- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
Leaders for Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Lesa Reed – Canberra, ACT
Lesa is from NSW, and she is now living in Canberra. She is part of the Women’s Koori Network and Billabong Housing working Group, looking for better ways to improve Aboriginal Housing and Health. She also supports the Tent Embassy and is part of events held in the Community. She is currently employed with the Doris Women’s Refuge and assists Aboriginal women in stopping violence within their own families and gaining their identities again. She aspires to lead by speaking on the issues that need to be improved for a better standard of living for Aboriginal people and communities.
Leaders for New South Wales (NSW)
Evelyn Barker – Brewarrina, NSW
Evelyn is from, Brewarrina NSW. Evelyn is married with two children, and has seven grandchildren. She has her own business. After her marriage broke up she worked to keep and educate her two children, who are now university educated. She then entered the workforce, where her main focus has been women, children, and working towards a safe community. Evelyn has worked in safe houses, women’s housing, land council and local community organisations. She would like to lead young women, other women and grandmothers.
Pat Canty – Bourke, NSW
Pat is a Barkindji woman from Bourke, Western NSW. She is a mother of two children and she is involved in numerous local community organisations including Bourke Aboriginal Health Service, CWA and the Domestic Violence group and she is a representative in the Department of Primary Industries, Rural Women’s Network Program and the Bourke Community Working Party. She is a Registered Nurse and has completed a Bachelor in Health Science (Nursing) and a Master of Health Management at the University of New England. Pat would like to improve the health of her family and the community and would like to be involved in community activities.
Gwen Griffen – Gunnedah, NSW
Gwen is from Bonalbo and Cabbage Tree Island, NSW. She is a part time ATSIS Councillor and a Councillor for the Gunnedah Shire Council. Gwen has sat on a number of Councils, Corporations and Committee’s in her community since 1986. She has a genuine interest to the wellbeing of the community and would like to improve her ability to achieve her personal goals and the goals of the Community.
Susan Hoskins – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Susan is from Coffs Harbour, NSW. She is currently employed as the Aboriginal Mental Health Educator at the local hospital. Susan has obtained a Diploma in Aboriginal Education and a Bachelor of Education. She has been an active member of the Local Aboriginal Lands Council for the past twenty years and has recently been elected as a Chairperson. Susan is a member of the Local Aboriginal Family & Community Care Centre, serving as an Executive for the past fifteen years. She is also the Secretary of the Coffs Harbour Family and Community Care Centre. She aims to empower Indigenous women to believe in themselves and to be successful at all venture they wish to pursue.
Deborah Ryan – Dubbo, NSW
Deborah is a traditional woman from Wiradjuri, Dubbo. She has been the Aboriginal Education Assistant and Special Education Assistant at Orana Heights Public School while studying a Certificate III in Aboriginal Educational Assistants. As a mother of four children and one grandchild, with her youngest having special needs, she has developed a strong commitment to sourcing disability services and was elected to the Advisory Board of the NSW Disability Council in 1997 for a four year term. She has long standing involvement in Indigenous Affairs in her community through membership and management board levels and with this experience would like to help others to achieve their goals and be a positive role model and leader within her community.
Mariann Smith – Warabrook, NSW
Mariann is a Moree, Kamiloroi Country NSW. For the past 20 years Mariann has lived in Newcastle as an active community member involved in the establishment and development of Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge, strongly supports leadership and advice to young women and holds numerous memberships and executive positions in community organisations. She is currently employed as the Coordinator of Awabakal Disability Service at Awabakal Newcastle Aboriginal Cooperation Ltd. She would like to promote the status of women as Community Leaders, gain positive recognition and respect, acknowledgment from Indigenous people within the community on leadership.
Mary Torrens – Casino, NSW
Mary is from Casino, NSW. She is a young mother of three girls. She is a strong advocate for women and children to live without violence. Mary is currently employed with the Department of Community Services and develops programs and camps to provide education and healing for women, children and men affected by violence. Her passion is to support and empower change with women and children to make a stand and work towards a violence free community.
