- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Leaders for Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Brendan Collins – Canberra, ACT
Brendan is a Wiradjuri man from NSW currently living in Canberra. Brendan is working for Centrelink as an Indigenous Customer Service Officer. His vision is to become a better leader and role model for his family and community. He is a confident speaker, energetic and open minded. Brendan’s greatest achievement is the birth of his son and getting to where he is today.
Ann-Marie Grainger – Canberra, ACT
Ann-Marie is a Yamin woman. Ann-Marie is a contract manager with Department of Education, Science and Training. Ann-Marie’s vision is to learn and share all her experiences with her community and peers. She hopes that others are inspired and have a go to become role models with the support of each other. Ann-Marie is creative, happy and willing to assist others. Ann-Marie completed her degree as a secondary teacher in Queensland.
Leaders for New South Wales (NSW)
Nathan Boyle – Sydney, NSW
Nathan is a Wiradjuri man currently living in the Biripi community. Nathan was on the Indigenous Representative Commission for children and young people in 2006. Nathan runs a program called KALM (Koori Advocacy & Leadership Mates) in the Biripi community. His vision is to give greater confidence to Indigenous young people and provide them with the skills they need to be leaders. He also wishes to see an increase in school retention rates and participation. Nathan’s goal is to provide a strong support network. Nathan is motivated, capable and dedicated. His greatest achievements are winning the Manning Valley Young Achiever of the Year 2006 and becoming the first Indigenous Dux of his High School.
Melissa Callaghan – Taree, NSW
Melissa lives in Taree and has ancestral lines with the Biripi and Dunghutti clan. Melissa is a Youth Drugs and Alcohol Mentor, and her vision is to see Aboriginal people succeed and achieve anything they want. Melissa is motivated, determined and honest. Her biggest achievement is receiving a grant of $4000 for a health project.
Karla Lane – Gunnedah, NSW
Karla is Kamilaroi woman who lives in Gunnedah. Karla is an Indigenous Youth Worker and an active community member, and describes her role in the community as being a sister, daughter, granddaughter, aunty. Karla’s vision is to see Aboriginal people be treated equally. She is a strong, independent, happy, fun and outgoing person. Karla’s greatest achievements are gaining employment as a Youth Worker in her local town and graduating from her Diploma of Youth Work with a distinction from TAFE.
Raquel Larkins – Sydney, NSW
Raquel is a Dieri woman. Raquel is an Administration/Customer Service Officer. Raquel’s vision is for youth and the community to succeed and make improvements around Indigenous affairs. Raquel is a kind, respectful, caring, and courteous person. Raquel’s greatest achievement has been becoming an aunty, commencing her Certificate II & III traineeships, gaining fulltime employment and becoming a participant in the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.
Frances Parker – Maclean, NSW
Frances is a Yaegl woman who lives in Maclean. Frances is studying her Masters in Indigenous Studies and a practising artist. Frances also coordinates “Stomp-it’ concerts and is a member of the youth steering committee and Artists Advisory Board for Northern Rivers region of NSW. Frances vision is to share and listen to stories and to help healing through art by conducting workshops for children and elders. Frances would like to gain the trust of community members so she can document their stories before it’s too late. Frances is best described as patient, gentle, committed, honest and wise. Her greatest achievements include winning the Blake Prize for religious art in 2000, making her the youngest and only Indigenous winner in the history of the prize.
Catherine Pross – Kariong, NSW
Catherine is part of the Darkinjung – Palawa and Eora clans. She is a Teachers Aid, Director of Darkinjung Youth Pty Ltd, is on the Volunteer Foundation for Young Australians on Youth Led Futures and Indigenous Small Business Grants. Catherine’s vision is to improve her community by offering the youth opportunities to gain confidence, self respect and identity. Catherine is determined, strong willed and caring. Catherine’s greatest achievements are becoming a better mother and gaining her Bachelor of Education. She would also like to gain her PhD in Education.
David Reid – Coffs Harbour, NSW
David lives in Coffs Harbour and is a Wiradjuri man. David is currently at university studying Psychology. David’s vision is to become the best leader he can be for his community. David describes himself as relaxed, hard working and focussed. His greatest achievements include his work with students and his working towards gaining a degree in Psychology.
