2007 National Indigenous Community Women's Leadership Program

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Victoria
• Western Australia
• Tasmania

Leaders for Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Stacey Anderson – Canberra, ACT

Stacey lives in Canberra and is a Bundjalung woman. Stacey is employed as a public servant with Centrelink as an Indigenous Customer Service Officer (Team Leader). Stacey's vision is to improve the social and emotional health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. Stacey is best described as strong. Her greatest achievement was representing Australia in the Indigenous Women's Rugby League Team and in Indoor Soccer.

Leaders for New South Wales (NSW)

Vickie Brandy – Condobolin, NSW

Vickie lives in Condobolin and has traditional ties to the Wiradjuri tribe from the centre of NSW. She is an Aboriginal Home and Community Care Access Officer (HACC). Vickie's employment enables her to assist in improving access to all HACC targeted groups - frail, aged, people with disabilities and carers. Vickie's vision is to educate local Indigenous women and assist them in working toward a vision for themselves and their families as she believes anything is possible. She is best described as fun, loving, and caring. Vickie's greatest achievement is bringing the community together into an Elder's group and organising the first ever community NAIDOC Ball in 2006.

Eileen Button – Kempsey, NSW

Eileen lives in Kempsey and is involved in leading groups, particularly women, to assist them in learning to understand themselves and their culture. Eileen would like to learn more about people through healing and is achieving this through cultural awareness training to assist non-Indigenous people to better understand Aboriginal people's pain and hurt. Eileen is working towards building relationships within her homeland. She is best described as being soft but firm, caring and a giving woman who is a positive influence and assists people to help themselves. Eileen's greatest achievement is helping others in time of need.

Donna Creighton – Tamworth, NSW

Donna lives in Tamworth and is a Kamilaroi woman. Donna is an advocate for Indigenous tenants in the Department of Housing Office as the Aboriginal Housing Officer (AHO). Donna's vision is to be there for her people. Donna works towards building close relationships in the community as a means to show she is open to assist with any problems and issues. Donna is known as a voice for the community. Donna's greatest achievement is becoming a successful participant on the Indigenous Leadership Program and being a mother and partner.

Mavis Davis – Kempsey, NSW

Mavis lives in Kempsey. She works on education, equal rights, women and youth issues and supports the ministry assisting the community in developing a better future for Aboriginal people. Mavis' vision is to work towards equal rights for Aboriginal people, particularly in assisting children to gain the education they need and making changes for the better. Mavis is best described as a 'Jill of all trades' and a people person. Mavis' greatest achievement is marrying her husband and having her children as well as having the opportunity to speak out, particularly having people ask her to speak on their behalf.

Janet Reyment – Tamworth, NSW

Janet lives in Tamworth and is a Bigumbal woman from Queensland and married to a Kamilaroi man. Janet is the Vice Chairperson of Yinarr Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation. Janet organises community projects and events that bring the community together for health and wellbeing. Janet's vision is for a stronger and united community that meets its needs. Janet is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and preventing the use of drugs and alcohol through education programs and events. Janet is working towards being a voice for the community and to be heard. Janet's greatest achievements are being accepted and respected in other communities other than her own, giving birth to her two children and being married for 27 years.

Lesley Salem – Newcastle, NSW

Lesley lives in Newcastle among the Awabakal people. Lesley comes from Wonnarua with connections to the Worimi and Gringai people. Lesley is a nephrology nurse practitioner and looks after 300 dialysis patients. Two days a week Lesley is seconded as a Senior Policy Analyst for Aboriginal Chronic Care in the NSW Department of Health. Lesley's vision is to lower the numbers of Aboriginal people with kidney failure, better interface primary health with tertiary care, enhance clinical skills of Aboriginal Health Workers in NSW and improve chronic care management in the state. Lesley's greatest achievements are having four children, becoming Australia's first Aboriginal nurse practitioner and receiving professional respect from medical personnel.

Lisa Shipley – Tamworth, NSW

Lisa lives in Tamworth and is a Kamilaroi woman. Lisa works as a Youth Support Worker. Lisa's vision is for a bigger, brighter future for young Indigenous people and assisting them in working towards living free of shame and prejudice. Lisa is best described as caring, determined and open minded. Lisa's greatest achievement is her family and her education.

Deborah Swan – Toukley, NSW

Deborah is a Ngarrinjeri woman from SA with kinship ties to Wirdjuri and Darkinyung, who reside on Darkinyung Country. Deborah is a team leader in her community and organisation and is well known for encouraging people to get going, meeting together and joining neighboring communities for cultural camps. She supports local Elders in forming and supporting their fight for justice i.e. stolen wages. Deborah's vision is to heal Indigenous women and their children. She would like to see Indigenous women in good leadership roles and well paid jobs. Deborah would like to show Indigenous youth the way, campaign for human rights for Aboriginal people, and work towards bringing communities together. Deborah is best described as tenacious, loyal and respectful of her people, no matter where they are from and where they are at. Deborah's greatest achievements are breaking the cycle of violence in her family with her daughter, her children and family unit and learning to listen.

