Terri Janke
Terri Janke was born in North Queensland. She is a descendant of the Meriam people of the Torres Strait and the Wuthathi people from around the tip of Cape York. In 1995 Terri graduated from the University of New South Wales, completing a Bachelor of Arts/Laws. After graduating she worked for private law firms including Phillips Fox, Sydney, and Michael Frankel & Co, Sydney. She began advising Indigenous artists on copyright, contracts and protecting their cultural interests.
In 1999 Terri, gained her unrestricted practise certificate from the Law Society of New South Wales. Then in early 2000 she set up her own legal firm based in Sydney called Terri Janke and Company. Terri is now the Solicitor Director of Terri Janke and company.
Please check out Terri's website (www.terrijanke.com.au)
Anita Heiss
Dr. Anita Heiss is a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales and is an author, poet, social commentator and cultural activist.
She is regarded as one of Australia’s most renowned authors of Indigenous literature, having published non-fiction, historical fiction, chick lit, poetry and social commentary.
Anita has not only performed her works nationally (at the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Perth International Arts Festival, Adelaide Writers’ Week, Byron Bay Writers’ Festival, Message Sticks, Brisbane Writers Festival, Somerset Festival of Literature, Watermark and Word storm, to name a few) but she has also performed her works internationally in Spain, Austria, the USA, Canada, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, China, Tahiti and New Caledonia.
Please check out Anita’s website (www.anitaheiss.com)
Rayleen Brown
Rayleen Brown is descended from the Nanggiwumerri and Arrente people. Rayleen’s catering business, Kungkas Can Cook, was the innovation of Rayleen and her friend Gina Smith. Chatting over a cup of tea, the two women discussed the idea of starting a catering business that provided healthy food and would better serve the needs of Indigenous people.
Well before Kungkas Can Cook was established Rayleen was already dedicated to providing healthy food, low in fat, sugar and salt, to customers at the café she operated in Alice Springs.
Rayleen now owns the business by herself. She has remained committed to helping the Indigenous community, through employing Indigenous staff and using other Indigenous businesses.
Kim Smith
Kim Smith is an Aboriginal woman living with her husband, children and extended family in the rural community of Bundarra, in NSW. Kim has been a passionate long arm quilter for many years. Taking her love of quilting to new heights, Kim bought Honeysuckle Cottage, a patchwork and quilting business. Kim welcomes visitors to her shop at Bundarra in New South Wales, making morning or afternoon tea for shoppers, but her main business is via the Internet. Visit Kim’s online quilting supply shop (www.honeysucklecottage.com.au).
Suzanne Thompson
Suzanne Thompson is based in South East Queensland. She has always wanted to own and operate her own business. Suzanne comes from a family that ran a business, and she and her brothers worked in the business when they were young. Suzanne has been working in the private sector all her life and is currently the director of 3 private companies. These are:
Blaknwhite Pty Ltd (developing and implementing community development programs)
Ochre Majik Arts & Crafts Gallery (Suzanne's handmade arts & crafts)
Betalingalonga (providing cultural programs and camps)
Suzanne believes that the only way she can make a true difference is to become very successful in business and hope to one day help other Indigenous people get into business as well.
Sharon Williams
Sharon Williams is a member of the Ngemba people of New South Wales. She set up her Sydney based business, Thulli Dreaming, in 1997 in NSW. Thulli Dreaming is a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated business. It provides many products and services including native food and entertainment, interactive and educational workshops, and cultural tours and camps. All these services and products are developed and delivered under the approval and guidance of the appropriate elders.
Over the years, Sharon has developed her skills as well as growing her business. She went to university and completed a Bachelor of Community Management. She has also completed Certificate IV Workplace Training & Assessment and Certificate 1 in Tourism (Indigenous Tourism). Sharon is continuing her studies, and is currently completing a Masters of Professional Studies (Aboriginal Studies).
Sharon loves the fact that she is doing something she is passionate about, as well as the fact that she is educating people about Aboriginal culture and showcasing NSW Aboriginal culture.
Please check out Sharon and Thulli Dreaming at their website (www.thullii.com.au).