Our Journey
Co Researchers
Without the Aboriginal co-researchers, our work would not be possible. The Elders are the wisdom and knowledge holders of culture, history, country and our communities.
They have incredible experience in community and professional spheres at local, state and national levels. With this knowledge, the Elders hold the research team, the partner staff and the youth co-researchers throughout the work. The youth co-researchers also have a depth of experience through their community lives and their professional work. Their passion for their culture and community shines through.
“I can make a difference in what is being said here and I can bring it from a cultural and community perspective and I can bring it from an Aboriginal perspective.” – Aunty Millie Penny (nee Walley)
Uncle Albert McNamara
“We are never too old to learn and we are all here to support each other, it all makes for a two-way learning process, and you have to live the life to understand it.”
Aunty Irene McNamara
“If non-Aboriginal people weren’t here, I’d be standing here naked and proud in front of my mia mia (house), no electricity bill, no water bill, no light bill, on my country with all my family around me; we would all be happy.”
Aunty Helen Kickett
“Well since being involved with the Looking Forward Project I sort of started coming out of my shell and talking more, not like before I used to be in the background. Now I can speak, you know.”
Uncle Charlie Kickett
“We all have two ears and one mouth so we should listen twice as much as we talk.”
Aunty Cheryl Phillips
“I think it’s always being able to have a voice and to be true about what you are doing, be honest with yourself and showing that to people that you are working with.”
Aunty Dot Getta
“Young people don’t take the time to stop and yarn anymore. If they did we can help them, talk to them, and support them.”
Uncle Percy Hansen
“My ancestors were here long before me, to me they were always a part of this land. The feelings that I have for my country, I think you’ll understand.”
Aunty Liz Hayden
“Service providers need to get political in their thinking to truly advocate community needs to government. This is necessary to bring about real change.”
Aunty Oriel Green
“Well since being involved with the Looking Forward Project I sort of started coming out of my shell and talking more, not like before I used to be in the background. Now I can speak, you know.”