Keynote Speakers / Panel Discussion

June Oscar AO 

Inaugural Chair, The Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice 

June Oscar AO is a proud Bunuba woman from the remote town of Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. She is a strong advocate for Indigenous Australian languages, social justice, women’s issues, and has worked tirelessly to reduce Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

June has held a raft of influential positions including Deputy Director of the Kimberley Land Council, chair of the Kimberley Language Resource Centre and the Kimberley Interpreting Service and Chief Investigator with WA’s Lililwan Project addressing FASD.

She led a successful community driven campaign for alcohol restrictions in Fitzroy Crossing and is an international advocate on the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the need to restore societal wellbeing through the revitalisation of cultural practices, languages and connection to land and water.

In 2013 June was awarded an Officer of the order of Australia for distinguished service to the Indigenous community of Western Australia, particularly through health and social welfare programs. In 2015, June received the Menzies School of Health Research Medallion for her work with FASD. In 2016, she was the recipient of the Desmond Tutu Global Reconciliation Award, she was named NAIDOC person of the year in 2018, and in 2019 she was bestowed the honorary role of a Distinguished Fellow of ANZSOG.

June completed her seven-year term as Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in April 2024. As Commissioner she published the landmark Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) Report in December 2020. In March 2024, June launched the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice, based at the Australian National University. The Institute, a global first, will continue the vital work of Wiyi Yani U Thangani and advance and respond to the rights and aspirations of First Nations women and girls, inclusive of cis and trans women and gender diverse mob.

Cleone Wellington

Walawaani, I’m Cleone Wellington a proud South Coast Wandi Wandandian/Cullunghutti/Jerrinja woman with bloodlines to Jatimatang/Ngarigo.  

I have been employed at Waminda for 16 years. My role as Chief Executive Leader within the Chief Executive Team is my commitment and responsibility to making change for my people through Culturally grounded practice. Waminda’s Model of Care is embedded and founded on Women’s Lore and Culture, pushing back as a Decolonising Practice; evolving our people’s narrative from survival to thriving.  

I acknowledge and honour my great-grandmothers and grandmothers who have paved the way of which I walk on today. My purpose is to walk this journey, speak my truth and carry with me our ancient and sacred wisdom. Educating people to dismantle and disrupt western systems, ensuring our people lead self-determined lives with their families; being strong in their belonging and identity.   

Hayley Longbottom

Hi, I am Hayley Longbottom– Jerrinja, Cullunghutti, Wandi Wandandian woman; located on the South Coast of NSW.

I commenced work at Waminda in 2010, wherein I was supported to gain and develop my skills transitioning through reception and admin to becoming a Health Worker. This led me to Leadership and management and I am now the Chief Executive Manager of Health and Wellbeing. In addition, I am an AH&MRC Human Research Ethics Committee Member and a NAATSIWHP Ambassador. 

I am passionate about the wellness of our community and standing side by side our women and their families on their journey to healing, nourishing and thriving. Being a proud local Koori woman and working for our community in a strong Koori women’s led organisation, I am able to honour the resistance and resilience of our ancestors and elders, while supporting guiding and mentoring our next generation. 

Kristine Falzon

Hi, I’m Kristine Falzon– Gummeah, WandiWandian, Wodi Wodi, Walbunja woman living with my family on my Grandmother’s Country on the South Coast of NSW; with connection to Jerrinja, Wreck Bay and Wallaga Lake communities. 

Executive Manager (Operations) as part of the Chief Executive Leadership Team at Waminda, South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation based in Nowra/ Shoalhaven; where I have worked across various health & wellbeing roles over the past 15 years.

I am passionate about advocating for my community for Culturally informed, holistic strength-based Health & Wellbeing care and equality; specifically in regard to self-determined futures and eliminating the existing generational health disparity gaps for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Lisa Wellington

My Name is Lisa Wellington, I’m a proud Cullunghutti/Jerrinja/Wandi Wandian woman from the South Coast of NSW. 

I have been employed at Waminda for the past 14 years and in my current role as one of the Chief Executive Leaders. I am responsible for Yanaga Dhuga – Our Community cluster within the organisation. 

I am passionate about walking alongside our families to continue in supporting our mob and ensuring that their voices are heard and receive the quality care they deserve.  

