Brett Leavy

Brett Leavy’s passion for cultural heritage set him on a path where he sought to build a time machine to take people back to where traditional knowledge originated. By leveraging innovative technology, Brett has done just that with his virtual time machine, Virtual Songlines.

“My ultimate goal has always been about how to communicate cultural heritage effectively,” explains Brett, a Kooma man from Queensland. “I firmly believe the future is embracing technology, and through doing that, recognising our grassroots community aspirations and needs where they exist.”

Brett’s company, Bilbie XR Labs is a First Nations social impact organisation whose mission is to empower First Nations communities to record and preserve the traditional knowledge and connection of First Nations people to their country. Through collaboration with communities, they leverage cutting-edge tech platforms such as XR, VR, AR, and PC gamification to explore the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples.

Virtual Songlines can best be described as an “Indijiverse”—a remarkable portal that transports users to historical sites of immense cultural significance. It is akin to a Google Maps for cultural heritage, allowing individuals to experience virtual heritage Dreamtime first-hand.

This important cultural work has already been applied at many places, including Brisbane’s Cross River Rail Experience Centre, the National Maritime Museum in Sydney, the Ian Potter Museum in Melbourne, Yagan Square in Perth, Daejeon Museum of Contemporary Art in South Korea, and many other galleries, libraries and museums.

Looking ahead, Brett envisions future advances in VR technology that will enable people to physically walk in the footsteps of First Nations people and foster a deeper connection and understanding.

In recognition of his tireless work in amplifying the voices and stories of his people through business and technology, Brett is the recipient of Griffith’s Outstanding First Peoples Alumnus Award for Griffith Business School.

“Winning that award is an honour. We were really chuffed,” he says. “I am humbled by the recognition but I acknowledge we’ve still got more to do—and the journey is far from complete.”

As the second person in his family to attend university, Brett credits his time at Griffith with instilling in him a discipline that has guided his career philosophy of giving back to the community.

His commitment to social impact is evident through his involvement in multiple not-for-profit organisations such as the Community Broadcasting Foundation, Black Community Housing, Queensland Trachoma Eye Health Association, Brisbane Indigenous Media Association, Kooemba Djarra Performing Arts Company, Australian Indigenous Communication Association, Musgrave Park Cultural Centre, and the World Indigenous Association (UN).

Embarking on his career in First Nations media – thanks to a job offer from his uncle – Brett has been able to use his business and technology knowledge to lobby for his people. “My uncle inspired me to look at the voice of our people and how I could use my skills to advance and amplify that,” he says.

Through his time working for the National Indigenous Media Association and the National Indigenous Radio Service, Brett was instrumental in the lobbying for, and implementation of, several media services that have been crucial to connecting First Nations communities, including the National Indigenous Television (NITV) service.

“NITV grew out of a grassroots need to tell our stories, our way, with our people and using the best technology we can get our hands on,” Brett explains. “I knew it was possible, so I said, ‘Let’s dream big and make it happen.’”

Brett says he used the skills and knowledge he learnt during his studies to help facilitate the creation and development of NITV. “I studied marketing and communications. I learnt how to strategically develop pathways for the advancement of the industry,” he says. “If it wasn’t for Griffith and the knowledge I learnt there, we wouldn’t have the National Indigenous Television service.”

His advice to fellow First Nations students is to simply take the first step. “Have courage, reach out, and seek mentors who will guide them along the path,” he says. “Honour the sacrifices made by their ancestors, never forgetting their connection to country—a deep-rooted bond that provides clarity and purpose.”

Brett’s work in merging technology with cultural heritage showcases the immense possibilities ahead and he is determined to shape a future where ancestral stories are preserved, celebrated, and shared with the world.