Shannon Blake – Moama, NSW
Shannon is a woman from Echuca, VIC. She has worked as a carer for people with disabilities, aged and dementia for the Bendigo Health Care Group in Echuca, and also the HACC Coordinator at Njernda Aboriginal Corporation. She is studying Certificate III in Aged Care and Certificate III in Community Services, and planning to go on to a Certificate IV next year. Shannon successfully juggles motherhood and full-time work and aspires to teach and educate other members of her community.
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Leaders for Northern Territory (NT)
Noeleen Andrews – Rockhole, NT
Noeleen lives in Rockhole, (NT). She works as part of the CDEP program at the Women’s Centre, Nyirranggulung. She is a spokesperson for the youth of Rockhole and is currently working with other community members to stamp out gambling. A lot of her community work is done in her own time to assist community members to reach their goals.
Regina Bennett – Darwin, NT
Regina is from Darwin NT. She works as a Coordinator at the Darwin Aboriginal and Islander Women’s Shelter. She was born in Darwin and has large family connections. Regina is a Deputy Chairperson of the Yilli Rreung Regional Council. She would like to assist our people to become independent and build on their self esteem. Regina would also like to assist women to set up safe houses in remote communities. Her passion is in exploring new ways of ensuring a safe and secure future for Indigenous people.
Marie Brennan – Barunga, NT
Marie is a Maiyali woman. She is currently living at Barunga Community in the Northern Territory. Marie is a Council Board Member and is also a broadcaster with BRACS radio (Broadcasting Remote Area Communities Scheme). She has been involved in addressing family violence issues, and is currently the women’s supervisor for CDEP. Marie is also involved with the Sunrise Health Committee of Barunga and a member of the school council. Marie would especially like to provide leadership for young women.
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Caroline Coombes – Alice Springs, NT
Caroline is from Northern Territory and now living in Alice Springs. She works as a Cross Border Carer Respite Project Officer with Ngannyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council, assisting frail and disabled clients to access respite care and facilities across the NPY Lands. She would like to gain more skills in reporting to governments, budgets and workplace problem solving. She sees the program strengthening her as a leader and providing skills that she can use in her work and when she returns to the Community.
Veronica Johns – Palmerston, NT
Veronica is a woman from Darwin. She works in a program support position doing in-service training for staff in remote area Aboriginal children’s services. She would like to pursue creative writing and to encourage other Aboriginal people to write. Veronica feels that it is particularly pleasing when you can encourage and empower people to act and speak on their own behalf for their own children and within their communities.
Norma Joshua – Ngukurr, NT
Norma lives in Ngukurr NT. She was raised around bush areas in Tennant Creek Region. She is currently a CDEP participant (translating) at Ngukurr Language and is studying for her Masters Degree in Education. Norma is trying to help the community through the landscaping program to make the community look better and good to live in. She is also trying to help her community to try and come to terms with having Languages alive for everyone’s benefit. To revive languages: are to save it, share it, by reading, writing, within both ways.
Mona Liddy – Darwin, NT
Mona is a woman from the Daly River and Pine Creek area. She is Language Group Spokesperson and committee member of the Land Management Meetings. Mona is a facilitator and participant of the Bush harvesting, Women’s Management Programmes and meetings. She has been working in the community management field for several years and have life experience and skills regarding her community and within the NT. Mona would like to bring the new skills back to the community to enhance the ‘old ways’ and to enrich the community in particular the empowerment of women.
Lisa Mumbin – Katherine, NT
Lisa is a woman from Katherine, NT and is currently employed by the Jawoyn Association as Chairperson. The position has been a real challenge for her and has helped her become strong and confident. Her interest is mainly to focus on supporting women’s, children’s and youth issues and be available to provide support in other areas of need across the Garrak-Jarru region. Lisa is also involved in the following organisations and committees: Kalano Community Association Council (and sub-committee of Aged Care and Alcohol Rehabilitation); Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service – Executive Council member; Sunrise Health Service – Executive Council member; Nitmuluk Board of Management; Katherine Regional Aboriginal Health and Related Services Governing Committee member; Katherine AIM Council member; Kalano Bombers Sporting Club committee. Involvement in these organisations and committees helps Lisa to represent and support her people and she also sees this as an opportunity to help our future generations learn the importance of leadership in our communities.