I love what we do, and I am privileged to be working within my community and to continue to walk in the footsteps of what our elders fought so hard in pathing the way for us.   

Melanie Briggs

Melanie Briggs descent from the Gumbaynggirr and Dharawal peoples.  I am a mum to two beautiful children and live on the traditional sacred lands of the Wodi Wodi people. I have a Bachelor of Midwifery, Master of Primary Maternity Care and an Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management. 

I am an Endorsed midwife and manage the Birthing on Country program at Waminda.  I have knowledge and experience in the co-design and legislative change for NSW Private Health Facilities Act 2023 for standalone birth centres to remove requirements that restrict and reduce midwifery led continuity of care and autonomy.  I have been involved in the review and development of national and local strategies, frameworks, governance and policies to enhance First Nations perspectives on cultural safety and the inclusion of raising awareness of racism in the health system, First Nations maternal and neonatal outcomes.  My goal is to develop and sustain a culturally safe maternity model of care that embeds culture as the foundation and is Aboriginal women led and governed. 

Professor Yvette Roe 

Director of the Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights (recently the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre), Professor Yvette Roe, is a Njikena Jawuru woman from the West Kimberly region of Western Australia.

Yvette grew up in on Larrakia Country, in Garramilla (Darwin) where she has strong family and friend connections. Yvette has more than 30 years’ experience working in Aboriginal health. She was awarded her PhD, by the University of South Australia in November 2015.

As a national and international emerging leader in Aboriginal health, Professor Roe pushes innovative methods to make sustainable impact. Devoted to being a two-way interpreter between the field of research and policy, and the voice of First Nations communities, her work uses research as a mechanism for social, cultural and political change.

Professor Roe leads a dynamic and innovative, multi-disciplinary team focusing on maternal health and social justice reform from a First Nations community-driven perspective, translating research outcomes into practical solutions. The Institute works to support communities realise their cultural aspirations, and to dismantle the barriers imposed by colonial approaches to birthing and maternal healthcare.

The methodology focus is on redesign of healthcare systems, investment in culturally appropriate community workforce, strengthening families, privileging First Nations knowledge and governance, and empowering self-determination. Nation building tools are shaped through qualitative and quantitative data collation and analysis, and producing solid research evidence for communities independently, and for national impact.

Professor Roianne West PhD RN BN MMHN PFHEA GAICD

A descendent of the Kalkadunga and Djkunde Peoples from Queensland, a mother and a grandmother, Professor West’s pioneering work commenced as an Aboriginal Health worker over 30 years ago but in many ways began generations before.

Her work builds on a family legacy, cultural and intellectual inheritance and intergenerational knowledge that spans four generations of Aboriginal nurses and a long line of healers. A highly regarded nurse academic, leader and researcher, Professor West was the first Aboriginal Professor of Nursing in Queensland and one of the first nationally. She uses Indigenist -led approaches harnessing the power and knowledge of the world’s oldest living culture and Australia’s health workforce to address inequities in Aboriginal Health outcomes through education.

Professor West’s research promotes rigour in standards in First Peoples Health education and is grounded in the premise that increasing the completion rates of Aboriginal Health professionals in higher education will make a significant and sustainable contribution to addressing inequities in Aboriginal Health. Professor West sees being a speaker at the Waminda Strong Women, Strong Community, Leading the Way conference as mutually beneficial and an opportunity to progress her life’s work. Importantly this involves the application of her newest directions in advancing Indigenist health workforce research and practice advocating for the recognition, protection and maintenance of all aspects of Aboriginal Cultures across the health workforce.

Maddy Hodgetts

Maddy is a multidisciplinary artist, practicing in Cultural dance, weaving, fashion and language. Striving to sustain strong Cultural identity within her community, she regularly facilitates and delivers Cultural programs and workshops across the Central Western NSW region. She is a Ngiyampaa/Wangaaypuwan and Wiradjuri woman, residing in Nyngan NSW (Wangaaypuwan Country).

Creating all her artwork and designs on Country, Maddy aspires to translate traditional Ngiyampaa styles and practices through her work. Maddy launched her label, Yapa Mali, in 2022 to further pursue her passion to showcase her artwork and pieces through fashion. While running Cultural workshops and programs through a collective group, Ngungilanha, striving to grow Women’s Cultural knowledge in the Central Western NSW region.

