator – Board Member – First Indigenous Board Member
  • Australian Freshwater Science Society – Nation Indigenous Executive
  • Watertrust Australia Ltd – Influencing Advisory Committee – Indigenous Member.

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