I am a proud Aboriginal woman who heralds from the Mirning and Kokatha peoples from the Far West Coast of South Australia.
In 1990 I attained a Social Work degree. My early career highlights have been in front line Aboriginal child and family services and foster care work. Over the past 30 years, I have contributed to the formation of policy at the state and national level, and excellence in service innovation and community development in regard to Aboriginal health, education, child and family welfare, foster care, and youth justice services across metropolitan and regional areas, including rural and remote South Australia.
The work I have undertaken over the years has led me to a range of executive leadership roles in the South Australian Government, including four years as the Aboriginal Justice Director in the Attorney General’s Department, ten years as SA Health Aboriginal Health Branch Director, and two and a half years as Director, Aboriginal Education.
As an Aboriginal person, I understand the roles and responsibilities that are intricately provided by family and community. I acknowledge their stories and experiences, and strive to respond to them meaningfully through policy and practice change that places a high value on culture.
I am passionate about creating change through the voices of our Aboriginal children and young people in South Australia. The development of culturally informed and culturally safe child and family policy and services must include their voices.