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Leaders for Northern Territory (NT)
Nathan Blake Carter – Maningrida, NT
Nathan is from Maningrida, Top End. He has family ties to Burarra-madai, Djinang, Garnarl-bingu, Djarmbarr-bingu - East Arnhem, Burarra-an-barra, Nakara, Gunertpa, Djepana, Gunubiji Kuninyku, Mawung-warruwi minyjilang - West Arnhem NT, Arranda – Alice Spring, Koriol – South Arnhem, and Tiwi – North of Darwin. Nathan has been working and communicating with young people to support, assist and encourage them. As a Youth Worker, Nathan is trying to assist and encourage young people by sharing knowledge and being a helper and trainer. Nathan’s vision is to see youth stay strong. In the future Nathan wants to study governance programs, obtain a Certificate III Youth Services, become a language interpreter, assist Indigenous people in remote areas in the top end of Arnhem Land and become a lawyer. The words that best describe Nathan are helpful, friendly and happy. Nathan’s greatest achievements are the ability to work well with others, becoming a role model, encouraging and teaching others.
Sarah Coombes – Katherine, NT
Sarah is an Indinji (QLD) and Gardwa (NT) woman currently living in Katherine. Sarah is an Administration Assistant at Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation. Sarah has also participated in the Young and National Indigenous Youth Conferences. Sarah’s vision is to gain and share knowledge and gain personal development to empower herself and other young Indigenous women. Sarah is creative, supportive and a good listener. Sarah’s would like achieve all she can in leadership and completes her studies and inspire herself to even greater heights.
Samone Sallik – Tennant Creek, NT
Samone lives in Tennant Creek and is a Kija woman. Samone provides a voice and educates young people with guidance. Samone wants to improve the health and wellbeing of the next generation. Samone is a quiet achiever, being awarded the 2003 Queensland Mining Indigenous Trainee of the Year.
Daniel Smith – Alice Springs, NT
Daniel is an Arrente man from Alice Springs. Daniel is a Youth Support Worker on the Safe Families program. Daniel’s vision is to ensure the safety of his people and friends. Daniel is open mined, easy going and musically minded. Daniel’s greatest achievement is being voted the most respected musician in 2001 at Centralia College and attending the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program in 2007.
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Leaders for Queensland (Qld)
Leandra Baira - Badu Island, QLD
Leandra is from Argunlaig, Wakaidlaig and Badulaig clans. Leandra is an Acting Payroll Clerk, member of Workplace Health and Safety Committee and a community volunteer for youth activities. Leandra’s future is to reach her goal by becoming a public servant for her community and improving the wellbeing of her people. Leandra is strong, black and proud, happy, a good listener, and active. Leandra’s greatest achievements are completing an Associate Degree in Community Management and Development Program and attending the 2007 Indigenous Community Youth Leadership Program.
Lauren Brown – Ipswich, QLD
Lauren is a Gungarri woman who lives in Ipswich. Lauren is a junior hockey coach who also volunteers for a community radio station where she runs a show aimed to promote voices that are not seen or heard in mainstream media. Lauren’s vision is to do her best to create an effective active community, to assist the wider community overcome any problems they have Lauren is strong willed, opinionated, and very outgoing. Lauren’s greatest achievement is being the 2004 Qld Division Winner of the National History Challenge. Lauren has surprised and inspired herself by proving that she can do great things when she works hard and has commitment.
Ashlyn Chapman – Bundaberg, QLD
Ashlyn is a Wakka Wakka/Gurang Gurang woman who lives in Bundaberg. Ashlyn is the eldest of four siblings and works at the local supermarket while studying at university. Ashlyn’s vision is to complete her accounting degree work in a successful accounting firm and to travel Australia and then the world. Ashlyn is a quiet achiever and hard worker. Ashlyn’s greatest achievement is starting university and working.
Travis Coyne Durante – Brisbane, QLD
Travis lives in Brisbane. His father is an Indigenous man from Western Australia and his mother is Malaysian and Torres Strait Islander. Travis is a Hearing Health Worker at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Travis’ vision is to find an answer to assist our Indigenous and Islander kids to improve their speech and hearing. Travis believes that when we improve hearing health in communities, people will become stronger and more confident. Travis’ greatest achievement is going back to his family on Thursday Island.
Tiarna Craigie – Mt Isa, QLD
Tiarna has connections to the Wankamanha, Kalkadoon, and Waluwarra clans. Tiarna is an Administration Officer/Youth Family and Community Resource Officer for the Department of Communities. Tiarna’s goal is for all Queenslanders to live in a safe and successful community. Tiarna wants more successful Indigenous people completing all levels of education, employment and training. Tiarna is cooperative, understanding, respectful, supportive, and determined. Tiarna was awarded Communication Officer of the Year for State and Region, Qld Ambulance Service, and is believed to be the first officer from the North Qld Region to receive the state award.