Shelena Rankin – Barunga, NT
Shelena is a woman from Barunga NT. She is 23 years old with two children and currently working at the Women’s Centre in the Aged Care Program. She believes that for a community to be strong, everyone has to support each other, and aspires to lead the way in showing people how to help each other.
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Dawn Ross – Alice Springs, NT
Dawn is an Alice Springs NT. She is married with four children, and is a member of Itperylenge community (Arrernte). She is always involved in the progress of Itperylenge, from the beginning helping source funds for housing, water and electricity, and now working on ongoing improvement. She is also involved in the family business, where she has been Chairperson for six years of a tourist resort at Standley Chasm in the MacDonald Ranges. She is working at Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in Alice Springs as a student liaison officer. She aspires to help her community to be independent and to empower families.
Beverley Thomas – Alice Springs, NT
Beverley is a woman from Kalgoorlie, WA. She was elected as a councillor on the Western Desert Regional Council for the second term for the Warburton Ward in February 2004. Beverley is also a member of the Ngaanyatjarra Council, Warburton community, an Executive member of the Aboriginal Legal Service and also a councillor on the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku. She is an advocate for women’s issues within the Western Desert Regional Council.
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Leaders for Queensland(QLD)
Louise Akenson – Weipa, QLD
Louise is an Indigenous women from Mapoon QLD. She is currently living in Cairns, on a short term basis to upgrade her skills so she can contribute more to the development of her community. Her current position is a Community Development Officer, Apunipima Cape York Health Council, Cairns. Her position involves advocating for Cape York people.
Nancy Bamaga – Milton, QLD
Nancy is a woman from Brisbane. She has a strong cultural identity as a Torres Strait Islander woman which is drawn from the early teachings of her mother who actively encouraged her to meet challenges in the pursuit of her dreams. She is currently employed as Indigenous Project Officer with Creative Economy. She has been involved in the arts industry since 1992 and is committed to actively promoting and empowering Indigenous artists to access opportunities that will lead to their financial stability. She is also studying for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Management and Development. She would like to facilitate inter-generational transfer of knowledge to create strong, skilled women leaders into the future.
Roselene Best – Yeronga, QLD
Roselene is a woman from the Gold Coast area and South Stradbroke Island. She is currently living in Inner City Brisbane. She works as the Tenancy Advice and Community Education Worker at West End Community House as well as volunteering as the Convenor of the Indigenous Branch of Qld Shelter Inc. focussing on homelessness and affordable housing initiatives. She graduated from University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Social Work in 1998. Her work experience focuses on her commitment to social justice and self determination for all people.
Grace Bond – Chermside, QLD
Grace is a woman from Cherbourg Aboriginal Community, and now living in Brisbane. She is the Coordinator of Murri Sisters Incorporated refuge in Brisbane city. Grace has been actively involved in women’s issues, child advocacy and protection, family and criminal law issues, early childhood development and human rights for the past 13 years in her home community of Cherbourg and now Brisbane. She sees her community role as taking up the challenges, overcoming barriers and empowering herself and others to pursue justice for all Indigenous women and children.
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Jackie Broderick – Albion, QLD
Jackie is a woman from Cherbourg, QLD and identifies as a descendant of the Wangan Jagalingou woman of central Queensland (Clermont area). Jackie is currently employed as a contract teacher with Education Queensland, working with young people at the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre, Wacol Brisbane. Jackie has been teaching in several schools within Queensland for the past fourteen years after graduating from the University of Southern QLD in 1989. A passionate teacher in Aboriginal History, Jackie aspires to being a positive role model for our future generations and through her leadership, aims to bring back the respect that has been denied to our Elders and our women, who have proven that they are the people who keep our community strong.
Elaine Cairns – Doomadgee, QLD
Elaine is a woman from Doomadgee Community. She has been elected on the Council in Doomadgee as the Deputy Chairperson of the Doomadgee Council and Chairperson of the Warrgoolbulginda Corporation (Child Care Centre). She is employed by the Doomadgee Council as a Community Agent for Centrelink. Elaine is also the Deputy Chairperson. She would like to enhance her skills as a better leader to help with the responsibilities she has within her community.