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Esther Appo – Red Cliff, NSW

Esther is a Family Worker with the Namatjira community in the Dareton area - Victoria/NSW border region. She is also the Coordinator of a mobile playgroup in the Wentworth Shire. Esther's vision is to see Indigenous Australians on par with every other Australian no matter what their colour and to be recognised as the traditional people of this land and acknowledged with a National Day of Recognition. Esther is best described as compassionate and always thinking of others. Esther's greatest achievement is her children.

Leaders for Northern Territory (NT)

Jacqueline Baxter – Alice Springs, NT

Jacqueline is a Kayteye woman lives in Alice Springs. She is the mother of one beautiful son. Jacqueline supports and lobbies for the stolen generation and the local Alice Springs community. She is a role model at Auskick and the best role model to her son that she can be. Jacqueline's vision is to work with government on accountability and Indigenous policy through community consultation and involvement from Indigenous community. She believes actions speak louder than words. Jacqueline’s greatest achievement is her family and forming alignments for negotiations.

Deborah Booker – Alice Springs, NT

Deborah lives in Alice Springs and is a Gidja woman. Deborah's role in the community is looking after her family, including her children and grandchildren, working and being a sports trainer. Deborah's vision is to be the best that she can be, making her family proud, being a role model and achieving her dreams and ambitions. Deborah is best described as determined. Deborah's greatest achievement is her children.

Miriam Charlie – Borroloola, NT

Miriam lives in the Borroloola community and is a Yanyuwa/Garrwa woman. Miriam's role in the community is a mother, arts liaison officer and church member. Miriam's vision is to share her faith with the community, to speak confidently in public, and to eventually manage an art centre. Miriam is best described as a confident, courageous, caring, strong Indigenous person who is enthusiastic and self-managed. Miriam's greatest achievement is gaining more skills and knowledge by participating in the Indigenous Leadership Program.

Michele Clarke – Groote Eylandt, NT

Michele lives in the Groote Eylandt community as a Social Community Worker/Alcohol and other Drugs Supervisor. Michele's vision is to be mindful of the linkages between the generations and cultural diversities and to help people share, carry, explore and advance community life issues. Michele would like to assist women in her community in any way possible. Michele is best described as a quiet achiever. Michele's greatest achievement is studying hard so that she can gain entry into the workforce.

Renelle Gondarra – Barrkia, NT

Renelle lives in the Barrkia community and is a Golumala woman. Renelle works as a Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) Supervisor. Renelle's vision is to support her community and her family. Renelle is best described as a caring person, and supportive of her family. Renelle's greatest achievement is being the CDEP Supervisor Council Secretary.

Lorna Goodman – Palmerston, NT

Lorna lives in the Palmerston Indigenous Village and is a Wadjigan woman from the Belyuen Community. Lorna is a CDEP participant currently working with people in the community. Lorna's vision is to attend the leadership program, meet other women, to achieve her goals and to return home and pass on the skills she gained from the leadership program to her community. Lorna is best described as outgoing, passionate about her hobbies and a people person. Lorna's greatest achievement is continually learning more skills.

Jenny Hampton – Alice Springs, NT

Jenny lives in Alice Springs and is a descendant of the Warramungu and Katetye people. Jenny is the senior Aboriginal Health Worker and is working towards becoming a Health Centre Manager of a remote health centre. Jenny's vision is to be able to support and lead both Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff to work together in a primary healthcare team, and to ensure the service meets the targeted needs by engagement and consultation with the community. Jenny is best described as an ambitious person who wants to be rejuvenated to take on a new pathway and is a good listener. Jenny's greatest achievement at work is being able to achieve her goals as senior Aboriginal health worker and her greatest personal achievement is raising her five beautiful children and having beautiful grandchildren.

Colleen Hayes – Alice Springs, NT

Colleen comes from Black Tank-Apmwerre Outstation and is of Arrente-Katetye descent. Colleen is the Coordinator for the community health workers and her main role is supporting community based workers in remote areas. Her role also includes consultation and delivery of learning and operational tools that provide an efficient and supportive community program. Colleen's vision is to keep learning, sharing and to encourage young people to have a positive mindset. Colleen is best described as positive, friendly and supportive. Her greatest achievement is being where she is today, knowing where she came from and how she got to here. This would not have been possible without her family, culture, education and determination.

Sharon Haynes – Darwin, NT

Sharon lives in Darwin and is a Nyamal woman. Sharon is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker. Her role in the community is to ensure Indigenous students have access to education and to maintain that educational outcomes are culturally appropriate as well as having harmonious learning environments. Sharon's vision is to achieve her goal in meeting lots of inspirational, powerful, strong women and developing herself personally and professionally. Sharon is best described as strong, successful, helpful, kind, caring, happy, loving, compassionate, supportive, and loves relaxing, fishing and family. Her greatest achievement is her family and home.