Allison Landers – Dalby, QLD
Allison lives in Dalby and is a Gungarri woman. Allison’s vision is to be a good leader and to assist herself and the community. Allison is a caring, loving, and positive person. Allison’s greatest achievement is her daughter and her attendance at the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.
Charlene Lui – Mackay, QLD
Charlene is originally from the Darnley Island in the Torres Strait and is now current living in Mackay. Charlene motivates, challenges and inspires the young people of her community to do their best. Charlene’s vision is to see every young Indigenous person receive a good education and to have supportive families that encourage them to aim high. One of her greatest achievements is finish her education and entering university.
Darlene Mam – Brisbane, QLD
Darlene lives in Brisbane and has ties to Palm Island and the Torres Strait. Darlene encourages youth to get involved and take advantage of educational and employment opportunities. The words that best describe Darlene are dominant, bossy, and an achiever. One of Darlene’s greatest achievement is gaining a fulltime position in a government organisation.
Shannean Mawn – Roma, QLD
Shannean lives in Roma and is a Kamilori and Gungarri woman. She is an advocate for aged and disability care. Shannean also ensures that Indigenous clients know their rights and responsibilities. Her vision is to improve and support youth in the community to show them they can achieve anything. Shannean is pleasant, approachable and open. Shannean’s greatest achievement is getting to where she is today having faced many challenges and is enjoying looking forward to the next steps in her leadership journey.
Laura McGrath – Gold Coast, QLD
Laura is a Kitja woman who is currently living on the Gold Coast. Laura has raised her teenage brother along side of her own two children. Laura’s vision is to teach non-Indigenous people an understanding of Indigenous culture and for Indigenous people to be proud of who they are. Laura’s greatest achievement is being a mother of two children.
Emmakita Pryor – Palm Island, QLD
Emmakita is a Birri Gubba woman from Palm Island (Townsville). Emmakita is a positive role model for her peers on Palm Island working as a Family & Domestic Violence Support Worker. Emmakita’s vision is to gain more experience in the field of law and have her own law practice. Emmakita describes herself as a determined, strong minded individual who can achieve anything. Emmakita’s greatest achievement is completing her law degree at James Cook University in Townsville.
Kenny Sailor – Darnley Island, Torres Strait
Kenny is from Darnley Island in the Torres Strait and is a Quarantine Officer. Kenny wishes to create a vision within our young people so that they may have a cause and purpose in their life to live their full potential. Kenny is passionate about everything he sets out to do. Kenny’s greatest achievement is securing a career as a Quarantine Officer and is now the longest serving Quarantine Officer in his community.
Christal Ware – Moa Island, QLD
Christal lives in St Paul’s Community on Moa Island and is a Panai, Anghamuthi and Atambia woman. Christal is a role model and assists others in the community. Christal’s vision is to better the life of youth in her community. Christal’s greatest achievement is attending the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.
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Leaders for South Australia (SA)
Tyson Carmody – Athol Park, SA
Tyson is an Arrente man. Tyson is a positive role model in his community who leads by example, and earns and shows respect, as well as providing support and dedication to family and community. Tyson’s vision is for a positive change to the current situation in Indigenous communities and for unity, learning and sharing knowledge. The words that best describe Tyson are family orientated, open minded, respectful, positive, and simple. Tyson’s greatest achievement is becoming a positive role model for younger members of his family and community.
Cassandra Coulthard – Port Augusta, SA
Cassandra is from Port Augusta and is a Adnyamathana woman. Cassandra is a Youth Worker and Administration Officer at the United Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in Port Augusta. Cassandra’s vision is to be a good leader in Port Augusta so the youth have a positive role model to support them and to look up to. The words that best describe Cassandra are happy, caring, and loving. Cassandra’s greatest achievement is attending the National Congress Youth Conference and the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.
Evelyn-Marie Dohnt – Port Lincoln, SA
Evelyn-Marie lives in Port Lincoln and comes from the Bangarla, Kaurna, Narrunga, and Wirunga clans. Evelyn-Marie is a Community Constable at Port Lincoln Police Station and is also the Community Representative for Health & Life Program Steering Committee with Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service. Evelyn-Marie’s vision is to assist her family and community and to inspire young people to help each other for a better and greater future for her people. Evelyn-Marie’s greatest achievements are reconnecting with her mother, with her family and being in a position to assist the young and old in the Port Lincoln community.
