Emeritus Professor John Maynard is a Worimi Aboriginal man from the Port Stephens region of NSW and a Professor of Indigenous Education and Research at the University of Newcastle.He has held several major positions and served on numerous prominent organizations and committees, including Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Executive Committee of the Australian Historical Association, New South Wales History Council, Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council, Australian Research Council College of Experts, National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network and the NSW Fulbright Selection Committee.¿John is the author of several books on Aboriginal people and sport.