Fantasia Laughton – Darwin, NT

Fantasia lives in Darwin. She has family connections with the Mirning, Wirringu and Kokatha Tribes in South Australia, Jingili and Eastern/Central Arrente Tribes in Northern Territory. Fantasia is a family violence outreach worker with the Darwin Aboriginal Islander and Women Shelter and her role is to assist and support women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Fantasia's vision is to end domestic violence, racism, and to reduce crime, drug and alcohol abuse and youth suicide. Fantasia's personal vision is to be a voice for her people, own her own home, have a family and a healthy mind, body and spirit. Fantasia is best described as a good listener, an easy going, friendly, and family orientated Aboriginal woman. Fantasia's greatest achievement is completing Year 12, becoming a successful participant for the Indigenous Leadership Program and standing on her own two feet.

Marlene Liddle – Darwin, NT

Marlene is now living in Darwin and is a traditional owner for Alice Springs from the Eastern Arrente People of Central Australia. Marlene is a Coordinator of the Department of Health and Community Services - Strong Women, Strong Babies, and Strong Culture Program. Marlene's vision is to be in a management role, to gain more knowledge about her culture, to remain healthy and to be there to support and offer guidance to her children and grandchildren. Marlene is best described as a quiet achiever, a caring person who values what she has, respects the law, passion for family and friends, and a very proud Aboriginal woman. Marlene's greatest achievement is being a mother and a grandmother, buying her unit at 60 years of age, and travelling to Lihir (PNG) and Perth to deliver a Strong Woman Training Package (which she developed) to enable those woman to implement the program in their areas to improve better health outcomes for their people.

Araluen Maymura – Nhulunbuy, NT

Araluen lives in the Yirrkala community and is a Mangalili woman. Araluen is the print manager curator exhibiting Yolgu women in Art and is also a volunteer for sport and recreation in her community. Araluen's vision is to help lead her family into a better and brighter future. Araluen is best described as happy, friendly, and a joker. Araluen's greatest achievements are her two daughters.

Yananymul Mununggurr – Nhulunbuy, NT

Yananymul is from the Yirrkala community and is a Djadu woman. She is a bookkeeper and executive support officer. Yananymul's vision is to become a good leader and to lead her people. Yananymul is best described as 'paddler' as she likes to paddle through her journey (wana Marrwala) and Yarrwidi Yolngu (her mother's saying). Yananymul's greatest achievement is having her son. She describes it as the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Amanda Ngalmi – Numbulwar, NT

Amanda lives in the Numbulwar community and is a Numburindi/ Nunggubuya woman. Amanda works in her local community as a Community Housing Officer and is also a council member. Amanda's vision is to assist in leading the people in her community to a better future. The community has great respect for Amanda for the way she leads the young people when they go to other communities for festivals. Amanda's greatest achievement is succeeding in goals to make her community and her family proud.

Stacey Parker – Bathurst Island, NT

Stacey lives on Nguiu Bathurst Island and is from the Takaringa people (Mullet Tribe). Stacey is the finance secretary at Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic School. She is also the senior administrator for the school in her community and is on the Tiwi Health Advisory Committee. Stacey's vision is to learn more about leadership and take back what she has learnt to her people, to be a good leader and learn to communicate and project her voice out in the community. Stacey is best described as loving and caring. Stacey's greatest achievement is becoming a successful participant on the Indigenous Leadership Program.

Alicia Ross – Alice Springs, NT

Alicia lives in Alice Springs and is from the Central Arrente-Kayteye people of Alice Springs-Neutral (Tara) Junction. Alicia is an Aboriginal Health Worker in a community outside of Alice Springs. Alicia's vision is to achieve and excel in her chosen field of work and to find ways of making better health outcomes in Aboriginal health. Alicia is best described as ambitious, determined, courageous, fair, open-minded, and loyal. Alicia's greatest achievements are her two beautiful sons and her bond with the people in her community.

Dianna Ross – Darwin, NT

Dianna has traditional ties to the Katherine region and continues to live in Katherine. She is a Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) mentor which involves assisting participants in their employment and training needs. Dianna's interest working to educate women and youth. Dianna's vision is to see improvements in educational achievements for Indigenous students and increasing parent and family input into helping kids succeed at school. She would also like to see careers and self-esteem activities conducted to help in that area. Dianna believes in the importance of a healthy lifestyle and that covering nutrition, exercise and a balanced lifestyle in schools would be beneficial. Dianna is best described as helpful. At work Dianna describes herself as busy, happy, smiley and patient while at home she is grumpy and impatient. Dianna's greatest achievements are her two children.

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Leaders for Queensland (Qld)

Roxanne Bainbridge – Cairns, QLD

Roxanne lives in Cairns and has family ties to the Wadjalang /Gungarri /Kunja clans. Roxanne is a PhD Student, a Research Support Officer at the University of Queensland, a tutor and a casual teacher at James Cook University. Roxanne's vision is to see the children of her community grow up strong and proud. She is best described as independent, supportive, and caring. Roxanne's greatest achievement is raising her children.

Rhonda Brim – Kuranda, QLD

 Rhonda is from the Kuranda community and comes from the Djabugay clan. She is on the Board of Directors for both the Aboriginal Rainforest Council and Community Development Employment Project (CDEP). Rhonda's vision is for stronger leaders keeping Indigenous culture alive. Rhonda is best described as a leader. Her greatest achievement is gaining our land back through the first Native Title in Queensland, National Park.