Sarah Landers – Adelaide, SA
Sarah lives in Adelaide and is a Dieri woman. Sarah is an Aboriginal Family Connections Worker for the Department of Families and Communities. Sarah’s vision is to see more Aboriginal people in senior positions who can help support other Aboriginal people. Sarah is quiet but outgoing. Sarah’s greatest achievement is making a difference in her role as an Aboriginal Family Connections Worker, helping to support Aboriginal families and assisting families with all aspects of life such as housing, food, financial assistance, health, medical and education.
Danielle Lovegrove – Murray Bridge, SA
Danielle is an Ngarrindjere woman from Murray Bridge. Danielle works for a Health Outreach Service in the community kinship. Danielle’s vision is to see the youth in her community succeed and to remove themselves from being at risk. She is outgoing, determined and caring. Danielle’s greatest achievement is making a difference through her work.
Amanda Lynch – Adelaide, SA
Amanda lives in Adelaide and is studying a degree in Aboriginal Studies and Social Work at the University of South Australia. Amanda is also an Aboriginal Education Worker at a local high school and works at the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs. Amanda’s vision is for Aboriginal studies in the education system to improve cultural sensitivity, understanding and to prevent racism. Amanda is headstrong, dedicated, ambitious and supportive. Amanda’s greatest achievements are graduating Year 12 and attending university.
Jessica McDiarmid – Whyalla, SA
Jessica lives in Whyalla and is a Dieri woman. Jessica works as a Clerical Worker for the Whyalla Hospital and Health Centre. Jessica’s vision is to travel and to work in Indigenous Affairs. The words that best describe Jessica are talented and creative. Jessica’s greatest achievement so far is completing her traineeship.
Joanne Waye-Hill – Port Augusta, SA
Joanne lives in Port Augusta and is a Adnyathanha, Dieri and Arabana woman. Joanne is a Youth Worker at the Uniting Aboriginal Islander Christian Congress and a volunteer at a sporting club in her community. Joanne’s vision is to better herself as a leader, become a mentor for young Indigenous leaders in the Indigenous community and to inspire other young Indigenous female leaders to be all they can be. Joanne describes herself as an extravert. Joanne’s greatest achievement is travelling to New Mexico, USA for a Christian Leadership Conference. Joanne aims to travel the world.
Leader for Tasmania (Tas)
Perri Chapman – St Helens, TAS
Perri is from St Helen in Tasmania. Perri is a Contract Officer in the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Her vision is to gain as much training as she can, to take every opportunity to gain as much experience out of life and to keep progressing. Perri is a dedicated, determined, persistent, thoughtful person. Perri’s greatest achievement is graduating from university.
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Leaders for Victoria (Vic)
Tammy-Lee Atkinson – Shepparton, VIC
Tammy-Lee lives in Shepparton and is a Yorta-Yorta and Wemba-Wemba woman. Tammy-Lee’s role is to assist in preventing youth dropping out of school and to stop smoking and drinking. This is achieved through weekend activities and rewarding the youth for their achievements. Tammy-Lee’s vision is to assist her people and become a Youth Worker. The words that best describe Tammy-Lee are shy and loud. Tammy-Lee’s greatest achievement is finishing Year 12.
Joshua Pierce – Melbourne, VIC
Joshua lives in Melbourne and comes from the Ewan and Totem Madgisubu clans in the Torres Straits. Joshua is studying at University in his third year of nursing. He is also a volunteer, uncle/great uncle, boyfriend, son, and brother. Joshua’s vision is to be a role model that has a positive influence on others. Joshua tries to always treat others as he would like to be treated. The words that best describe Joshua are quick to laugh, happy, loyal, dedicated and a joker. Joshua’s greatest achievement is being an uncle.
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Leaders for Western Australia (WA)
Kerry Aiken – Fitzroy Crossing, WA
Kerry is a Bunuba and Gooniyandi woman who lives in Fitzroy Crossing. Kerry is a Youth Support and Truancy Officer. She leads young people within her community by being a positive role model. Kerry’s vision is to lead young Aboriginal people in the right direction for a healthier and successful life. Kerry describes herself as a enthusiastic, outgoing and loyal person. Kerry’s greatest achievement was auditioning and being successful for the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Association (NAISDA) Dance company in Sydney.
