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21 May 2026 | 2 min read
27 May 2026
Meet three First Nations business leaders who are driving meaningful change across technology, education and community.
Dustin McClung, Founder of Gadali, an Indigenous led technology business creating career pathways into tech
Corey Tutt, Founder of DeadlyScience, Australia’s leading Indigenous STEM charity
Lisa Sarago, CEO, Land on Heart Foundation and Tiddas in Tech, which focus on advancing digital inclusion and Indigenous leadership in tech, particularly for First Nations women.
Together, they represent a growing movement of First Nation-led organisations creating opportunity, building capability and shaping the future on their own terms.
To mark National Reconciliation Week 2026, the three First Nations leaders in technology and STEM spoke to us about their journeys, challenges and what comes next.
What inspired you to start your organisation in technology and STEM?
Dustin McClung (Gadali):
There was a point where my priorities shifted towards family, community and culture. I wanted to build something that could create opportunity and make tomorrow better for the next generation.
Corey Tutt (DeadlyScience):
Working as the only Aboriginal professional in my STEM sector was a heavy, necessary burden. It showed me how much needed to change, and that’s what pushed me to create DeadlyScience.
Lisa Sarago (Land on Heart Foundation and Tiddas in Tech):
I saw a growing gap between the rapid advancement of technology and the opportunities available for Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous women. I wanted to create spaces that were Indigenous-led, culturally grounded and focused on practical pathways into the digital economy.
How would you describe your organisation today as a First Nations business?
Dustin:
We’re an Indigenous-led, profit-for-purpose technology business focused on building real careers with successful customer engagements. It’s about giving people the skills to create long-term opportunity.
Corey:
DeadlyScience is Australia’s leading Indigenous STEM charity, reaching thousands of young people through books, programs and career pathways. We exist to show that STEM belongs to First Nations students.
Lisa:
Our work is about digital inclusion, cultural capability and leadership. Through Digital Trackers and Tiddas in Tech, we’re creating spaces that are culturally grounded and community-led.
Dustin McClung, Founder of Gadali
How does culture influence your work in technology and STEM?
Dustin:
Gadali means ‘to hunt’, which reflects the idea of teaching skills that help support self-determination. Culture shapes how we think about long-term impact and responsibility.
Corey:
Culture is central to everything we do. It’s about showing young people that their identity and their future in STEM go hand in hand.
Lisa:
Culture sits at the core. It’s about respect for Country, community and ensuring that technology and innovation don’t come at the cost of identity.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you faced building a business in technology or STEM?
Lisa Sarago, CEO of Land on Heart Foundation and Tiddas on Tech
Dustin:
Forging new pathways always comes with risk. There’s responsibility in creating new sustainable opportunities for community, and that keeps the standard high.
Corey:
Early on, securing funding was tough. I had to teach myself how to build a sustainable organisation so we could keep growing and delivering impact.
Lisa:
There are still barriers, from limited cultural understanding in decision-making spaces to funding challenges, particularly for Indigenous women in tech.
What does meaningful reconciliation look like for businesses supporting First Nations leadership and innovation?
Dustin:
It’s about creating real opportunities through lasting partnerships and investing in people so they can build long-term careers and independence.
Corey:
Reconciliation means moving beyond compliance to investment. Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and creating real pathways is how we create lasting change.
Lisa:
It comes down to relationships based on trust, accountability and long-term commitment. That’s where real progress is made.
What advice would you give to others wanting to support First Nations communities or build impact in technology and STEM?
Dustin:
Focus on building something meaningful and invest in people. That’s what creates lasting change.
Corey:
Stay curious, keep learning and don’t let doubt slow you down. The impact you’re building matters.
Lisa:
Back yourself and stay connected to your purpose. When it’s grounded in community, the impact will follow.
Corey Tutt, Founder of Deadly Science
What’s next for your organisation and its role in shaping the future of First Nations participation in technology and STEM?
Dustin:
We’re focused on creating a sustainable business model that will allow us to expand into communities, creating opportunities to build capability locally on country.
Corey:
We want to reach every school in Australia. Long term, the goal is a future where equity is the norm and organisations like ours aren’t needed.
Lisa:
We’re continuing to grow pathways into the digital economy and strengthen First Nations leadership in tech by making sure future industries are shaped by diverse voices.
National Reconciliation Week 2026
This National Reconciliation Week, the theme 'All In' is a call to action for businesses to support First Nations leadership, innovation and economic participation. To go beyond awareness and actively contribute to meaningful change.
Each of these leaders demonstrate that real change doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built by going all in on intention, investment and a commitment to doing things differently.
