By Gail Sawyer
Quandamooka traditional owner and prominent First Nations Advocate Cameron Costello has been appointed First Nations Ambassador for ASM Global Australia.
ASM Global Asia Pacific (APAC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Harvey Lister AM, said he was honoured that Cameron Costello had accepted this important role at a time in history when the country was on the verge of change for Indigenous Australians.
“Cameron brings a 25-year legacy delivering First Nations arts and cultural policies in Queensland and 
has extraordinary experience particularly in the tourism and events sector. His contribution and advice will be pivotal to the group’s reconciliation journey and cultural competency.”
Costello is Deputy Chair of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Interim Chair of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council, and has been appointed to Queensland Government’s Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Committee.
He describes the opportunity as very exciting, partnering with the ASM Global leadership team and in particular Lister, who he says is an astute leader and someone who has provided him with guidance and advice over the years.
“In terms of what we want to achieve, for me it is around leadership and legacy,” Costello said. “It is important that there is opportunity for real outcomes for First Nations peoples through training and employment that will empower them to achieve their potential, to help close the gap and improve their quality of life. There are so many amazing opportunities within the structure of ASM Global that can help drive and deliver practical outcomes.”
Costello believes there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to harness the growing momentum and recognition across the arts and cultural sectors, politics, and language and the acceptance of traditional knowledge. “Looking towards 2032 I hope we will look back and be able to say we have unlocked a First Nations renaissance period in Australia where we have grown and celebrated our oldest living culture with Australians from all backgrounds walking together hand in hand seeing historic moments unfolding.”
He said would use his many years’ experience to guide and assist with the preparation and development of a Reconciliation Action Plan for ASM Global and advise the Leadership Team on First Nations projects and protocols. He will also work with the group’s Australian venues on cultural competency training and assisting when needed.
Gail Sawyer is Group Communications Manager for ASM Global (Asia Pacific).
