I am a Proud Adnyamathanha/Kuyani woman from the Northern Flinders Ranges. My father was a Adnyamathanha/Kuyani man who grew up far north between Leigh creek and Copley. My mother is an English woman who came out to Australia from England, back then known as a ten pound pom.

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At the age of 16 my mother found work as a governess on a station called Myrtle Springs station. Myrtle Springs Station is situated in between Copley and Leigh Creek. It was here that my Mother and Father met while my father worked as a Jackaroo/station hand. They shared a beautiful love story and had four children together.

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In the late 1980’s my father became the first Aboriginal Correctional Officer in Australia and worked closely with community. He was my biggest role model growing up, and I knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I wanted to continue to be that voice and see positive change and impact for our First Nations people.

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I am a mother of 6 beautiful children, and care for my two cultural grandsons through a Kinship placement. As well as raising a tribe of kids, I work within the South Australian Government for the Department for Child Protection. Within my work role as an Aboriginal Facilitator, I coordinate the Cultural Footprint Program, delivering cultural training across South Australia.

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Before starting my career working in the South Australian Government, I spent 20 years working within non-government organisations, in Aboriginal specific roles. Throughout my time with the non-government organisations, I noticed there was a gap with services in regard to cultural understanding and engagement with First Nations people.For me, this is a gap that could easily be closed if services, organisations and businesses were willing to put in the work in creating a culturally safe environment and supporting the space for staff to grow their cultural capability.

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I feel privileged and am grateful each day that I get to live, work and raise my children on Kaurna Land. After spending most of my life here in Adelaide I do make every opportunity to connect and return back to my ancestral lands. I want my children to have the same upbringing as myself and that is to grow up strong in culture. Going back home, back to country is a time where I know I can continue to teach my children the importance of healing, and connecting with our Yarta (land) family, Yura muda (Story book), & song lines.