Dr Janine Gertz

Dr Janine Gertz, is a Gugu Badhun citizen and Research Fellow at the University of Queensland’s Centre for Indigenous Futures. Her research interests centre on the political representation and self-government strategies of Indigenous Nations and is grounded in her community development work with the Gugu Badhun Aboriginal Nation.

Janine was recently announced the winner of the prestigious 2023 Stanner Award, the AIATSIS biennial prize for the best academic writing by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander author. Her winning entry was for her PhD thesis ‘Gugu Badhun Sovereignty, Self-Determination and Nationhood.’

Image by Lewis James

Carly Stanley 

Carly is the CEO and Co-Founder of Deadly Connections, a proud Wiradjuri woman and survivor – born and raised on Gadigal-Bidjigal land. Carly co-founded Deadly Connections in 2018, an award winning, Aboriginal/survivor led, community focussed, grassroots not-for-profit organisation.Deadly Connections being awarded AbSec’s 2020 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation of the Year. Carly has also received a Churchill Fellowship in 2020 and was an AMP Tomorrow Maker (2020).

Carly is the backbone of Deadly Connections and leads the organisation with strength, tenacity, professionalism and empathy, leading her team of staff and volunteers with confidence and fostering a culture of inclusivity. Carly’s lived experience and perspective provides a wealth of knowledge and skills for which she is able to draw on to ensure the voices and experiences of mob and survivors are amplified and embedded in the development and delivery of services and programs. Carly’s holds a Masters of Criminology, a Bachelor in Social Science (Criminology) and other academic qualifications that complement her practical acumen.

Carly has dedicated her entire professional career to supporting mob, particularly justice impacted/involved people, families and communities over the last 20 years working in both government and non-government agencies. This work occurred across a range of areas whilst being an active member of her Aboriginal community.

Ashlee Donohue

Ashlee Donohue, is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Dunghutti nation, born and raised in Kempsey, NSW. An Author, Educator, Media Commentator Advocating Domestic and Family Violence Awareness.

A highly sought-after facilitator, speaker, consultant, and powerful advocate Ashlee has presented at the UN Status of Women Forums in NYC, Monash University in Prato, Italy, been the lead writer and co-creator for numerous anti-violence campaigns and anti-racism education materials, adaptations, and reviews on a variety of works.

Ashlee is currently the CEO of Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Women’s Centre and sits on a variety of committees and councils including the City of Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory panel, and DVNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

Janine Dureau 

Janine is a proud Nyikina and Bunuba woman who was born and raised in Derby. She is currently living on Yawuru Country and is the proud mother of two young men.

Janine’s professional experience includes over 30 years’ working in Aboriginal Affairs from State and Commonwealth governments, NGOs and Aboriginal organisations, from the local to national level. A deep strategic thinker and experienced strategist, Janine brings diverse experience in co-designing self-determination and cultural security strategies for Aboriginal people and communities.

Since 2018, Janine has volunteered her time to lead Kimberley Aboriginal women’s leadership gatherings to discuss gender justice, systems reform and self-determination through the eyes of Aboriginal women. Janine is a founding member of the KAWC and held the position as the Inaugural Chairperson since its establishment in 2021.

She is a strong advocate for structural and systemic reform to create opportunities for her people to self-determine their own destiny. Prior to the KAWC, she was integral in leading powerful campaigns including Stop the Forced Closures of Aboriginal Communities. She was also critical to the establishment of the Kimberley Aboriginal Children in Care Committee which contributed to the review and legislative changes of the Western Australian Children and Community Services Act 2004, and the investment in early intervention strategies to strengthen connection to family, culture and Country for Aboriginal children in care.

Janine is extremely passionate about succession planning and empowering emerging leaders by equipping them with the relevant tools and skills to have a seat at the table, and in 2023 was the recipient of the Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award. As CEO of the KAWC, she is excited and committed to creating pathway opportunities for our women and young girls to rise and shine.

Dr Jackie Huggins

Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA has spent over four decades working across community, government and non-government arenas, in the field and on many boards.

She has been the Co-Chair, Treaty Advancement Committee Queensland. She was formerly the Co-Chair, National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples.

She previously worked at the University of Queensland as Deputy Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit. Her other roles have included Co-Chair, Reconciliation Australia, and she has served on the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Commission for the Inquiry Into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Children From Their Families, Australian Heritage Commission, State Library of Queensland, Telstra Foundation, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, and the Cape York Girls Academy.

