BPU Announcement on the Election of the Executive Council

The Black Peoples Union is pleased to announce an important milestone in our organisational journey. As of the most recent Annual General Meeting held in September, the general membership has voted unanimously to nominate and elect the Executive Council. The Executive Council will provide coordinated leadership and direction while ensuring that every decision continues to flow from the collective will of our membership and communities.

Following the 2024 Annual General Meeting, the BPU voted to dissolve the positions of president and vice-president within the organisation and move to a collective leadership model aligning with pre-colonial governance. This historic move broke with hierarchical and colonial structures, and reaffirmed our dedication to self-determination rooted in Indigenous cultural practices.

The collective leadership model allows for culturally-informed decision-making and community-focused leadership across the continent of so-called ‘Australia’. It strengthens the Union’s capacity to advance the struggles of our peoples, ensuring that authority is shared, not concentrated, and that power remains with the collective.

The election of the Executive Council represents a living expression of this vision: a body that brings together the diverse knowledge, skills, and experiences of our people into one united force. It ensures continuity of leadership, stability in organising, and a firm foundation for the BPU’s future growth.

Through this model, the BPU continues to build a Sovereign force responding to the contradictions of colonial capitalism and imperialism. We move forward with discipline and unity in the liberation struggle.

Secretary

Gurrnoong (Jasper Cohen-Hunter) is a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung gulinj from Narrm (Melbourne). He is a media practitioner, writer and community organiser dedicated to advancing the struggle for Wurundjeri Sovereignty. His published work is focused on an Indigenous perspective to decolonisation, anti-capitalism and anti-imperialism from within the so-called Australia. He is also an independent researcher on cultural revitalisation, native ecology and frontier resistance.

Treasurer

Tahlia Palmer is an artist and musician of Yuwaalaraay/Gamilaraay descent, born and raised on Whudjuk Boodjar, living on Wurundjeri Biik. Palmer's creative practice critically engages with history, politics, and environmental issues to advocate for Sovereign Indigenous perspectives, while her broader community work revolves around the arts, land care, and diplomacy.

Membership Officer

Emma Randall / Yugaamgan is a Yaegl milgirr, born on and living on Kabi Kabi Country. She is a peer worker, artist, abolitionist and community organiser, and has been a member of the BPU for 3 years. She also does peer work through Blackfulla Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su)

Education Officer

Keiran Stewart-Assheton is a proud wani-wandian Traditional Owner from the occupied Yuin Nation. He is a radio host and author who uses his platform to amplify First Nations voices and connect local struggles to global movements. With a background in education, psychology, and policy, Keiran is a community leader and revolutionary theorist with over 15 years of organising experience, bringing sharp analysis, strategic vision, and deep cultural knowledge to advancing decolonisation, anti-imperialism, and justice.

Media & Communications Officer

Natalie DT is a Boorooberongal dyin living, learning, working and organising within the broader Darug Nation. They work in continent-wide mutual aid organising and community mobilisation with a strong emphasis on decolonial praxis in the lifeworld of communities. She has been a member of the BPU and works closely with Mob needing legal support.

Executive Officer

Leah House is a Ngambri Ngunnawal Wiradjuri woman. She is involved in community organising grounded in her commitment to advancing First Nations Sovereignty, challenging colonial structures and promoting social justice through a decolonial, anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist lens. She is a published writer, with a background in family law and education.