Dale Chapman – Pomona, QLD

Dale lives on the Sunshine Coast and has family ties to the Kooma/ Gamilleroi clans. Dale is the proud owner of the company 'The Dilly Bag' which produces Bush Tucker products and develops learning programs. Dale is involved in research, development, manufacturing and promotion of her private business. Community is always a driving force for Dale's future direction. Dale's personal vision is to be wealthy in love, friends and quality of life. Her vision for her business is for it to be sustainable and successful, and her vision for her community is to provide future programs of training, employment, and domestic happiness. Dale has a new venture to establish an Indigenous training facility on the Sunshine Coast to provide a wide range of accredited training to the local community as well as opening it up to Indigenous trainees nationally. Dale is best described as dependable, loyal, self-controlled, fair, honest, and assertive. Dale's greatest achievement is keeping her family focussed, starting her own business, working with many cultures, teaching and developing sustainable workshops and programs.

Renee Colless – Cairns, QLD

Renee lives in Cairns and comes from the Kuku Yalanji (Laura) and Kunjen (Kowanyama) clans. Renee is the Senior Indigenous Project Officer at the State Library of Queensland in Indigenous Services in Cairns. Renee's vision is to understand more about her identity and continue to blend between the two worlds successfully with her family by her side. Renee is best described as a perfectionist, passionate, flexible, adaptable, and committed. Renee's greatest achievements are her Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Development, travelling and experiencing different cultures, 10 years working in Indigenous Affairs for the Australian Government, marrying her childhood sweetheart in April and crossing paths with other inspirational speakers.

Rachael Collins – Ipswich, QLD

Rachael lives in Ipswich and comes from the Bidjara clan in Charleville South West Queensland. Rachael is an Indigenous Youth Employment Consultant and Program Coordinator. Rachael's vision is about empowering and building up Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to be tomorrow's leaders. Rachael is best described as outgoing, sociable and passionate. Rachael's greatest achievement is her son and graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Indigenous Community Management and Development.

Danielle Dyall – Brisbane, QLD

Danielle lives in Brisbane and is a Bundjalung woman. Danielle is a hairdresser, student, sister, daughter, and a woman of the community. Her vision is to help and support the people and the land, allowing all to be their own leaders, supporting life and to live in unity. Danielle is best described as honest, loving, compassionate, and loyal. Danielle's greatest achievement is being where she is today

Rachel Gregory – Mount Isa, QLD

Rachel lives in Mount Isa and is a Kalkadoon woman. Rachel is an Indigenous Health Worker. Rachel's vision is to empower young women to discover their potential and skills to enable them to make positive decisions and directions in their lives. Rachel is best described as positive, self assured, forward thinking, and strong. Her greatest achievement is raising two positive, confident children and influencing young girls to strive to be the best they can be.

Susan Klein – Roma, QLD

Susan is from Roma and comes from the Jauliroi and Kamilaroi clans on her mother's side and the Gungarri clan on her father's side. Susan is a Community Partnerships Officer with Education Queensland in the Roma District Office working with principals, the community and parents to assist kids succeed in school. Susan also designs and makes handbags for her business. Susan's vision is to ensure her children become independent, strong, community orientated people, happy and well-adjusted with a thirst for knowledge. Susan works to be respected by her peers and have her opinions valued. Susan hopes to be a respected Elder when she gets to that point in life. Susan is best described as patient, caring, calming, enthusiastic, inquisitive, happy, and committed. Susan's greatest achievement is winning an award for the Best Memento of a Queensland destination 'The Roma Cow Town Bag' at the 2005 National Memento Awards with a handbag designed and created by Susan and her sister.

Linda McBride-Yuke – Brisbane, QLD

Linda is from Zillmere in North Brisbane. On her father's side she is Bundjalung and Yugembeh and on her mother’s side she is Butchulla and Darambal (Woppaburra clan). Linda is a caseworker with Link-Up in Queensland Aboriginal Corporation. Linda's vision is to get fit and healthy, be financially smart, help her community by staying involved through her membership on community boards, and ensure that her two daughters grow into strong, black, independent women. Linda is best described as extroverted, witty, articulated, hard working and generous. Linda's greatest achievement in addition to raising her two daughters on her own is being the first in her family to complete a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland.
 

Karla Pengilly – Toowoomba, QLD

Karla lives in Toowoomba and comes from the Kamilaroi clan in Tenterfield, NSW. Karla is a program manager for an Indigenous Boarders Support Program, she offers support and mentoring to students in secondary schools to help them take advantage of educational opportunities and encourage them to complete their education. Karla's vision is to nurture passion and pride in Indigenous youth and to show them that they have a history to connect to and be proud of. Karla is best described as loyal, passionate, and dedicated. Karla's greatest achievements are her children and her relationship with her grandmother and sisters.