Daisy Caltabiano – Earleville, QLD
Daisy is a woman from Palm Island. She is currently living in Mapoon. She is in a multi purpose senior administration position looking after CDEP and Women’s Coordinator. She also interacts with community members on a regular basis where she discusses developments of the community. Daisy assists the Mapoon Women’s Group in participating within the community and fundraising activities to send the children to sports camp. Daisy aspires to further lead and develop her community through better communication.
Heather Castledine – Loganlea, QLD
Heather is a woman from Charleville, QLD. She has a degree in Social Work from Deakin University and is currently working at the Child & Youth Mental Health Service. She is also involved in community and policy issues in relation to health. Heather is already leading the way in encouraging young people in her family and community to continue into further studying in any field they are interested in. Heather aspires to be a better advocate for community people and can do at the government and community level.
Shirli Congoo – Thuringowa, QLD
Shirli is a woman from the Mackay region, and she now lives in Townsville with her husband of seventeen years. She has five children and also cares for two nephews and a niece. She is currently employed as an Indigenous Education Worker within a primary school. Shirli enjoys assisting people to access support from a range of organizations, and works to facilitate assistance for families and students. She is also involved in many local community organisations for children’s sports, community renewal and primary and high school committees. Shirli would like to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, and looking forward to provide more support to her community on a number of topics.
Esme Fewquandie – Cherbourg, QLD
Esme is a woman from Cherbourg, QLD. She has recently been elected as a Community Councillor. Esme is a convenor for an Indigenous Advisory Group who helps coordinate a property development for at risk youth. She is the Chairperson of a Regional Steering Committee that focuses on PHC planning. She would like to enhance her skills to assist and enable fellow Councillors with day to day issues as well as planning and organising for the future of her community. Esme is employed with Queensland Health as a Women’s Health Worker. Her other passion is working towards returning birthing to Cherbourg.
Lillian Gray – Cherbourg, QLD
Lillian lives at Cherbourg Community in Queensland. She is involved in a number of community groups, such as the Local Justice Group, the Elders and Cherbourg Critical Incident Group. Lillian is the Coordinator of Jundah Aboriginal Corporation Women’s Shelter and is also a Cherbourg Shire Councillor. She has worked to assist survivors of sexual abuse, and deal with the sexual abuse of children through her work with the Cherbourg Critical Incident Group. Lillian is looking forward to gaining more knowledge to further her careers.
Margaret Hornagold – Rockhampton, QLD
Margaret is a woman from Barada and Kabalbara. She is married with two children. Margaret is employed as the Manager of Darumbal Community Youth Service in Rockhampton. Her work involve, managing a range of programs for young homeless and marginalised people and more recently developing new models for working with Indigenous families. Margaret has knowledge and experience in a broad range of issues such as youth, justice, medical, employment, education and training, native title and sustainable natural resource management. By participating in the program Margaret hopes to learn strategies to take back to her community to share with other Indigenous women so that they can all become stronger and feel they are connected to a group of strong black women fighting for the same causes.
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Lynette Johnson – Cairns, QLD
Lynette is a Kukuyalanji woman. She spent sixteen years living in Victoria before she came to settle in Cairns. Lynette is a Domestic Violence Worker in Mossman at DSIFSS. Her role involves crisis counselling for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community including school students. Lynette would like to gain more skills and knowledge to be able to be a leader in the Mossman community and one day run for local government.
Louise Manas – Moa Island, QLD
Louise grew up in the Torres Strait Island and is currently living at Kubin community on Moa Island. She is the Chair of the Mualgal Native Group and her role is to work with other stakeholders on consultation processes and advice on the rights and interest of the community. Louise is the President of Kaziw Assessred Le Inc, which is an organisation that is established to deliver programs for Families and Children Services in the Torres Strait. Louise also works for the Arkai Kaziw Childcare Program as the coordinator. Her role is to supervise and monitor the staff, program planning, community consultation and coordinate meetings with staff, parents and other stakeholders.
