NAIDOC Week 2023

This NAIDOC Week, join us in celebrating and honouring the strength, resilience, and wisdom of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They are the heart and soul of our nation, embodying a rich cultural heritage that stretches back not only hundreds, but tens of thousands of years. From the Dreamtime stories to the present day, their voices echo with power and grace.

Is there a particular Indigenous woman you find inspiring? Through adversity, Indigenous women have emerged as leaders, trailblazers, and change-makers, reclaiming their identities and shaping the future. They inspire us with their unwavering determination to preserve traditions, protect the land, and nurture communities. Use the following links to read more about incredible Indigenous trailblazers:

Aunty Dr Naomi Mayers OAM

Proud Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman, born in 1941 on Erambie Mission, just outside of Cowra in country New South Wales. Aunty Dr Naomi has dedicated her life to the advancement of Indigenous health and is a leader in Aboriginal affairs. Read more.

Megan Krakouer 

Megan Krakouer is a Menang Woman of the Noongar Nation. Megan is a renowned activist, prominent social justice advocate and arbitrator for the voiceless, and, law reformer. Read more.

Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM 

Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM is a proud Ngan’giwumirri woman and Elder from Nauiyu in the Daly River region of the Northern Territory. Dr Miriam-Rose is a renowned educator, artist, and public speaker. Dr Miriam-Rose has dedicated her life to improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal children and began this journey when she became a teacher’s aide at St Francis Xavier community school in the Daly River region. In 1975, Dr Miriam-Rose became the Northern Territory’s first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher, and she strongly believes that education is the way forward. Read more.

Donnell Wallam

Donnell Wallam is a proud Noongar woman from Korijekup, Western Australia, a small town 2 hours south of Boorloo (Perth). Donnell is a professional netballer and sharp shooter for the Australian Diamonds and the Queensland Firebirds. She was only the second Indigenous Suncorp Super Netball Player and third Indigenous woman to play netball for Australia.  She is one of the most well-known and respected goalers in the Suncorp Super Netball competition. Read more.

Lala Gutchen 

Lala Gutchen is a proud Meuram woman from Erub Island in the Torres Strait who has worked tirelessly to protect and preserve her Country and Culture for future generations. An outstanding youth leader and bearer of cultural knowledge, Lala is dedicated to protecting her homelands and culture across the Torres Strait. Read more.

Dr Anita Heiss AM

Dr Anita Heiss AM is a proud member of the Wiradyuri nation of central New South Wales and one of Australia’s most prolific and well-known authors publishing across genres including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children’s fiction. Read more.

Courtney Burns 

Courtney Burns is a 25 year old Gunaikurnai woman (land and sea country) from South Gippsland, Victoria. Courtney is currently studying Marine Science at James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville, Queensland, and assisting in the shark research lab in Townsville. Read more.