Gwenda has had a varied career working for almost 50 years in many Government Departments and Non Government organisations. These included Child Protection and childrens and adult mental health, (in both NSW and Northern Territory) Corrective Services and Juvenile Justice along with Centrelink And Housing NSW.
Gwenda is a Palawa woman and has proactively served her Aboriginal Communities, in which she has lived and worked, as CEO of Anaiwan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Chairperson of Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council, Director of Hunter Aboriginal Childrens services and various other NGO positions.
This experience led her to discover her passion for justice for children in child protection system and elders within the aged care system, advocating for many, not only with My Aged Care but also with home care providers. After being diagnosed with younger onset FTD at 59, and being determined to not allow the diagnosis to define her Gwenda,has been outspoken and passionate about equity for those from diverse communities who are “slipping though the nets”. The rights of older people to live with dignity of choice and educating communities about their rights is another passion of Gwendas. Gwenda is also very aware of the difficulties many carers and loved ones face while trying to balance their quality of life with their commitment to caring for those they love whether children or adults.