Dulcie Pensio – Cairns, QLD

Dulcie is from Cairns and originally comes from the Torres Strait Islands. Her mother is from Badu Island and her father is from Darnley Island. Dulcie is a Liaison Officer working with and assisting homeless people with issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, crisis accommodation, domestic violence, rehabilitation and incarceration. Dulcie's vision is to empower Indigenous women and men in communities to tackle the issue of family violence with the support of the community. Dulcie would also like to instil a sense of purpose and pride in youth by running leadership and mentoring workshops for youth in remote communities and tackling youth suicide. Dulcie is best described as passionate, a quiet achiever, resilient, open-minded, and always hungry to learn. Dulcie believes her greatest achievement is yet to come.

Gwen Schrieber – Cairns, QLD

Gwen lives in Cairns and is a Kugghanghi woman. She is retired and does voluntary work with three Indigenous community-based organisations and sits on a board of management. Gwen's vision is to continue achieving her goals in life and to expand on the development of her personal and professional life. Gwen is best described as a quiet achiever. Her greatest achievements are her Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Degree in Indigenous Health and her Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Management and Administration.

Penelope Springham – Gold Coast, QLD

Penelope lives on the Gold Coast and comes from the Gurang Gurang clan in Central Queensland. Penelope's role is to learn and pass on her knowledge, represent the younger Aboriginal people and to work hard for herself. Penelope's vision is to lead, to advance with direction and confidence towards her dreams, to love and be loved, and to learn traditional knowledge and share her wisdom. Penelope is best described as loyal, excited, and legendary. Penelope's greatest achievements are climbing Mount Kosciusko and travelling around Australia, United Kingdom and Asia.

Sonia Townson – Seisa, QLD

Sonia is from the Seisia community in the Northern Peninsula Area. She comes from the Saibai Kadal (Crocodile Clan). Sonia wears several hats and plays different roles in her community including Community Education Officer, Second Lieutenant - Officer of Army Cadets, mother and grandmother (just to name a few). Sonia's vision is to become a nation builder in leadership and to fulfil her dream to be an Indigenous representative in parliament. She would like to inspire Indigenous people into leadership with other people in the world about Indigenous heritage, culture and environmental issues. Sonia is best described as spontaneous, courageous, inspirational, motivational, and 'God fearing'. Sonia's greatest achievements are being a mother, meeting Jackie Huggins and representing Queensland and Australia in Women's Rugby League.

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Leaders for South Australia (SA)

Evelyn Richards – Port Lincoln, SA

Evelyn lives in Port Lincoln. Evelyn is a Community Constable and works at the Port Lincoln Police Station and is the SAPOL Representative for the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Legal Service, West Coast Youth Services and Port Lincoln Aboriginal Conferencing. Evelyn is currently undergoing Legal Studies.
Evelyn's vision is to gain more knowledge, professional experiences and skills to assist her family and community. She also wants to assist young people to help each other to achieve a better and greater future. Evelyn is best described as confident, respectful, and friendly. Evelyn's greatest achievements are reconnecting with her mother and family and being in a position to assist everyone in the Port Lincoln community.

Christina Whap – Adelaide, SA

Christina lives in Adelaide and comes from the Waggagadam clans of Mabuiag Island in the Torres Straits, Queensland. Christina is a Medicare Australia Liaison Officer for South Australia and her role is to increase awareness of Medicare programs to South Australians, support Aboriginal health services in the region, increase Indigenous recruitment, support Indigenous employees and deliver cultural awareness to staff. Christina's vision is to see an Indigenous Australian Prime Minister that will create or enhance policies and influence legislation that will increase the health and wellbeing of all Indigenous Australians. Christina is best described as generous, sincere, ambitious, and sensitive. Christina's greatest achievement is being the 2004 nominee for South Australia Indigenous Nurse of the Year (recognised for Nursing in the Intensive Care Unit at Royal Adelaide Hospital).

Gillian Bovoro – Flinders Ranges, SA

Gillian is an Adnyamathanha woman from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Gillian's mother's side is Kujani and Adnyamathanha has and her father’s side is Aranda and Afghan. Gillian is an Aboriginal youth sexual assault counsellor at Yarrow Place and the coordinator of the Adnyamathanha Language and Cultural Program. Gillian's vision is to unite all Adnyamathanha people, to be a spokesperson and to have knowledge and wisdom to negotiate, and she would also like to develop and implement a 'life skills' program for Indigenous children aged 5-18 years in schools. Gillian is best described as inspiring, empathetic, and patient. Her greatest achievements are surviving, her children, her life, her work, and her studies.

Anita Campbell – Yorke Pensisula, SA

Anita lives in Port Pirie and comes from the Narungga clan in Yorke Peninsula. Anita is currently employed by the Department of Education and Children Services as an Aboriginal Inclusion Officer. Anita has previously worked within her community at the South Australian Aboriginal Health and Families. Anita's vision is to help her community to have an understanding of the importance of education for their children and to help others develop leadership skills within her community. Anita is best described as friendly, supportive, trustworthy, and reliable. Anita's greatest achievements are her children.