She is Patron of Reconciliation Queensland, Sisters Inside, National Patron Justice Reform Initiative and a past member of First Nations Strategic Advisory Group, Disability Royal Commission, First Nations Advisory Committee Australian War Memorial.

She is currently Co-Chair National Apology Foundation, Elder in Residence – First Nations Messaging Project Australian Progress, POU Atlantic Fellows University of Melbourne, and an Honorary Professor at the Research Centre for Deep History, ANU. She is a Director for the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice Federation University Australia.

Jackie is an author and historian and is currently working in this area. Dr Huggins is the Patron of the First Nations Aboriginal Writer’s Network. Her books include Auntie Rita, Sistergirl and Jack of Hearts: QX11594.

Dr Huggins has also written numerous chapters and articles in history and women’s studies journals and books and is in high demand as a speaker.

Jarin Baigent

Wyanga CEO / Jarin Street / Trading Blak

Jarin is a Wiradjuri woman, consultant, founding member and driving force behind Indigenous retail business collective Trading Blak, owner of activewear brand Jarin Street and CEO of Redfern based Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care.

Trading Blak was founded in 2020 in response to the disempowering and harmful impacts of the intentional misrepresentation of Non-Aboriginal business models within the Aboriginal business landscape and is dedicated to supporting the growth of the Indigenous business sector in mainstream national and international retail.

In 2018 Jarin founded activewear brand Jarin Street which aims to create beautiful and functional activewear and mats for all people, while maintaining a pathway of economic self-determination and highlighting the artists and their designs.

In November 2020 Jarin launched the first ever Aboriginal owned fashion retail store in a Westfield centre, Jarin Street x Trading Blak.

With a previous career as a front line Police officer spanning 13 years, Jarin has a unique insight into the systemic issues Aboriginal communities face across the criminal justice system, and has always been driven to make change in the justice space.

Jarin was a 2022 finalist in the Premiers Awards for NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year.

Jarin currently serves as CEO of Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care Program in Redfern. A highly respected long standing Aboriginal led Aged Care service, Wyanga provides culturally safe high quality care to Elders living in their own homes in the inner-Sydney area.

Jarin a mum of 3, has dedicated her life and career to grassroots, community led self- determined pathways in numerous intersecting spaces impacting Aboriginal people in her community.

Shahni Wellington

Shahni Wellington is a proud Jerrinja and Wandi Wandian woman from the south coast of NSW.

She is a media professional, TV presenter and journalist, Shahni has worked as the ABC’s National Indigenous Affairs Correspondent, political correspondent for NITV/SBS, host of NITV’s The Point and of the inaugural First Nations morning show, Big Mob Brekky.

She is currently working as a communications specialist and podcast host with the University of Newcastle.

Michelle Deshong

Co-hosted the Wiyi Yani U Thangani summit

Michelle Deshong is a Kuku Yalanji woman and lives in Townsville. She is a extensive experience in the public and private sector. Michelle has held senior executive positions across the Public Service and the Not-for-profit sector. From 2016 to 2021 she was the CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute and in 2023 was +Interim CEO of Supply Nation. She has a strong interest in developing the Indigenous business sector and supporting intergenerational prosperity and creating pathways for economic development and trade opportunities.

Michelle holds a BA (Honours) in Political Science and Indigenous Studies as well as other professional qualifications. In 2015 she was awarded the National NAIDOC Scholar of the year for her contribution to academia and community development. In 2016 Michelle received the Australian/American Fulbright Indigenous Professional Scholarship to undertake research across CANZUS countries on First Nations Leadership and Governance, particularly centred around Nation Building and Self-Determination. This was followed by a Churchill Fellowship in 2018 to continue researching Indigenous rights in a global context.

Michelle is involved in several professional networks, including being a Fellow with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF), a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (MAIATSIS). She is also the Co-Chair of the Indigenous Business Sector Group for the Australia, New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF).

Michelle’s has a consultancy business that she has been running since 2008. Her work draws on her in-depth knowledge of Indigenous affairs and more broadly in the machinery of government, advocacy and political change. She is an accredited trainer and facilitator in Leadership, Governance and Gender equality. Michelle is well regarded for her work in facilitation and has emceed and hosted large event domestically and internationally.