Chantelle Cameron - Kalgoorlie, WA
Chantelle lives in Kalgoorlie and has eight sisters and two brothers. At home Chantelle’s role is to pay the bills, keep house and assist her father as he can not drive. Chantelle’s vision is to one day manage her own business in the Goldfields, and employ and train young Indigenous and non-Indigenous people so they have the same, or better, opportunities than she had. The words that best describe Chantelle are a workaholic, reliable and trustworthy. Chantelle’s greatest achievement is her successful selection for the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program. She now believes it can only get better from here.
Susannah Day – Perth, WA
Susannah lives in Perth and is a Martu woman. Sussanah wished to find her identity as an Aboriginal woman to make herself a stronger Indigenous person. Susannah’s vision is to become a facilitator for Perth’s Indigenous Art Community. Susannah is a passionate and curious person. Her greatest achievement is successfully gaining a place on the Australian Youth Ambassador Development Program which included living and working in Indonesia for 6 months in 2006.
Amanda Dimer - Esperance, WA
Amanda lives in Esperance. She is an up-and-coming family & community leader, currently working for BHP, Ravensthorpe Nickel Operations as a Site Administration Officer. In the future she would like to work as a development officer for the Indigenous workers. Amanda’s vision is to complete her accounting degree and set up a consultancy business to assist Indigenous organisations and communities to manage their own finances. Amanda is a good listener, passionate, loving, and strong willed. Amanda’s greatest achievement came in 1999 when she completed her Year 12 Tertiary Entrance Examinations (TEE) and graduated despite the tragic loss of her two older brothers.
Rochelle Dolby – Broome, WA
Rochelle lives in Broome and is a Yawuru (Broome) and Nuyl Nuyl woman. Rochelle is the eldest child and her younger siblings look up to her for comfort and guidance. Rochelle is the Sport and Recreation Officer in Broome. Rochelle’s vision is to see more Indigenous females participate in sport and recreation, especially in her community. Rochelle is a quiet achiever who believes that attending the Indigenous Leadership Program is her greatest achievement.
Shanni Ishiguchi – Djarindjin, WA
Shanni lives in the Djarindjin Community (via Broome) and is a Bardi and Boodoola woman with Japanese and Scottish ties. Shanni is an Aboriginal teacher’s assistant, and Sport and Recreation Liaison Officer. Shanni’s vision is to see youth within her community have the opportunity to receive an education so they can live better lives and be stronger Aboriginal people who can find employment. Shanni is a kind, open minded and strong person. Shanni’s greatest achievement is playing her part as a role model and leader for her kids and family.
Sunnima Martin – Port Hedland, WA
Sunnima lives in Port Hedland and has family ties to the Mubla clan from the Pilbara. Her role is listening to and assisting her family and community. Sunnima’s vision is to educate Indigenous youth of the effects that drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancy and suicide has on Indigenous people. She describes herself as different. Sunnima’s greatest achievement is stopping some of her family and friends using drugs and alcohol to solve their problems.
Janelle McKenzie – Derby, WA
Janelle lives in Derby and comes from the Nykina, Jabbir Jabbir and Bardi clans. Janelle is a Public Servant, Army Reservist, mother and spokeswoman for Indigenous people in her community. Janelle’s vision is to become a high achieving leader in her community and wider region. Janelle describes herself as respectful, reliable, friendly and an achiever. Janelle’s greatest achievement is moving away from home for a job promotion and creating better opportunities for her daughter.
Michael Robertson – Broome, WA
Michael is originally from Cairns and has ties to Old Mapoon and Darnley Island in the Torres Strait. Michael’s role is to be a positive role model for himself and others. Michael’s vision is to see Indigenous peoples gain recognition and achieve sovereignty. The words that best describe Michael are peaceful, stubborn, friendly and easy going. Michael’s greatest achievement is staying alive and in a position to do something positive for himself and his people.
Noel Sampi – Djarindji, WA
Noel lives in Djarindjin and is a Bardi man. Noel connects with his community by sharing his happiness and health. Noel’s vision is to have a community free of alcohol and drugs, and to ensure the youth are involved in the community. Noel is a quiet achiever who describes himself as a person who always likes to have fun and make people laugh. Noel’s greatest achievement is participating in the Indigenous Leadership Program.
Dwesmond Dann – Kooljaman, WA
Dwesmond is a Bardi man who lives in Kooljaman. Dwesmond is a receptionist and a trainee Support Officer at the Kooljaman resort. His vision is to encourage youth to enrol in tertiary education so that they can live a better life.