In the landscape of Australian music and cultural leadership, few people have made as profound an impact as Dr. Shellie Morris. Over the past 25 years, she has dedicated her life to utilising the power of storytelling and music as tools for healing, leaving her mark on communities across the country. From the deserts of the Territory to big cities, Dr. Morris has worked to ensure that every individual has a voice. Her belief in the power of expression goes beyond geography, touching the lives of those in both remote and urban communities. Whether she’s with children, adults, or elders, her approach is consistent: everyone matters, and every voice is important. Dr. Morris’s connection to her Yanyuwa and Wardaman roots
Honouring Our Elders
Joe Williams is proud Wiradjuri/Wolgalu man, prominent suicide prevention and wellbeing educator, and a passionate mental health advocate. As the founder of The Enemy Within, an organisation he established in 2014, Joe has delivered wellbeing programs to over 200 communities across Australia and multiple countries around the world. The organisation’s mission is to alleviate the mental and traumatic distress of individuals from all walks of life. Additionally, Joe is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland, where he contributes his expertise to furthering mental health education and research. Joe’s commitment to mental health stems from his personal experiences. Despite a successful 15-year career as a professional athlete in the National Rugby League, playing
Honouring Our Leaders: The Journey of Kirli Saunders (OAM) This month, we are delighted to honour an extraordinary Gunai Woman whose influence runs from the halls of the Sydney Opera House to the communities she serves. Kirli Saunders (OAM), has dedicated her life to creating, connecting, and catalysing change through her works and artistry. Kirli Saunders is a storyteller whose work bridges cultural gaps and ignites conversations for social impact. From a young age, Kirli’s passion for the arts and her community guided her path. This passion has seen her emerge as a renowned writer, singer-songwriter, and visual artist, recognised globally for her contributions. Her creative journey led to impressive partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious organisations. From
Dion Devow, founder of Darkies Designs, is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man and father of three. With over 20 years of experience in Indigenous affairs, Dion has made significant contributions to Indigenous health, education, justice, and business. When he chose a controversial name for his business, Dion Devow wanted to reclaim a derogatory term and express pride in his Aboriginal culture and heritage. Darkies Design, which Dion started in 2010, produces contemporary Aboriginal-themed apparel and print media for mainstream, sports, and promotional use. One of Dion’s first concepts was a t-shirt with a simple logo: 100% Pure Australian. Darkies Design collaborates with Indigenous artists and designers to produce his designs and has also supplied ceremonial uniforms to
My name is Bonnie Dukakis, and my mob is Gunditjmara from Southwest Victoria but I grew up Southeast Victoria on Gunaikurnai Country. I’m the current Executive Officer of the Koorie Youth Council, an Aboriginal youth-led policy and advocacy organisation in Victoria. Tell us about your career? I completed at traineeship in 2014 with Department of Justice and through that was exposed to a lot of different areas and opportunities. I was supported to complete my National accreditation in Mediation to be one of the only mob and only person under 35 at the time as a mediator for a service in Gippsland. From here I had the opportunity to work at a residential facility for Aboriginal men on community-based corrections
This month with our focus on Reconciliation, is the perfect time to highlight the impactful work inspiring journey of Louisa Warren. Louisa’s work showcases her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through excellence and industry. Louisa Warren currently holds the role of Manager of the Office of Indigenous Engagement at CSIRO in Queensland. Her career spans over two decades, focusing on community engagement, strategic policy development, and the management of social and economic development projects. One of Louisa’s notable achievements was her role as a Program Manager for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Here, she was instrumental in developing the Games’ first-ever Reconciliation Action Plan
In the realm of corporate leadership, Laura Berry, former CEO of Supply Nation, stands out for her unique approach to driving change. Berry describes herself as an “introverted leader,” yet her actions and initiatives speak volumes about her ability to push for transformative progress within Australia’s corporate sector, particularly in championing Indigenous businesses and sustainability. Berry’s leadership is grounded in empathy, integrity, and vision. She believes in understanding the individuals she leads, sharing that effective leadership involves leading from the heart and inspiring people to willingly follow. With her people-first approach, Berry ensures her team feels valued beyond their roles and creates an environment where employees are empowered to excel. Berry’s work has facilitated a significant flow of benefits back
Few stories resonate with our community powerfully as that of Leah Purcell. A woman of immense talent, resilience, and cultural richness, Leah’s journey has become an inspiration for aspiring artists and storytellers across the nation.
In the world of Indigenous education, one name shines brightly: Emeritus Professor John Lester. With over 40 years of dedicated leadership, passion, and a deep connection to his roots as a Wonnarua Elder, Professor Lester has left an unforgettable mark on Indigenous education and training. Let’s take a closer look at his incredible journey and the indelible impact he’s had on the lives of Aboriginal children. A Lifelong Commitment From the get-go, it was clear that Professor Lester was on a mission. Armed with his diploma, degree, and Masters in Educational Administration, he delved into the heart of Indigenous education. But it was his Doctorate, which explored the question “Why do Aboriginal kids switch off school?”, that truly set him
National NAIDOC Week is an important celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and achievements. Each year, the week-long event brings together communities across Australia to honour the rich contributions of Indigenous peoples. In 2023, the National NAIDOC Week theme, “For Our Elders,” highlights the significance of intergenerational guidance, learning, and mentorship. While the theme specifically acknowledges the wisdom and knowledge of our elders, it also offers valuable insights to job seekers, emphasising the importance of intergenerational connections and the invaluable lessons they provide. Intergenerational Guidance: Connecting the Past and the Present For job seekers, understanding the wisdom of our elders is crucial in navigating both personal and professional paths. The theme “For Our Elders” encourages individuals to