Jennifer Mast – Cairns, QLD
Jennifer is a woman from Thursday Island and has now living in Cairns. Jennifer has eight children and has worked in smaller communities like Lockhart River in the Women’s Shelter and helps disadvantaged women through difficult times and is a very good listener for them. She has studied Child Care at TAFE and would like to be more confident in encouraging mothers about their children’s education health and care.
Cecily McKellar – Meringandan West, QLD
Cecily is a Budjiti woman living in Eulo, SW. She is employed as a Youth Justice Convenor with the State Department of Communities and is enthusiastic about restorative justice approaches in being able to sit down and talk about issues. She has recently been appointed to manage an Art Gallery in her traditional lands. Cecily is keen to empower the young Indigenous sisters through the arts and forums.
Lorraine Murray – Cherbourg, QLD
Lorraine is a Cherbourg woman. She has six children and twentyone grandchildren. Lorraine is on the Board of Director at Barambah Regional Medical Service and is also a member of the Cherbourg Women’s Critical Incident Group. She is also a volunteer on the Night Patrol for children. It has been Lorraine’s ambition to open the Barambah Regional Medical Centre Service which is named after her sister as her family have continued their sister’s work. Lorraine would like to see her community better educated and working together in harmony.
Josie Nawia – Moa Island, QLD
Josie is a woman from Badu Island and is now living on Kubin Moa Island. She has lived on Horn Island for five years and Thursday Island for eight years due to work commitments. Josie is employed by the Department of Education as a teacher at Thursday Island Primary. She is keen to continue as a role model for the community and children. By participating in the program Josie hopes to further develop her leadership skills and ability as a teacher. This will also enhance Josie’s personal goal, setting goals for children and working in partnership with her community, especially the younger generation.
Matilda Neliman – Moa Island, QLD
Matilda lives in Kubin Community on Moa Island. She is currently employed as a Council Clerk with the Kubin Island Council. Matilda has represented the community in various roles through the Mura Kosker Sorority, the Thursday Island Women’s organisation as well as sporting clubs and associations. She is currently a president of the Kubin State School Parents and Citizens Association. Matilda aspires to help youth in her community access better education.
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Dorothy (Dottie) Omeenyo – Lockhart River, QLD
Dorothy is an elder of the Kuu Ku y’au people and lives at Lockhart River. She has three children. She plays a key role in a number of organisations, including Councillor of the Lockhart River Aboriginal Council for ten years where she has responsibility for women, health and church. Dorothy is also President of the Mother’s Union, assisting women’s spiritual and learning opportunities, and a board member of Apunipima, which has regional responsibility for health issues in Cape York. She wants to see the young women know they can do it and be a leader too.
Lucy Rodgers – Gordonvale, QLD
Lucy is a Gungandhi woman, who are the traditional owners of Yarrabah. She lives in Gordonvale near Yarrabah, and she comes from a family of eight. She has three children. Lucy is employed with the Yarrabah Aboriginal Corporation for Women as the Coordinator of the Domestic and Family Violence Shelter. She is also a Justice of the Peace. She aspires to create a safer environment opportunities for young adults and children, and to have Indigenous women’s voices heard at a local and national level.
Desley Rosas – Yungaburra, QLD
Desley is an Atherton Tableland woman. Her Traditional Owner group in this area is the Tableland Yidinji people. She is currently employed as an Indigenous Liaison & Administration Officer at the Sustainable Solutions Consulting Pty Ltd. Her role is to handle the Indigenous affairs of the Traditional Owners of this area by consulting and liaising with stakeholders, land owners, groups and departments. Desley ensures the Traditional Owners are acknowledged and have their input about projects or developments happening in their area. Her passion is to further develop and refine the skills she has gained and to learn new skills in leadership to develop communities.
Leone Smith – Nambour, QLD
Leone lives in Nambour, Queensland. She is a Registered Nurse and has a Diploma in Childcare and Education. She volunteers with the Nambour Good Beginnings Program which supports families in parenting skills, and also with Lifeline doing telephone counselling. Her passion is in Indigenous health work and community capacity building to improve Indigenous health and wellbeing.
