Maria Bennet is a lecturer in Literacy and Inclusive Education in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at Charles Sturt University. She has used this role to research pre-service teacher capacity to work with Aboriginal students, their families and their communities at both the local level and through ALTC (Australian Learning and Teaching Council), AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) and OLT (Office for Learning and Teaching) projects. Maria has piloted successful community literacy programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (K-Year 9) in the local community, schools and TAFE.