Margaret Farrugia – Gawler East, SA

Margaret is from Parama Patarina and comes from the Kaurna - Nyungar clans. Margaret is a leader in her local community. Her vision is to instill independence, build self-esteem, involve the community in growing and selling Indigenous bush tucker foods, encourage skills in craft, artefacts, painting, dance, singing, Kinda gym, and sport for youth. In the future she would like to see Indigenous children at the Olympics. Margaret is best described as enthusiastic. Margaret's greatest achievement is having her own art exhibition and her work displayed in the Adelaide Museum Waterhouse competition and a private exhibition of Indigenous Works at the Railway Station Gallery, Gawler.

Alyson Frescon – Adelaide, SA

Alyson lives in the Northern Area of Adelaide (Elizabeth) and is from Herbaton, Far North Queensland. She has family ties to the Mbarbarman, Kalkadoon and Wangee clans. As an Indigenous employment consultant for the Salvation Army Employment Plus, her role is to strengthen the community through gaining employment for economic development. Alyson's vision is to move forward with the Indigenous community and gain the networks, skills and abilities to do so. Alyson is best described as organised and passionate. Her greatest achievement is becoming a mother.

Debra Fuschtei – Port Augusta, SA

Debra is from Port Augusta and comes from Wangkangurru (Birdsville) and Adnyamathanha (Flinders Ranges). Debra is an Indigenous project officer and a sexual abuse worker for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). In both roles Debra works in therapy and community development promotions. Debra's vision is to be a manager and a role model/advocate to younger people and to start her own business in the near future. Debra is best described as assertive, committed and passionate about her children, life and culture. Debra's greatest achievement is winning the 2006 South Australia Public Service Award under Aboriginal Youth, Families category; for development and facilitation of a Grandmothers' workshop on protecting our children from sexual abuse.

Sharen Letton – Adelaide, SA

Sharen comes from the Ngarrindjeri/Narungga clans of South Australia. Sharen is a Co-ordinator for the Tier 3 Families Program - Taikurtinna Maltorendi - which means 'Families to remain together'. Sharen's vision is for a sustainable future for our young ones, a strong and stable family and communities making their own choices. She hopes for no poverty or racism, more resources to assist communities, no band-aid fixes or token attempts, and for communities to work together. Sharen is best described as family orientated, friendly, mother, strong, loyal, and dependable. Sharen's greatest achievement is her four beautiful daughters.

Debra Miller – Ceduna, SA

Debra is from Ceduna and comes from the Kokotha, Wirungu and Mirning tribal groups from the Far West Coast of South Australia. Debra is the Coordinator of the Ceduna Family Violence Prevention Legal Service. She spends the rest of her time being a good mother, grandmother, foster carer, sister and friend. Debra's vision is to be a good role model in her community, to help prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse among Indigenous people and to continue Indigenous culture. She would like to see positive changes in her community for her family and extended family. Debra is best described as caring, friendly, giving, professional, honest, a leader, and passionate. Debra's greatest achievements are being married for 26 years, being a role model to her children, being a foster carer, being selected into the Indigenous Leadership Program, gaining full time employment in supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence. She also loves providing help and support to Indigenous people and this year she has become a grandmother for the first time.

Debra Moyle – Adelaide, SA

Debra lives in Adelaide and is a member of the Ngarrindjeri Nation and fifth generation of Ngarrindjeri (River Murray people). She is the Principal Policy Adviser for Aboriginal Early Childhood in the Department of Education and Children's Services. Debra leads a small team on key policy/programs that impact on the early childhood education of Aboriginal children, their families and the educators across South Australia. Debra is best described as passionate, respectful, a visionary and short. Her greatest achievements are her children and family when they say they are proud of her, and young people starting in the workforce using her as their role-model.

Lavene Ngatokorua – Port Augusta, SA

Lavene lives in the Umeewarra/Davenport community and comes from the Wangkanurru/Andyamathanha Luritja clans. Lavene is the Tji Tji Wiru Youth Coordinator. Lavene's vision is to ensure that young people in her community have a 'start' in life with support and guidance to strive towards their dreams and aspirations. She would like to assist them to become strong and confident to survive in the wider community. Lavene is best described as fun, compassionate, strong, and encouraging, a good listener and a doer. Lavene's greatest achievement is being a mother and a survivor of generational effects of 'The Stolen Generation'.

Misty-Lee Taylor – Adelaide, SA

Misty-Lee lives in the Adelaide region and comes from the Narungga people from Point Pearce, Yorke Peninsular, South Australia. Misty-Lee is the Consultant for Aboriginal Employment for the Department of Families and Communities. She recruits, supports and administers a Scholarship program, National Indigenous Cadetship Program and the Government Youth Traineeship program. She also provides recruitment and retention advice and assistance for Aboriginal staff members, HR Consultants and mangers. Misty-Lee's vision is to become a leader, in her family and community and to progress and influence Aboriginal issues. Misty-Lee is best described as hard working, honest, a good listener, a fighter, and caring. Misty-Lee's greatest achievements are completing a degree, being awarded an Indigenous Cadetship (NICP), travelling overseas and becoming a successful participant on the Indigenous Leadership Program.