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Leaders for South Australia (SA)
Mary Anderson – Umuwa, SA
Mary is a Yankunytjatjara woman who has worked with many different organisations around the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands. She is currently working as Anangu Coordinator for a range of media services in the APY lands with PY Media. Mary lives in Alice Springs, NT and would like to assist young girls to become strong women leaders.
Alison Milyika Carroll – Ernabella, SA
Alison is a woman from Pukatja NT. She is the Anangu Mayatja (Manager) of Ernabella Arts Inc. and was also Chairperson for two years from 2001 to 2003. Alison is also the Acting Chair of the arts body for Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands: Ananguku Arts and Culture Aboriginal Corporation. Alison has worked on many exhibitions and performances to show our culture and keeping our culture strong. Exhibitions and performances have taken Alison across Australia and too many international destinations. Alison would like to take her skills back to her community to teach others and encourage artists, young people and families.
Heather Coleman – Ceduna, SA
Heather lives in west of Ceduna at her family homeland at the community of Dinahline. She has been involved in a range of community organisations and initiatives, including the Weena Mooga Gu Gudba (Ceduna Aboriginal Women’s Group). She is currently Chairperson of the Tjutjunaku Worka Tjuta, which provides a range of services to the Aboriginal community. Heather is also a representative for Ceduna on a range of committees at the state level on women’s issues. She has played a key role in facilitating family violence research and responses in her community. Heather is looking forward to seeing women gain the power, strength and acknowledgement to achieve their goals through leadership assistance.
Avis Dunnett – Thevenard, SA
Avis is the Coordinator of the Aboriginal Women’s group based in Ceduna. Through the group, Avis assists in the running of a range of programs to support families and youth in Yalata community, Koonibba Community and Ceduna town camp. Avis is married with three children and five grandchildren. She has received the Aboriginal of the Year Award in 1986. Avis is enthusiastic about learning and moving forward, and her goal is to do anything in her power to help empower Aboriginal people in the region.
Tamara Mackean – Adelaide, SA
Tamara is a woman from Esperance, WA and now lives in Adelaide, SA. She is a descendent of the Wongai Peoples of the Goldfields region in Western Australia. Tamara is a Medical Practitioner (MBBS – UNSW) currently working in the Flinders University School of Medicine (FUSOM) as the Lecturer in Indigenous Health. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Central Northern Adelaide Health Service, Australian Indigenous Doctor’s Association (AIDA), and the Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC) of SA. Tamara is completing her Master of Public Health and undertaking her dissertation. She believes that by acting as a role model in her community and beyond, when they see her as a strong Wongai women that strength can flow onto them.
Roxanne Miller – Port Lincoln, SA
Roxanne is a woman from Port Lincoln, SA and has spent her life there in the community. Roxanne is currently working with the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Corporation and is a member of the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Community Council. She also the acting Aboriginal Women’s Group Coordinator. , Roxanne has six children and two grandchildren. She has been an active member of the Aboriginal Women’s State Advisory Committee for the past two years. Her goal is to bring good developmental ideas back to the community and learn more for herself, family, other women and community.
Belinda Richards – Port Lincoln, SA
Belinda is Barngarla woman Port Lincoln. She is currently employed as the CDEP Program Officer with Port Lincoln Aboriginal Community Council. She is also a board member with Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Services. Belinda believes it is important to speak to youth about education and about programs for them. She aspires to take her skills back to her community and family to encourage and empower women throughout the community.
Roxanne Sambo – Ceduna, SA
Roxanne is from Ceduna SA. She is a Kukatha descendant from the Coleman family who all originate from Koonibba Mission, 35kms further west of Ceduna. She is married to William with three children. Roxanne has been an active committee and board member since the young age of seventeen. She is a long serving member of a range of Aboriginal community organisations such as the Minya Bunhi Childcare Centre, Dinahline Homelands committee, Aboriginal Women’s Group and the Koonibba Footbal & Netball Club. Roxanne is also currently a board member of the SA Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association as a Regional Community Representative. She has studied at the University of SA and holds a Bachelor of Arts. She is a qualified trained Assessor and is presently studying a Leadership/ Management course through TAFE. Roxanne is employed with Children, Youth and Family Services as an Aboriginal Family Practitioner. She is a strong advocate towards family preservation and kinship systems, respect for Elders, Culture and language, history and for better educational opportunities for our Aboriginal children.
