I have specialized in cultural liaison and development in public and government roles in remote areas. With experience in program development, event coordination, and cultural advising, I have achieved effective outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I excel in high-pressure situations, motivating teams and building capability through example. With active listening, empathy, and rapport-building skills, I foster strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels. My key skills include
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Facilitator
QuIHN
10.2024 - Current
Company Overview: Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (part-time)
To Facilitate the delivery of structured moderate intensity, evidence informed, Relapse Prevention AOD groups within Queensland Correctional Facilities.
To offer AOD interventions to individuals on community supervision orders with substance use and other related issues such as mental health.
To facilitate or co-facilitate psychosocial education and support group/s in Queensland Correctional Centres and the Community.
Provide safe open space to explore, plan and practice skills strategies and movement towards the achievement of client identified goals.
Use evidence-based therapies for AOD interventions, like Stages of Change, Relapse Prevention, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, ACT, CBT, and Solution-based Therapy.
Ensure all clinical processes and tools are adhered to and followed as per QuIHN procedures and QCS contract agreement.
Consult with other organisations as required to achieve client outcomes.
Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (part-time)
Cultural Mentor
Mission Australia
08.2024 - 10.2024
Company Overview: Mareeba (full-time)
As Cultural Mentor I was responsible for facilitating the cultural identify and connection program 'Deadly Me' to young people involved, or at risk of involvement, in the youth justice system, mostly Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people, and their families.
Mareeba (full-time)
Group Facilitator
QuIHN
04.2024 - 08.2024
Company Overview: Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (part-time)
To Facilitate the delivery of structured moderate intensity, evidence informed, Relapse Prevention AOD groups within Queensland Correctional Facilities.
Provide AOD interventions to individuals on community supervision orders affected by substance use and related mental health concerns.
To facilitate or co-facilitate psychosocial education and support group/s in Queensland Correctional Centres and the Community.
Provide safe open space to explore, plan and practice skills strategies and movement towards the achievement of client identified goals.
Deliver Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) interventions using evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as Stages of Change, Relapse Prevention, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Purposeful Therapy.
Ensure all clinical processes and tools are adhered to and followed as per QuIHN procedures and QCS contract agreement.
Collaborate with other organisations to achieve client outcomes.
Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (part-time)
Shanty Creek Support Worker
Lives Lived Well
03.2024 - 09.2024
Company Overview: Mareeba (Casual)
Facilitated family wellbeing programs, developing, positive thoughts, feelings & behaviours, respect & life skills.
Provided intervention support to residential clients to abstain from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances.
Encourage and support client base with personal struggles, supporting and fostering change.
Aid clients with personal shopping and attending appointments made with Doctors, Dentist, Employment agencies, Centrelink and more.
Take clients out on weekend outings to various locations in the tropical far north region.
Prepare and cook healthy meals for dinner for all residential clients on-site.
Collect data and maintain up-to-date client case note records.
Mareeba (Casual)
Sport & Recreation Officer
Ngoonbi
11.2023 - 03.2024
Company Overview: Mareeba (part-time 10.5hrs p/w)
Planned and facilitated a variety of sporting activities and recreational programs for the Yumba Community catering to the needs of Men, Women and Young people.
Promoted healthy lifestyle choices and physical activity among community members by designing and implementing exercise plans and wellness initiatives.
Engaged with Community members to encourage participation in sporting events and recreational activities, fostering a sense of positive community spirit.
Compiled and maintained detailed reports on program participation, outcomes, and feedback to assess effectiveness and informed future program development.
Collaborated with other subbranch agencies to coordinate resources, share best practices and maximise the impact of sport and recreational initiatives within the community.
Exhibited a keen understanding of the cultural and social context of the Yumba Community, meticulously adjusting programs and activities to reflect community values and preferences.
Mareeba (part-time 10.5hrs p/w)
Founded and lead the establishment of the Yumba Bama Bara Community Group dedicated to empowering individuals towards autonomy and reviving community spirit and sense of belonging.
Led initiatives to link community members with their cultural heritage, highlighting the significance of land, country, language, and people in developing a sense of cultural identity and belonging.
Developed and implemented programs and activities aimed at promoting Cultural Awareness and strengthening Cultural Connections within the community.
Facilitated community discussion and workshops to encourage dialogue and collaboration among group members fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment.
Collaborated with local stakeholders and organisations to leverage resources and support for community development initiatives, maximizing impact and sustainability.
Monitored and evaluated the progress and impact of the Community Group adjusting strategies as required to better meet the evolving needs and priorities of the community members.
Founded Yumba Bama Bara Community Group and developed a website to highlight its positive impact and promote unity. http://Yumbabamabara.org
Youth Engagement Project Co-ordinator
Mulungu Primary Health Service
09.2023 - 12.2023
Conducted 'Hearing the Youth Voices' survey for individuals aged 10-19 to gather feedback on education, sports, employment, safety, health, well-being, and family dynamics.
Conducted interviews with youth participants to gather feedback and stories, synthesizing insights for future program development and community initiatives.
Utilized qualitative analysis techniques to extract key themes and trends from survey responses and interviews, providing actionable recommendations for organisational improvement.
Queensland Police Liaison Officer
PCYC & Queensland Police Service
12.2022 - 07.2023
Company Overview: Mareeba
Played a pivotal role in youth engagement initiatives, overseeing after school & after dark engagement activities such as Pulse Café, providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to socialize and participate in constructive activities.
Collaborated closely with law enforcement as a Police Liaison Officer to ensure Indigenous presence at the PCYC, fostering positive relationships between Youth participants, the wider community, and Police Officers.