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Leaders for Tasmania (Tas)

Lola Greeno – Riverside, TAS

Lola lives in Launceston and comes from the Cape Barren Island Aboriginal Community from North East Tasmania. Lola is a program officer for Aboriginal Arts providing advice on the Arts Tasmania Grants and Loan Program. She is also involved in mentorship programs, cultural programs, and cultural residencies at state and national levels. Lola's vision is to develop leadership knowledge and skills through cultural programs with elders and young women and to teach young people cultural crafts. She would also like to revise the history of Tasmanian Aboriginal basket weaving using native local plant fibres. She works hard at gaining recognition for traditional Tasmanian women's arts and craft. Lola is a leading craft teacher who gets results for Aboriginal women. Lola's greatest achievement is having her shell necklaces displayed at the Athens Olympics.

Erica Short – Wynyard, TAS

Erica comes from the Cape Barren Island, Tasmania and the Bunnarong people, Victoria. Erica currently lives on the North West Coast of Tasmania. Erica describes herself as a community person. She is the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Family Violence Program, member of Aboriginal speakers program, land carer, child minder and music maker. Erica's vision is to create a better future for children and Indigenous people. She is best described as extroverted, friendly, honest, reliable, and trustworthy. Erica's greatest achievement is giving birth to six children.

Leaders for Victoria (VIC)

Kylie Belling – Melbourne, VIC

Kylie lives in Melbourne and comes from the Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri/Bangarang peoples. Kylie is the Artistic Director of the Ilbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Cooperative Ltd. Kylie's vision is to allow the leadership cloak to drape comfortably around her shoulders, to be taken seriously and become stronger and grow emotionally, spiritually and physically. Kylie is best described as funny, bossy, grumpy, a performer and director. Kylie's greatest achievements are her daughter, her work and sustaining their own home.

Christine Bonacci – Wangaratta, VIC

Christine lives in Wangaratta but her home community is Heywood in Western Victoria. She is a Koori woman of the Western District of Victoria and her family connections are with the Gunditjmara people. Christine is a Senior Project Officer with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Christine's role is to improve outcomes for Indigenous students in the Hume Region of Victoria in four key areas: literacy, numeracy, attendance and retention. Christine's vision is for the wider community to have a better understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by Aboriginal people of today and the Aboriginal community are able to celebrate their diversity. Christine is best described as energetic, enthusiastic, happy and optimistic. Christine's greatest achievements are putting together a book containing a collection of oral stories from Indigenous descendants in the North East of Victoria and then creating a website in 2002.

Karlisha Egan – Preston, VIC

Karlisha lives in Echuca and comes from the local Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta clans. Karlisha is an antenatal/postnatal Indigenous support worker. Karlisha's vision is to build strong women who believe in themselves, that all have the ability to strive to succeed within their community and families. She would like to travel and share her story about the work that she does. Karlisha is best described as strong. Her greatest achievement is bringing up three children on her own, while working and supporting her extended family.

Tammy Hunter – Wallan, VIC

Tammy lives in Broadmeadows/Port Phillip and is a Wurundjeri woman. Tammy is the Indigenous Partnership Facilitator who builds partnerships in land management with community and programs for Indigenous women. Tammy's vision is to connect with Indigenous women nationally and around the world 'who care for country'. She also aims to collect Indigenous women's stories nationally and internationally to empower other women to tell their life stories. Tammy is best described as a good listener, a go-getter and friend. Tammy's greatest achievement is her daughter, being a recipient of the Church Hill Fellowship 2007 and entering the Australian Tai Kwon Do Championships for which she won a Gold Medal.

Helga Lethinen – Narre Warren, VIC

Helga comes from the Kaurna peoples of Adelaide and the Nurunga peoples of Point Pearce and Wurrunjeri of Victoria. Helga is an Elder and respected person of the Koori Children's Court, and is also involved in a Koori and Torres Strait Island young mums program called 'Koori and Torres Strait Islander Women First Connecting'. Helga's vision is to be a leader for Indigenous women. She would like to assist Indigenous women to find themselves again, to grow, to bond with their children, and to build up their self esteem and empower them to move on to a fruitful and powerful way of life. Helga is best described as kind, enthusiastic, helpful, and willing to be a mentor and leader for young mothers. She is a concerned grandmother, very loving and always there for her twelve grandchildren and her four daughters. Helga's greatest achievement is being there for her daughters.

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Leaders for Western Australia (WA)

Amelia Cahill – Broome, WA

Amelia lives in Broome and is a Bardi woman. Amelia is a Chronic Disease Nurse at Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service. Amelia's vision is that there will be true changes made in Indigenous health and to be a part of and contribute to the changes in Indigenous health. Amelia is best described as passionate. Amelia's greatest achievement is completing her studies and graduating from university.

Ceonie Clinch – Kalgoorlie, WA

Ceonie lives in Kalgoorlie and is from the Wongatha mob. She works as a regional officer for the Department of Indigenous Affairs. Ceonie’s vision is to create a place for her people and for everyone. Ceonie’s greatest achievement is raising her daughter and maintaining her independence.