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Leaders for Tasmania (Tas)
Keri Webb – St Marys, TAS
Keri lives in St Marys Tasmania, and has three children. She has been the Chairperson for Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness (ASSPA) at the local High School, and is actively involved in fundraising to help organisations in her area. She has been involved in a successful Indigenous mentoring pilot program, and coordinates an Online Centre for skills training and assessment. Keri is enthusiastic about enhancing the abilities of the community and promoting the community in any way possible.
Leaders for Victoria (VIC)
Corrina Gribble – Shepparton, VIC
Corrina lives in Shepparton, VIC. She has worked at CDEP (KEE) in various roles for the past four years on a fulltime basis. Corrina is a director on the Board of Directors and has been for the past three years. She would like to encourage other younger women to take on challenging roles.
Lidia Thorpe - Lakes Entrance, VIC
Lidia is a woman from Fitzroy, Melbourne. She is currently living in Gippsland, VIC. She is currently employed by Centrelink as the Indigenous Services Officer, encouraging and assisting young people into education & training, but has also worked in various community organisations within her community. Lidia has two children and her family has been instrumental in the development of many Aboriginal organisations in Victoria and her grandmothers have worked hard for self determination and land rights. Lidia would like to gain further experience and leadership to follow on in their footsteps. She believes that the younger generation need to be ready to take on the leadership role more for their communities.
Leaders for Western Australia (WA)
Jennifer Carter – Kalgoorlie, WA
Jennifer lives in Kalgoorlie, WA for the past fifteen years, where she is the Coordinator for Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni Aboriginal Corporation. Jennifer is also an ATSIC Regional Councillor, Mulga Mallee Region, first elected in 1995. Jennifer has also done well on the sporting front, selected in the WA State netball team five times. She plans to study law and loves to help others in her community. She has a passion for helping disadvantaged people in her community especially in the legal area, supporting and assisting family and friends through difficult times.
Raylene Cooper – Kalgoorlie, WA
Raylene lives in Kalgoorlie, and is the Director of the Eastern Goldfields Aboriginal Advancement Council. She has five children and two grandchildren. Raylene is the Chairperson of CDEP for the Goldfields through Nooda Ngulegoo Aboriginal Corporation, and a member of Bega Garnbirringu Health Services and Maku Basketball Association. She has been coordinating the NAIDOC celebrations in Kalgoorlie for six years coordinates sporting activities in Kalgoorlie. Raylene also has involvement with Indigenous youth and their issues. Raylene would like to build more networks with other Indigenous women through this program and share information.
Tracey Councillor – Hamilton Hill, WA
Tracey is a woman from Kwinana, WA. Tracey has three children. She is currently working as an Indigenous Community Development Officer, Southern Cluster, Centrelink. She has successfully completed her studies in a Certificate IV in Business and Certificate IV in Workplace and Training and Assessment. Tracey is currently enrolled in a Diploma in Business. Her work is focused on the welfare of her people and to give better access and choice. Tracey’s goal is to assist in better education and retention rates for her people.
Cheryl Davis – Innaloo, WA
Cheryl is a woman from Nyoongar Perth. Cheryl is the eldest daughter in a family of five and she has raised her two younger sisters when her mother passed away. She is currently employed as a lecturer in the Aboriginal Health Program with the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University of Technology. Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Health Science degree with Honours and graduated in 2004. Cheryl was also the recipient of the Charles Perkins Award, University of Sydney Scholarship for the highest aggregate throughout her degree. She is committed to making a positive contribution to her community and assisting students to further develop their personal and professional skills.
Joanne Melva Della Bona – Thornlie, WA
Joanne is a Balardong woman. Joanne has been employed for the past twelve years as the Director of Coolabaroo Neighbourhood Centre, which is a Multi-Functional Aboriginal Children’s Service (MACS) with thirty-three staff. In 1994 Joanne was nominated WA Citizen of the year. Joanne is passionate about Noongar culture and language being taught to Noongar children. By participating in the program Joanne hopes to extend her existing skills in regards to her operational and organisational experience, obtain support from coaches through the year and take back information and programs that will benefit the community.
