The lead body for reconciliation in Australia has announced the appointment of two prominent Indigenous campaigners to its board.

The independent and not-for-profit organisation, Reconciliation Australia, announced on Monday Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Belinda Duarte, and Wakaid and Meuram woman from the Maluligal and Kemer Kemer Meriam Nations of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), Stacee Ketchell, have been appointed to their board.

The inaugural director of the Korin Gamadji Institute and a key player in establishing the AFL SportsReady's National Indigenous Employment Program, Ms Duarte was the first female executive at Richmond Football Club and in 2012 was voted Football Woman of the Year.

In 2020, she received the Parbin-ata Louisa Briggs Award for her significant contribution to reconciliation in the community, serving as co-chair of Reconciliation Victoria and has informed the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group to assist the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria.

She is currently an Honorary, Founding Advisory Member for the Koorie Youth Council and chief executive of Culture is Life, which supports Indigenous-led solutions to help affirm and strengthen culture and to prevent youth suicide.

"Australia is a country with the oldest living culture in the world, and while we are making some progress, we still have a way to go," Ms Duarte said.

"I look forward to playing a part in determining Reconciliation Australia's role in a future where First Nations people are self-determining and respected as the First Peoples of this continent."

Ms Ketchell, the co-founder and chair of the youth-led Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (DIYDG), served as campaign coordinator during the Voice referendum and has recently joined Cape York Partnerships as Manager for Cape Operations, as well as being a 2024-2025 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader.

"I am a passionate champion for young people, particularly for initiatives that enable young people to navigate and excel in 'two worlds' — both honouring their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage while thriving within the Western system," she said.

"Young First Nations people have so much to share and offer, and everyone has a responsibility to this country to make it better for the next generation.

"As a young woman from Zenadth Kes, with knowledge of cultural practices and cultural governance, I am determined to bring a voice for youth and remote communities to the board."

In a statement, Reconciliation Australia co-chairs Kirstie Parker and Michael Rose said Ms Duarte and Ms Ketchell bring a "wealth of experience" to the board.

"They are both accomplished leaders with histories of passionate advocacy for First Nations peoples and reconciliation," they said.

"Their experience working with young people and in culture, and sport will certainly add to the board's deliberations in some challenging times.

"We look forward to working with them both."