Our Speakers

Hayden Heta
Managing Director
Wamarra
Hayden Heta is the managing director of Wamarra, an Aboriginal-owned and operated civil contractor that creates meaningful employment and career pathways for Aboriginal people. A proud Wiradjuri man and values-oriented leader, Hayden has led Wamarra for the past five years, shaping a business that puts people, culture and community at the centre of its success. He is also a member of Roads Australia's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, contributing to national conversations on Indigenous participation and supporting the development of their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
With more than 15 years of experience in the public sector, Hayden has worked closely with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to drive employment, economic participation, and cultural inclusion. He began his career as a Park Ranger with Parks Victoria and has held a range of impactful roles, including Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Coordinator (Melbourne Region), Aboriginal Inclusion Coordinator at DELWP, Community Development Broker with Aboriginal Victoria, and Cultural Heritage and Stakeholder Manager at Rail Projects Victoria.
Hayden’s leadership is grounded in lived experience, cultural pride and a passion for mentoring the next generation. He brings unique insight into the challenges and opportunities that shape First Nations employment and leadership today and in the future.
Sessions
Panel: The Emerging Generation Leaders Entrepreneurs and Mentorship
Mentorship in culture, wellbeing, life skills, education, employment, and leadership.
Personal journeys and Leadership for future generations & how to identify and seize emerging market trends
Hayden Heta, Managing Director, Wamarra
Kedeisha Kartinyeri, Director, KML Business Solutions
Alexander Wolf, Chief Operating Officer, National Indigenous Times