Implemented and facilitated various developmental programs aimed at enhancing young people’s skills and abilities, including team building exercises, critical thinking strategies, problem solving activities, and stress reduction techniques such as breathing, relaxation exercises to promote emotional regulation.
Engaged actively with youth participants, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to empower them to make positive choices and develop essential life skills.
Contributed to the ongoing improvement of the PCYC programs by providing feedback, suggestions and insights based on observations and interactions with youth participants and law enforcement partners.
Mareeba
I worked proactively during a critical incident in community while I was only four months into the role, I recognised the need for enhanced support for both the effective families and law enforcement.
Took steps to provide intermediary support, fostering communications and understanding between the two sides during a challenging time.
My leadership responsibilities influenced my decision to continue working as PLO, extending beyond typical duties at PCYC.
Boarding House Supervisor
Djarragun Cape York Girls Academy
07.2022 - 11.2022
Company Overview: Wangetti Campus
Provided guidance and support to students within the residential college community, fostering their personal growth and development into responsible individuals.
Supported students' academic progress and personal well-being by helping with schoolwork and addressing individual needs.
Organised and Co-ordinated a diverse range of recreational activities and excursions to encourage student engagement and involvement in college life.
Cultivated a supportive and inclusive environment within the boarding house, promoting a sense of belonging and camaraderie amongst residence.
Implemented strategies to promote student autonomy and independence while ensuring their safety and well-being within the boarding house environment.
Collaborated with fellow staff members and stakeholders to address student concerns, resolve conflicts, and enhance the overall quality of the residential college experience.
Wangetti Campus
Client Services Co-ordinator/Data Entry
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS)
03.2022 - 07.2022
Plan and manage database related projects involving timely analysis and reporting, effectively utilising Microsoft Office Suite to plan, communicate and report, and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders on database compliance issues.
Manage database coordination, including directing data collection, querying, and extracting client data reports from client database management systems and interpreting data reports for a range of stakeholders.
Encourage others to meet data input targets, manage deadlines and complex data, and complete basic administrative tasks.
Work unsupervised in a team environment with multiple site reporting responsibilities.
Produce quarterly and annual reports for internal and external stakeholders.
Acting Cultural Development Supervisor
08.2019 - 08.2019
During my tenure as Acting Cultural Development Supervisor, I held a short relief contract where I provided leadership, support, and supervision to the Cultural Liaison Team during a period of staff absenteeism. I balanced the expected outcomes of the work unit and ensured effective performance by adhering to department policies and processes. As a long-serving CLO, I offered peer support training, guidance, and promoted accountability.
Assigned as the Master of Ceremonies to coordinate, promote and execute the largest ever NAIDOC event in 2019 over a three-day period, completing a large variety of complex tasks and functions this was the first of its kind and an outstanding success.
Developed and implemented strategies for effective communications between prisoners involved in tribal payback, mitigating potential fights, illness, and deaths in custody.
Provided high-level advice and solutions for senior management, projects, teams, intelligence, stakeholders, and clients through collaborative consultations.
(Acting) Far North Regional Cultural Liaison Officer
Cairns Regional Probation and Parole Office
07.2017 - 10.2017
As a Cultural Case Manager, I contributed insights and recommendations for restructuring the Regional Cultural Liaison Role. This covered a large and diverse regional catchment area working within the three different Probation and Parole District locations of Mareeba, Mossman, and Innisfail, and included co-facilitation of culturally appropriate programs in the office and various community locations throughout North Queensland.
Travelled to remote locations across Cape York to co-facilitate culturally appropriate training programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parolees.
Facilitated and designed programs including Low-Intensity Substance Intervention (LISI), Personal Futures Planning (PFP), Resilience and Brain Matters.
Provided awareness and recommendations for the restructuring of the Regional Cultural Liaison Role.
Cultural Liaison Officer (Identified)
Queensland Corrective Services
10.2011 - 01.2022
Company Overview: Lotus Glen
For ten years at Lotus Glen Corrections Centre, I provided frontline support to offenders by facilitating sessions, activities, and group work. I supported risk minimisation strategies and helped maintain a safe environment. In a team of four CLOs and alongside the Offender Development Team, I offered structured training and ongoing support for prisoner-led improvement initiatives.
Lotus Glen
Qualified as a Trainer and Assessor, enabled me to provide Cultural Awareness Training for custodial staff and new recruits.
Organized opportunities for Murri-Doctors in traditional healing and smoking ceremonies.
Coordinated the 'Coming of the Light' re-enactment between Inmates and Chaplains.
Family Support Officer
Carmel Adventist Secondary College
03.2009 - 11.2010
Company Overview: Perth
Offer direct support within the classroom environment, collaborating closely with students to guarantee their understanding of the teacher's instructions and academic content.
Implemented strategies tailored to the individual needs of students to enhance their understanding and engagement with the curriculum.
Offered additional support to boarding house students within the school environment, assisting them in navigating academic challenges and promoting their academic success.
Collaborated with teachers and school staff to identify areas for improvement in student’s literacy and numeracy skills, developing targeted interventions and support plans.
Fostered positive relationship with students and their families, serving as a point of contact for academic and personal concerns and offering guidance and resources to support their educational journey.
Advocated for the educational needs of Indigenous students, promoting cultural inclusivity and equity within the school community.
Perth
Education
Diploma of Indigenous Studies - undefined
Mamarapha Bible College
Diploma of Education (RATEP) - undefined
Tropical North TAFE College
Certificate II Office Administration - undefined
Cairns Business College
Certificate III and IV Automotive Electrical - undefined