BREAKING BARRIERS: Bronson Richards on Turning Disconnection into Drive

Bronson Richards recently featured on the National Indigenous Times podcast Indigenous Insights, where he reflected on his journey from childhood in Cairns to his role at the frontline of IPS as a First Nations Advisory consultant.

When Bronson speaks, it is with the weight of generations behind him; boxers, teachers, magistrates and advocates who fought for Indigenous rights in some of Queensland’s harshest political climates.

Today, the proud Ewamian and Kuku Yalanji Man and recent Perth NAIDOC Youth Award recipient is carving his own path as a leader for change, blending lived experience with high-level strategy.

His grandfather Clarence was a professional boxer and tireless campaigner for Indigenous rights during the Bjelke-Petersen era.

His father co-founded the Yman Corporation to represent traditional owner interests, while his uncles and aunties became some of the state’s first Indigenous professionals in teaching and law.

“From a young age I was always involved in Indigenous affairs, politics and country,” said Bronson.

“But because of my complexion and having a German mother, I was treated differently. I copped lateral violence and felt disconnected when my family moved to Perth.”

That disconnect soon fuelled his fire.

In Western Australia, Richards experienced both overt racism and passive bias. He was stereotyped at school, and was told, “you’re pretty smart for a blackfella.” 

'The anger he once carried has since been transformed into discipline, mentoring, and advocacy.

“It took a lot of violence to become this gentle,” he said.
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“But I’m glad I went through everything I did because it moulded me into a powerful leader.”

“And this isn’t just for First Nations people...I want to be a leader for youth, for minorities, for everyone.”
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“Australia is a beautiful country, and we deserve to live as a collective in solidarity.”

At IPS, Bronson now works with businesses and government on cultural safety, Indigenous engagement and workforce strategies.

He says his role is about creating spaces where First Nations voices are respected, and where employment and policy move beyond tokenism.
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“In strategy, it’s often non-First Nations people saying they want to empower us…but why not give us the funding and let us make it ourselves?", he said.

“We don’t need you to speak for us.”

Outside of IPS, Bronson is building Visions of Tomorrow, his own platform aimed at reconciliation, anti-racism education and youth mentoring.

He is working with Reconciliation WA on workshops, engaging the Department of Justice to support incarcerated youth, and helping expand his father’s business to employ and house more Aboriginal people.

It’s a schedule that leaves little downtime, but Bronson carries the drive of someone who knows the stakes.

“My nana was born on a mission a hundred years ago,” he said.

“The life she lived is nothing compared to the opportunities I have today.”

That legacy, Bronson says, is not about division or dwelling on the past but about truth, reconciliation and progress.

“Reconciliation isn’t about saying sorry and moving on,” said Bronson.
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“It’s about acknowledging what happened and uniting to move forward.”