I am a proud Noonuccal and Goenpul woman from Quandamooka Country. For more than thirty years, I have called Kaurna Country home, where I have embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood, raising six children and caring for many other wonderful young people along the way.
My passion for Aboriginal education has shaped my professional journey for over eleven years. During this time, I have worked as an Aboriginal Education Worker (AEW) and District AEW, advocating strongly for the educational needs and aspirations of Aboriginal students and families. I also served for 12 years as a member of the Port Adelaide Enfield Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Panel and spent many years on the advisory board of Takaringga Warraba (Department for Child Protection).
I hold a Diploma of Aboriginal Education, along with qualifications including Certificate III in Aboriginal Education Work, Certificate IV in Middle Management, RAN Facilitator Training, Trauma-Informed Practice, WINANGAY Facilitator Training, ARRARU YAKKA Cultural Capacity Training, First Aid, and numerous other professional development courses. These qualifications reflect my ongoing commitment to strengthening educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and supporting the strengths of our communities.
Motherhood has brought me immense joy, and for the past nineteen years I have also been a dedicated foster carer, walking this journey alongside my husband. This experience, together with my own life journey, has deepened my understanding of family dynamics and the importance of nurturing children who need extra care, while ensuring they maintain strong connections to their mob, culture, and Country.
For over twenty years, I have been actively involved in education governance and advocacy. I have served on multiple governing councils, including representing the Aboriginal and broader community on the Roma Mitchell Secondary College Governing Council since 2012, where I held the role of Chairperson for ten years. At Challa Gardens Primary School, I was an active member of the Governing Council for over 15 years, serving as Chairperson for two years and Secretary for several more. My involvement in Aboriginal parent groups, including ASSPA, has enabled me to chair initiatives that strengthen community voice and promote meaningful change.
I have served for several years as a Director of the South Australian Aboriginal Education and Training Consultative Council and will take on the role of Co-Chairperson in 2025. In this role, I contribute insights into the successes, dedication, and ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal communities across South Australia.
Currently, I am the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Family Support Services (AFSS) Board. I view challenges as opportunities for positive, lasting change, and together with my fellow board members, we have celebrated many strong outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. We are guided by the resilience of our communities and the legacy of those who have contributed to AFSS over many decades.
In addition to my professional roles, I have volunteered as a Child Advocate with the Care and Protection Unit for over 20 years. Through this work, I have witnessed the strength, passion, and determination of Aboriginal families and communities to create positive futures for their children.
I feel deeply privileged to have worked alongside many inspiring individuals throughout my career and volunteer journey. Their commitment continues to motivate me, and I remain dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities.