Juanita Donation – Derby, WA

Juanita lives in Derby (Budulah) and comes from the Nyikina tribe. Juanita works at the Ngunga Women's Resource Centre as a childcare worker (Mobile Playgroup). Juanita's vision is to become a strong leader for her family and her community. Juanita is best described as as a shy woman who loves working for her community and doing the best for her children's future. Juanita's greatest achievement is travelling and meeting other strong leaders and training for the Certificate III in Childcare.

Roberta Hicks – Derby, WA

Roberta lives in Derby (Budulah) and comes from the Nyikina tribe. Roberta is an Aboriginal Health Worker in her community. Roberta's vision is to become a stronger role model. Roberta is best described as shy, cheerful and friendly. Roberta's greatest achievement is becoming an Aboriginal Health Worker.

Charlotte Hill – Broome, WA

Charlotte lives in Broome and comes from the Noongah clan (from South West) and Bibbluman Clan. Charlotte is a Refuge Support Worker at Marnja Jarndu Women's Refuge. She manages and supports women and children in family/domestic violence, assists with implementing safety strategies and domestic violence awareness in communities. She also provides advocacy and counselling resources to clients. Charlotte's vision is for Indigenous people to recognise their inner strengths and stop oppression and racism. Charlotte is best described as a good listener, family orientated, confident, strong, independent, and hard working. Charlotte says that every goal she's set and reached has been a great achievement, but the greatest and most personal has been breaking the cycle of violence. For seven years Charlotte lived with domestic violence but has now become stronger and is making decisions about what she wants for her life.

Grace Kelly – Armadale, WA

Grace lives in Armadale, Gosnells, Perth. Grace comes from the Nyungar people of the South West of Western Australia. Grace is currently working in the justice system promoting mediation with community and families. Grace's vision is to offer another option or vision to families of her area to assist in achieving peace in their lives. Grace is best described as outgoing, community minded, family orientated, strong Nynugar woman and mother. Grace's greatest achievement is raising four children as a single mum whilst holding a full-time job.

Pat Mamanyjun Torres – Cable Beach, WA

Pat lives in the Milari Community and is from the Torres and Drummond family, Jabirr-Jabirr,Jugan,Yawuru tribes. Pat is the Director of Indigenous Harvest Australia and the Treasurer for the Milari community. Pat's vision is to establish a successful and viable bush food and medicine business co-operative with relevant training and education opportunities for its members. Pat is best described as determined, committed, honest, faithful, loyal and a cultural warrior. Pat's greatest achievements are raising five children, community development and being an acclaimed artist/illustrator of children's books between 1987-1995.
 

Dorothy Marshall – Derby, WA

Dorothy lives in Derby and comes from the Nyikina people. She is part of the Ngunga women's group and works as a child care worker in the mobile playgroup. Dorothy's vision is to become a strong leader in her community of Derby. Dorothy is best described as a very caring person who cares about other people's welfare and enjoys sharing information. Dorothy's greatest achievement is gaining her Certificate III in Aboriginal Health Work.

Stephanie Mippy – Geraldton, WA

Stephanie lives in Geraldton and has been living there for 11 years. Stephanie comes from the Moora - Yuat people in a quiet little country town east of Perth. Stephanie is a Court Officer for the Aboriginal Legal Service in Geraldton. Her role is to assist whoever she can, wherever and whenever and to put a smile back on peoples' faces. Stephanie's vision is to successfully graduate from university with a law degree, to bring out the best in everyone and assist people to see their inner beauty. She also wants to ensure there are with no conflicts with all cultures working together for a more successful, happier community. Stephanie is best described as loyal and honest. Her greatest achievements are graduating from the police force, having two beautiful healthy children.

Patricia Narrier – South Headland, WA

Patricia lives in Port/South Hedland, is originally from Collie and is a Ngoongar woman. Patricia is an Administration Officer in Headland Well Women's Centre. Patricia assists the women and men who come into the centre. Patricia's vision is to assist the women in her community in anyway possible. Patricia is best described as a quiet achiever. Patricia's greatest achievement is studying hard so she could gain entry into the workforce.

Cherie Sibosado – Broome, WA

Cherie lives in Broome and comes from the Bardi and Nyikina tribes in the West Kimberley region. Cherie is a Solution Broker with the Attorney-General's Department and although based in the Broome Indigenous Coordination Centre, her work covers the whole Kimberley region. Cherie's vision is to contribute to positive change to improve the lives of Indigenous people Australia wide. Cherie is best described as considerate, fair and down to earth. Cherie's greatest achievement is being a good parent.

Moira Wilson – Kwinana, WA

Moira lives in Kwinana, Perth and comes from the Yamatji people, Murchison region of Western Australia. Moira is a mental health support worker, and Aboriginal liaison officer. Moira's vision is to promote Indigenous leadership, be a good role model, maintain strong networks, empower her community and promote health and wellbeing. Moira is best described as supportive, respectful and helpful. Moira's greatest achievement is completing a degree in Aboriginal Community Management and Development.