Indigenous Impact Weekly
Celebrating Leaders and Changemakers
Anthony Bell, currently residing in the coastal suburb of Hillarys in Perth, originally hails from Alice Springs. In his professional life, Anthony serves as the Traditional Owner Relationship Advisor at Horizon Power, a role he holds with great significance.
For Anthony, his role at Horizon Power is vital because it ensures that the organisation values and nurtures its connection with Traditional Owners. He views this role as not only about fostering relationships but also about educating the organisation, encouraging it to engage in meaningful conversations with the right people and to include the appropriate stakeholders at the decision-making table. According to Anthony, the role is essential in helping Horizon Power understand that remote communities have their own authority when it comes to managing their services, and it is crucial that the organisation recognises the unique needs and structures of these communities. He believes that through roles like his, organisations can build capacity, improve their understanding, and deliver better services.
Anthony’s passion for working in Aboriginal affairs comes from a long history of family involvement in this space. His grandfather, Charlie Perkins, a pioneering Aboriginal activist, had a profound impact on Anthony’s life and career. Growing up, Anthony witnessed firsthand the challenges and successes that came from his grandfather’s tireless efforts to fight for Aboriginal rights. Charlie Perkins played a key role in advocating for programs and services that brought justice and hope to Aboriginal communities. Anthony was deeply influenced by the conversations he heard and the lessons learned from his family’s involvement in Aboriginal affairs. These experiences sparked a passion in him to continue working towards improving services and creating opportunities for his people.
Over the last 20 years, Anthony has worked in remote communities across Australia, living and working in these spaces to better understand the unique needs of Aboriginal people in remote areas. Through his experiences, he has witnessed the disparity between life in remote communities and regional city centers, further fuelling his commitment to advocating for better services and greater opportunities for Aboriginal people. His passion lies in working on the ground with government organisations that strive to provide meaningful and impactful services to Aboriginal communities, ensuring that these services are in the best interest of the people they serve.
If Anthony had the opportunity to dine with any historical figure, it would be his grandfather, Charlie Perkins. Having had the privilege of speaking with numerous ministers and prime ministers over the course of his career, Anthony feels that a conversation with his grandfather would be the most valuable. He would want to discuss the progress that has been made in Aboriginal affairs and reflect on how far the nation has come in recognising the rights of Aboriginal people. For Anthony, a discussion with someone who fought so fiercely for Aboriginal rights would be more meaningful than any conversation with international figures.
Visit the Horizon Power website to find out more.
Article written by Georgia King, Digital Content Coordinator