Professor Juanita Sherwood

Professor Juanita Sherwood Professor Sherwood is a proud First Nations Australian who has had enriched working opportunities over 40 years within the health, education and research sectors.  

She has built an impressive work span, from hands on clinical and community grass roots work through to advocacy via engaging with government and building evidence through Indigenous standpoint research.  

A founding member of CATSIN (the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait and Islander Nurses) and the National Partnership for Justice Health, she has been an instigator of evidence building and action regarding Otitis Media in both the education and health sectors and through working with our First Nations Women in and leaving prison.   

Juanita continues to work in First Nations health research and social justice operations and is one of the top five most productive researchers globally on the topic of decolonisation. Her work has popularised the use of decolonising frameworks and praxes in teaching, research and health care across Australia. 

Marle Ashby

Marle Ashby is a proud Jerrinja Cullunghutti Wandra Wandian Woman from the South Coast of NSW. She has grown up in the Shoalhaven most of her life, until 2019 when she moved to Canberra Grammar for her senior years. There, she became one of the first recipients of their Indigenous Scholarship, representing 1 of 7 Aboriginal students in a school of nearly 2,000, graduating in 2020.  

Currently, Marle is honoured to work at Waminda, where she has been part of the Youth Program for nearly two years. Her role is integral to the Bulwul Balaang (Strong Women) program, she co-facilitates in school programs, after-school programs, before-school programs, camps, and school holiday programs. She has represented Waminda as a delegate at the NACCHO conference, the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Youth Forum, and locally on the Shoalhaven NAIDOC Committee.  

Her journey is driven by a passion for our youth. Marle is dedicated to empowering our youth to have a voice and encouraging them to occupy spaces in spaces that aren’t built for us. She believes in their potential to thrive not only academically but also culturally—through language, art, storytelling, and dancing. By nurturing these aspects, she empowers them to embrace their culture with strength and pride.  

Emily Carter AM

Emily Carter AM is a proud Gooniyandi and Kija woman from the Central/West Kimberley in Western Australia. With a strong belief in sovereignty, family, and a rights-based approach, she believes in creating equity and opportunity for everyone.

Emily is the current CEO of Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre in Fitzroy Crossing, building on the legacy of previous CEO June Oscar AO. Alongside June, Emily championed a community-led campaign for alcohol restrictions in the Kimberley, led research on the impacts of intergenerational trauma, and has worked tirelessly to reduce Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

A member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council, the Commonwealth Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, and Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children – First Nations Leadership Council; Emily is a fierce advocate calling for First Nations Economic Empowerment to drive the systemic change needed to ensure Aboriginal people have the quality of life they deserve. Emily’s mantra is “your income shouldn’t determine your outcome / your postcode shouldn’t determine your access”.

Emily was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Kayshan Berger

I’ve always loved my Aboriginal culture growing up, through school participating dance, events, Aboriginal Studies. Now that I’m becoming older, I’ve wanted to learn more about my Family history and culture, so that I can be knowledgeable to pass it down my own children.

My journey started with making beeswax wraps, sustainability caring for our beautiful Country. Then I wanted to learn how to do traditional weaving and learn different techniques, I’ve been doing weaving now for just over a year and love it! I find it calming, centred and relaxing. I make jewellery, baskets, dillybags, wall pieces and baby baskets. I use fibres of raffia and lamandra and use natural dyes of the bush in my work.

I’m proud of who I’ve become, and being on this journey with you to share my culture and stories.

Theresa Lake

Theresa is a proud Gamilaroi woman born and raised in Dubbo with strong ties to her home countryof Coonabarabran. With more than 15years’ experienceworking for Aboriginal rights–basedorganisationsshaping policy, designing, and deliveringimpactful programs,Theresa’s work hasfocussed on community development and economic empowerment.Currently theManager of Community Partnerships and Programs with the Aboriginal Legal Service(NSW/ACT), Theresa leadsthedelivery of key reform initiatives under the NSW Aboriginal JusticePartnershipunder the National Agreement on Closing the Gapand is theCo–Chair of the AboriginalWomen’s Advisory Network (AWAN).

Larissa Baldwin-Roberts

Larissa is a proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman from the Bundjalung Nations and comes from a long-line of political activists and was brought up in the fight for land rights, climate justice, First Nations justice and cultural heritage, building strong relationships in communities and across civil society over decades. 

