Let's start with what's strong,
not what's wrong
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside First Nations communities, organisations, and allies across Australia. Each collaboration is grounded in shared values, culture, connection, and a commitment to meaningful impact.
This project began in response to a breach of cultural protocol, which prompted me to offer support, guidance, and education which evolved into a multi-year engagement focused on strengthening cultural safety and building lasting institutional change. I worked closely with the School Director, Senior Leadership Team, and faculty to deliver a series of tailored projects and initiatives, including: Development and delivery of cultural education for youth: I designed and facilitated immersive cultural awareness and safety programs as part of a National School Youth Conference. These workshops provided students with a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, protocols, and perspectives, with a strong focus on respect, truth-telling, and relationship to Country. Cultural capacity-building for educators: I developed and delivered Cultural Awareness & Safety Strategies to support staff in building their cultural competency. This included sessions on respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, understanding protocol, and embedding First Nations perspectives into classroom practice. Cultural liaison and hosting support: I coordinated and provided cultural support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guests visiting the school, ensuring appropriate cultural protocols were observed and that visitors felt respected, welcomed, and safe. Strategic advisory work: I consulted regularly with faculty and leadership to guide policy and practice, helping the school grow its cultural responsiveness and better support First Nations students and families. This partnership led to the co-creation of a dedicated First Nations Cultural Advisor role within the school, a systemic shift that was approved by the Board and built into the school’s staffing structure. I was the first to hold this role, and it remains a permanent position today, continuing to support cultural integrity and safety across the school community.
I worked in close collaboration with Organisational Psychology and National Operations teams to support the development and implementation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and engagement initiatives within large-scale corporate and government contexts. Key areas of contribution included: Strategic advice: I advised on the research and design of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs, including community engagement, economic viability, implementation strategies, and long-term sustainability planning. Organisational development: I provided management support across a range of internal systems, including bonus structure design, KPI development, communication planning, and the creation of culturally responsive induction and onboarding processes. Federal partnership delivery: I supported a nationally delivered Indigenous Employment Pathway Program, contributing to community consultation, cultural education sessions, and candidate selection processes, including participation in interviews and assessment activities. This work brought together my expertise in Indigenous employment strategy, cultural safety, and systems-level implementation across diverse workplace environments.
During my time as a Consultant with Reconciliation Queensland I contributed to Reconciliation Australia's Recognise campaign, a national initiative aimed at raising awareness about the need to amend the Australian Constitution to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through community engagement and advocacy, the campaign successfully increased public awareness. My role involved collaborating with diverse communities to foster understanding and support for constitutional recognition, participating in events and discussions that highlighted the importance of this national conversation
In partnership with three other respected First Nations leaders, I was part of the decision-making panel for the Restoration Fund — an initiative developed by the Balaangala Community Group Inc. in collaboration with First Nations Elders and community members. The Fund is a grassroots response to the call for restitution and equity. It offers non-Indigenous Australians a way to acknowledge the ongoing impact of colonisation by contributing financially to First Nations-owned initiatives. As a panel member, I helped assess and determine how funds were distributed to First Nations-led groups, organisations, and small businesses engaged in projects that create long-term cultural and economic impact — such as employment pathways, cultural revitalisation programs, and community-led development. Our decisions were guided by principles of restorative justice, cultural integrity, and sustainability. This work was deeply aligned with my belief in economic self-determination and the importance of community-led solutions.
As a Board Member of Reconciliation Queensland Inc. (RQI), I contributed to the strategic direction and governance of Queensland’s peak body for reconciliation. Working alongside a diverse group of leaders, I supported initiatives that promote cultural understanding, truth-telling, and equity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community. My role involved input into policy, partnerships, and programs that reflect and respond to the needs of First Nations peoples across the state.
Drawing on my successful delivery of a federally funded Indigenous Employment Pathway Program, I was engaged to develop a strategic framework and funding submission on behalf of a new organisation seeking to lead the initiative. This work included designing a national community consultation model, cultural education components, and candidate support processes. Leveraging my proven experience, the submission was successful, securing the partnership and laying the foundation for a culturally responsive and outcomes-driven program that supports meaningful employment pathways for First Nations peoples.