ABORIGINAL
Wellbeing
CONFERENCE
2025
Yarning 'Round the Campfire
Newcastle, NSW
The conference strengthened participants’ self-awareness, empathy, and cultural understanding, supporting more respectful and effective service delivery for Aboriginal clients, families, and communities.
Through yarning and shared reflection, participants explored the importance of understanding the whole story and the role of deep listening, patience, and empathy in building trust.
The conference highlighted how acknowledging histories of trauma and resilience can challenge assumptions and reduce bias, while strengthening culturally informed practice.
Overall, the event enhanced participants’ skills and confidence, contributing to stronger relationships, improved service responses, and more positive outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Lisa Barbour - Tulgeen
With over 28 years of experience across the disability, aged care, and youth services sectors, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting and empowering others. It all began with a “Work for the Dole” program—an opportunity I’m truly grateful for and one that set me on a path I’ve never looked back from.
Cecillia McKenzie- Cecilla McKenzie Consulting
A proud Wiradjuri woman and First Nations advocate, Cecilia is a passionate connector and educator committed to self-determination and using the lessons of the past to shape a better future. Drawing on her lived experience, she shares powerful stories of recovery and renewal to inspire and empower others.
Sheree James- Family Spirit
Sheree is a proud Wiradjuri woman with lived experience in the child protection system and over 30 years of expertise in child wellbeing across government and non-government sectors. As CEO of Family Spirit, an OOHC service in Sydney, she leads with a deep commitment to cultural connection and is dedicated to creating better futures for Aboriginal children, young people, and families across NSW.
Ashley Gordon- NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling Service
Ashley, a proud Gamilaroi, Ngemba, and Barkindji man from Brewarrina, has worked with over 200 Aboriginal communities across Australia since 1999. With 20 years’ experience as a gambling counsellor and six as a researcher, he is passionate about addressing the impacts of gambling in Aboriginal communities.
Suzy Trindall- Koori Connections
Koori Connections has been running for one year and continues to grow stronger, especially after the Snow Boat event. We believe Aboriginal people with disability are underrepresented and often misunderstood in the community, and we see this as an important opportunity for our voices to be heard.
Janis Koolmatrie- Independent
I am a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and mother. I want to contribute to conversations around domestic violence and lateral violence in our communities, as I believe that until we address these underlying issues, we cannot truly heal or move forward as a nation and as communities
Bianca Hunt- FLW Connect Pty Ltd
I am a Gumbaynggirr woman with Barkindji kinship ties, accepted by the Latji Latji community in Mildura, and currently living and working on Dharawal Country (Wollongong). As the Founder of FLW Connect, a 100% Aboriginal-owned and female-led company, we deliver inclusive cross-cultural training, wellbeing programs, and consultancy grounded in deep listening, integrity, and cultural respect—values that align closely with the focus of this conference.
Monica Kapeen- Independent
I ’ve lived a life full of adventure, travelling across Australia and meeting incredible people along the way. Like many, I’ve experienced heartbreak, pain, and violence—but what I’ve come to realise is my innate ability to find the adventure and humour in it all. I look forward to sharing my journey as both a victim and survivor of domestic and family violence, along with the lessons, beliefs, and stories that have shaped who I am.
Marnie Davis- Women Up North Housing
Marnie has worked across government and community services as a strong advocate for addressing practice gaps, ensuring community needs are met and Aboriginal voices are heard. She has mentored Aboriginal workers across NSW, facilitated state-wide forums, and delivered training in Northern NSW to strengthen workforce capacity and improve outcomes. Marnie has also run twice as a Senate candidate for the Indigenous Aboriginal Party of Australia—the first Aboriginal political party seeking a voice in Parliament, not just to Parliament.
Stay Tuned for our Workshop Release
Garth Fatnowna- Independent
I am Aboriginal and South sea islander descent from north Queensland. My background is education specifically teaching. And I have Parkinson's Disease. I've been living on Dunghutti country for 35 years now, and I would like to share my journey 2012 to 2025 and beyond!
Waratah High School Aboriginal Dance Group
