AES 2025
International Evaluation Conference

How can the Australian evaluation sector move beyond the bubble?

That's the question posed to Kowa and other delegates at the recent International Evaluation Conference on Ngunnuwul Country. 

 What are our thoughts?

"The theme 'Beyond the Bubble' seeks to embrace diverse perspectives, engaging with different communities, and challenge individual assumptions to develop a more holistic and inclusive understanding of the world."

To be honest, Kowa would like to 'Burst the Bubble' of racist, colonial evaluation systems that harm, disrespect and disregard Mob. We want our communities, Blak organisations and Mob to design, lead, manage and protect their evaluation.  We want non-First Nations evaluators to ensure First Nations' Communities shape their own futures and drive meaningful change.  

Group of women smiling in front of AES25, Burst the Bubble sign

Kowa CEO Skye Trudgett took conference delegates through what it means to turn the power of data and evaluation back into the hands of Communities. How Kowa is leading innovation and fighting back against the harmful legacy of surveillance and exploitation of data collection and evaluation. Our communities must determine what is important, what are the challenges, who are the people to help find solutions, using their systems, methods and tools.

This is not just about data. It's about deep knowing that comes over time. With more than 60 thousand years of knowledge, our communities have lived through cycles of change and challenges. They have adapted, evolved and kept communities strong and safe.

The Australian evaluation sector must not just move beyond the bubble, but reflect on their role in creating this bubble, that has excluded Mob and taken agency, and the harm this has caused. By doing this with deep reflections they can give up their power and ensure the sector creates space, elevates and empowers First Nations' peoples.

About

The annual AES International Evaluation Conference brings together evaluators from around the world. Presentations include keynote addresses by well-known and thought-provoking national and international evaluators. The conference offers a mix of formal and interactive presentations, panel discussions and skill building workshops. Presentations cater for all levels, from evaluators just starting out to the very experienced.

AES 2026: Darwin 14–18 September.