Larissa has dedicated her life to a more fair Australia and as the CEO at GetUp, leads an independent movement of more than one million people working to build a progressive Australia and put people back into politics. 

Prior to GetUp, Larissa co founded Seed, Australia’s first Indigenous youth climate network, after working internationally and becoming a respected campaign strategist and messaging expert. 

Larissa she has spent extensive periods of time in the Northern Territory working directly with Traditional Owners and communities and is the Director of Research for Passing the Message Stick, a research project that looks at the importance of persuasive messaging to build widespread support for transformative change, like treaties, truth-telling and representation, beyond the referendum. 

Larissa is an expert on gas policy and fracking on traditional owner land. She’s also undertaken extensive research and policy campaign work on gas supply, the gas industry and its impacts on climate change and fossil fuel emissions. 

Debra Bowman

I am a proud Ngemba Wailwan woman from Brewarrina NSW, now living and working in Nowra on the beautiful lands and waterways of the Jerrinja, Wodi Wodi and Wanda Wandandian people which form part of the Yuin Nation on the southeast coast of NSW. I am a proud mum and nan. My family connections are important and going home to country allows me to stay grounded and connected to my family, community, and Ancestors, this is significant to my being as an Aboriginal woman, my spirituality, and wellbeing.   

I provide high quality therapeutic intervention, crisis support, group work, community development, advocacy and case management to children, adolescents, women and families who are impacted by violence. I provide comprehensive risk assessments and safety management plans, individual case plans in collaboration with adolescents, women and family members living with the impacts of trauma, grief and loss, violence, and abuse. I work collaboratively with our CELT, manager’s, leaders and researchers to plan, develop, implement, evaluate, and review the therapeutic approach for Waminda. 

My in-depth knowledge and lived experienced allows me as an Aboriginal woman to adapt and share narrative approaches to respond to loss, grief, trauma and comorbidity in the Aboriginal context and conduct assessments and therapeutic interventions using evidence-based models and theory. 

I work collaboratively with service providers in the South Coast area to incorporate a cultural, spiritual, and family context from the individual’s choices that will be implemented by the use of historical knowledge, dreaming and cultural stories to reclaim their lives and identify the practices and effects of the use of language and voices of our Aboriginal families and communities. 

Deidre Martin

Experienced and Respected Elder of the Nowra area. 

Worked as an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger with over 24 years of experience in delivering Culture and Community work. 

Knowledgeable in Culture and providing one on one or group mentoring. 

I am passionate about my Culture and my connection to the land. 

This is something I love to teach and share with other community members. 

I have worked in all schools in our local area to share knowledge and information on my Aboriginal Culture. 

Lucinda Walder

My name is Lucinda Walder and I am a proud Wodi Wodi, Wandi Wandian and Jerrinja woman. I studied a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Law at the University of NSW because my passion lies in social justice and helping to address the issues that affect our Aboriginal communities. I have worked as a community support worker, a justice support worker, a legal researcher on the ‘Family is Culture’ report and various other roles.  

I am currently a solicitor with the Work and Development Order Service at Legal Aid NSW, and I am based in Orange on Wiradjuri country. I currently assist clients with complex fines matters. It is important to me that I help mob to solve issues that affect their everyday lives.   

The allocation of funding, having meaningful partnerships and resource sharing is important for our people to have self-determination and autonomy over our social, political, cultural and economic needs. I know how important our roles are in advocating for our clients, families and communities. I was raised to be a strong Aboriginal woman and I will ensure that I’m also creating spaces and opportunities for our voices to be heard

Vicki Mckenna

Vicki Mckenna is a proud Yawuru and Bunuba woman (Broome –Fitzroy, Kimberley Region Northwest WA). 

Vicki is Head of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre at Blackdog Institute in Sydney, responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Centre. 

The Centre is the first of its kind in Australia and internationally. It was established to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience voices across mental health and suicide prevention. The Centre also provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to utilise their lived experience to support, advocate for and contribute to research, evidence based practices, evaluations, programs, policies, strategies and services with genuine and meaningful participation that can contribute to positive change in mental health and suicide prevention. 