Wanda Doongoo – Newman, WA
Wanda is a woman from Meekatharra, WA. She is currently living in Newman where she works as an Indigenous Support Officer with Pilbara Tafe. She is keen to improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and would like to develop the skills to further assist Aboriginal people to access further opportunities. She is an active community member of Buttah Windee Aboriginal Community, and has assisted in facilitating access to power, water, housing, roads and telecommunications for the community. She would like to help Aboriginal people become more involved in decisions that affect their future, and assist community members to gain access to further education and training.
Amanda Hunter – Wyndham, WA
Amanda is a nineteen year old woman from Wyndham, WA. She is currently on a twelve month Traineeship, Certificate 3 in Business & Administration with the Argyle Diamond Mine. Amanda is also working with Job Futures in the position of Personal Support Program Officer. Her role is to assist in the personal support coordination in the East Kimberley’s by providing assistance and training to long term Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Amanda feels the program will enhance her prospects in developing professional and personal skills to assist Indigenous women from her region to better themselves by achieving social and economic outcomes that will inturn create role models for the future.
Glenda Jackamarra – Geraldton, WA
Glenda is a woman from Mullewa, WA. She now lives in Geraldton and she is the acting coordinator of the Regional Yamatji Murni Wangga (Aboriginal Women Talking) Aboriginal Corporation. This organisation has a core service for Indigenous women, families and community issues. She is currently studying a Batchelor of Arts (Indigenous Community Management and Development) at Curtin University, Perth. Glenda would like to assist the elder women who are already in leadership roles, so that the families and the community can benefit.
Julie Martin Cobb – Broome, WA
Julie is woman from Broome, WA. She is currently employed with the WA Department of Indigenous Affairs, and is the only female Regional and Project officer in the Kimberley Region. She has three children and experience on a range of community groups and boards. Julie works with the Aboriginal Community Street Patrols, the Kimberley Domestic Violence Committee and has worked with the Local Drug Action Group. She would like to be more involved in community focused forums and projects in her area.
Elizabeth Papertalk – Cloverdale, WA
Elizabeth is a woman from Mullewa, WA. She is currently living in Perth, WA. She is involved in Women’s and Family issues both in Mullewa and Perth. Elizabeth has coordinated meetings and activities for the community. She has also been a translator of Wadjarri for youth and elders. Elizabeth supports the youth workers by interacting with children of all ages. She would like to encourage her people to learn new and better ways of achieving their goals.
Linda Quartermaine – Mandurah, WA
Linda is a woman from the South West WA. She is now living in Mandurah, WA where she is employed in three different positions. These positions are a Cultural Advisory/Educator for Allambee Counselling Inc, Community Facilitator with the Peel South/West Division of General Practice and Administration for the Winjan Aboriginal Corporation. Linda would like to learn about successful work and projects that the other women in the program have been involved in so she can gain some fantastic ideas to bring back to her community.
Sharon Todd – South Hedland, WA
Sharon is a woman from WA. She has four children and currently living in Marble Bar/Port Hedland, WA. She is employed as a public service officer and has been for eleven years and is now with the Pilbara Indigenous Coordination Centre. Sharon is very proactive in her community. She has ran in two Local Government Elections, is the Secretary of the ‘Well Women’s Centre Committee’, Chairperson of the ‘Uniting Church Congregation’, Committee member of the ‘Care for Hedland Group’ and a member of the ‘Port Hedland Australians for Reconciliation’. Sharon would like to be a role model for the younger generation and let them know that it is ok to speak out and seek ways to change things they are not happy with in their lives and the community.
Annette Willder – Midland, WA
Annette is a woman from Dalwallinu, WA . She is now living in Midlands. She has four children and five grandchildren. Annette is employed as the Coordinator of the Aboriginal Parent Support Service, Merrilinga Young Children’s Foundation Inc. By participation in the program Annette hopes to better support other Indigenous people to encourage them to take up stronger leadership roles within their families and community.