I am an Aboriginal Australian professional, strategist, and community leader, currently serving as the Coordinator of the First Nations Engagement Team at the City of Gold Coast and as Chairperson of the Githabul Nation Aboriginal Corporation (RNTBC).
As a proud Githabul woman with bloodline connections to the Gullibul and Bidjara peoples, I bring more than 30 years of corporate, advisory, and entrepreneurial experience acquired both nationally and internationally.
In 1986, I embraced the opportunity to support my husband’s career as a professional rugby league player, which led our family to Manchester, United Kingdom, where we lived for almost twenty years. During this time, I enjoyed the rich multicultural environment of Manchester and gained valuable life experiences. Reflecting on that period, I often felt a greater sense of social acceptance as a young Aboriginal woman than I had experienced in my own country.
Throughout those years abroad, I returned regularly to Australia to reconnect with family, particularly my beloved grandmother, Ada Bundock, who played a significant role in raising many of her grandchildren, including my brother and me, on Widjabul/Wyabul Country. Our childhood was enriched by culture, song, dance, and regular visits to our beautiful Gullibal and Githabul Country, where we spent cherished time with family on Country.
I am the proud mother of two children, Jack Beresford and Gretta Ada, both born in the United Kingdom. As a young boy, Jack learned to play the didgeridoo and proudly shared knowledge of Aboriginal culture with his classmates. Gretta is an emerging artist whose contemporary works reflect and celebrate our Aboriginal stories and cultural identity.
While living in the United Kingdom, I completed a Master of Business Management, specialising in Strategic Marketing, at Manchester Metropolitan University. At the same time, I helped grow our family construction business. These experiences provided the foundation to pursue my passion upon returning to Australia by establishing my own consulting business.
Through my consultancy, I supported many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build economic independence through entrepreneurship and business development. Over twelve years, I worked with local, state, and federal government agencies, facilitating opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to establish and grow successful enterprises.
My friends often describe me as a “gypsy” because I have embraced opportunities to live and work in different towns, cities, and countries. I see these experiences differently. I believe I am guided by my ancestors and the opportunities they place before me. Through my travels, I have gained a deeper understanding of both my Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal ancestry and developed a profound appreciation for the diversity of cultures, histories, and communities that make up our world.
Learning has always been my greatest passion. I am driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to continuously grow, both personally and professionally. Every experience, conversation, and challenge presents an opportunity to learn something new. One day, I hope to share these stories and lessons in a book that celebrates the journey, resilience, and wisdom gained along the way.
Today, I remain committed to creating positive change for our people, strengthening communities, preserving culture, and advancing opportunities for future generations. My life’s work is grounded in service, leadership, cultural pride, and a steadfast belief in the strength and potential of Aboriginal peoples.
I look forward to working with you all and I would like to encourage you to reach out anytime that you would like to yarn.