Vicki is a trained Child Psychotherapist and Counsellor and an experienced trainer in Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing, suicide prevention and postvention support and care and critical response to suicide. 

She is a recognised and a respected member of both the Aboriginal community and the mental health profession nationally and internationally. 

Karakia Hepi

Walaawani, my name is Karakia Hepi-Te-Huia I am a proud Jerrinja, Cullunghuti, Wandi Wandandian woman from the south coast of NSW.  

I am a second year law and politics student at Macquarie University in Sydney, and I work with Indigenous high school students as a tutor and mentor.  

My passions lie in the advancement of our mob socially, economically, legally, and politically. 

Live Performances

Waminda Bulwul Balaang

Waminda’s Bulwul Balaang (Strong Women) dancers formed their group about a year ago. They have performed at several events such as 

Waminda’s Womens Gathering 

Waminda’s 40th Elders Luncheon 

They have also participated in many local Corroborees and have travelled as far as Bourke to be a part of the Annual NSW Aboriginal Corroboree.  

Our Balaangs are strong and staunch in their Identity and Culture and lead the way for our future generations. 

Mudjingaal Yangamba Choir 

Mudjingaal Yangamba means Spirit Singing in Dhurga, one of the original languages spoken on the South Coast.  Mudjingaal Yangamba is a Koori women’s choir of Elders, custodians, Aunts and sisters who share their stories through song revitalising language through song. 

Writing and singing in their ancestral languages, they gather as community with community, celebrating and revitalising our connection with language spirit and culture. 

Jem Cassar-Daley

As the enchanting siren of Australia’s indie-pop realm, Jem Cassar-Daley has been a radiant fixture on the music stage since her debut in 2021. With a voice that lingers in your soul and lyrics that transcend time, Jem’s musical journey has been nothing short of spectacular, amassing a trove of accolades and acclaim that have firmly etched her name as a rising star of the Australian music scene.
Jem’s magnetic stage presence, celestial vocals, and her ability to craft timeless songs have catapulted her to the forefront of the industry and earned her a constellation of nominations and awards, notably the prestigious title of NIMA New Talent of the Year in 2022 and the esteemed QMA Indigenous Artist of the Year also in 2022 along with being named as the star to watch in 2023 in the Queensland Sunday Mail.
Jem’s music has resonated far and wide, propelling her into the spotlight as she took center stage during Thelma Plum’s national tour in 2022 and graced five coveted showcases at The Great Escape in the UK in May 2023. This year also saw her shine brightly as she wove her magic on Triple J’s Like A Version, presenting a mesmerizing rendition of “The Sweet Escape.”
In the world of live performances, Jem has been the guiding star as she provided her enchanting support for Busby Marou’s national tour in 2023.
Beyond her musical prowess, Jem stands as a proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung woman, inheriting a legacy of storytelling that informs her artistry. Her music seamlessly weaves together the influences of musical luminaries like Missy Higgins, Phoebe Bridgers, Angus and Julia Stone, Joni Mitchell, and Carole King, culminating in a transcendent fusion of indie pop grooves.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of Australian music, Jem Cassar-Daley’s star shines ever brighter. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary talent in action, for her music is nothing short of an ethereal experience that resonates deep within the soul.

Miiesha

“Miiesha holds multitudes – she is a movement” – Cyclone Wehner – NME

From the small Aboriginal community of Woorabinda Miiesha arrived on the RnB landscape with a sound and a story that instantly demanded attention. 

A strong, proud Anangu/Torres Strait Islander woman, Miiesha (Pronounced My-ee-sha) released her debut collection of songs entitled Nyaaringu in 2020. Meaning ‘what happened’ in Pitjantjatjara language, Nyaaringu explores the stories and the strength Miiesha has inherited from her late Grandmother, whose interludes narrate the project. 

Since its release, Nyaaringu has not only garnered critical acclaim, but received the 2020 ARIA for Best Soul/RnB Release, a QLD Music Award, a NIMA, and went on to top multiple Album of the Year lists. 

Inspired by the sounds of RnB, Gospel and Soul, and the power of spoken word poetry, Miiesha is using her music to bring people together to help educate and inspire. 

With a voice that showcases vulnerability and strength, often in the one breath, Miiesha sings of her people, her community and her story with the raw emotion of lived experience. 

Miiesha’s story is not just worth hearing, it’s needed.