Shelley Ware is a proud Yankunytjatjara, Kokatha and Wirangu woman from Tandanya (Adelaide) who now lives in Naarm (Melbourne). She is a respected media presenter, educator, author and cultural consultant who has spent more than two decades working across sport, media and education to amplify First Nations voices and stories.

Shelley is widely known for her work in AFL media. She began her television career on Channel 7’s Live and Kicking and later spent a decade as a panelist on NITV’s iconic football show Marngrook, where she brought humour, insight and cultural perspective to conversations about the game. She also hosted AFL.com’s Colour of Your Jumper and continues to write a fortnightly AFL and opinion column for the Koori Mail, sharing reflections on football, culture and community.

Her work in the AFL industry extends beyond media. Shelley is the Chair of Carlton Football Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee and works as a First Nations advisor to the club, supporting stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and helping embed cultural knowledge and leadership across the organisation. In recognition of her contribution to football and community leadership, Shelley was named Essendon Women’s Network Football Woman of the Year in 2019.

Alongside her media work, Shelley is an experienced teacher, curriculum writer and education consultant. She is passionate about embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives into classrooms and the national curriculum. Shelley works with schools, universities and organisations across Australia to build cultural capability, support educators and leaders, and help create culturally safe and inclusive environments for students, staff and communities.

Shelley is also an author and a long-time ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, supporting programs that empower children in remote communities to see their stories and languages reflected in books. Through her speaking, writing and education work, she champions the power of storytelling, literacy and cultural knowledge.

A highly sought-after MC, facilitator and keynote speaker, Shelley brings warmth, humour and honesty to her presentations. She is a strong advocate for tackling racism, promoting online safety and creating respectful spaces where difficult conversations can be held with courage and care.

Shelley was a finalist for the NAIDOC Education Award in 2024, recognising her ongoing commitment to education, culture and community. Through her work across media, sport and education, she continues to inspire audiences and create pathways for stronger understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community.