Mundanara’s cultural heritage is connected to the Wonnarua and Bunjalung people on her mother’s side and the Birri-Gubba and Gungalu on her father’s side. Mundanara grew up in Redfern NSW with her 8 sisters and moved to her father’s country in the early 90’s. Coming from a family that has been active in the Aboriginal movement since the 60s and 70s she continues to follow their example. As a proud advocate for her people, she follows in her father’s footsteps and aims to make a positive contribution.

She has more than 20 years’ experience, working for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations in NSW and QLD, including but not limited to, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the Salvation Army Employment Plus, Busy at Work, the Child Support Agency, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), and Brisbane Indigenous Media Association. Mundanara won the Indigenous Businesswoman of the year at the Supply Nations Supplier Diversity Awards 2023. Mundanara is the host of the award winning podcast, Black Magic Woman which is the first indigenous podcast to join the iHeart network.

Mundanara has been recognised internationally for her teaching & learning skills as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) in the United Kingdom, and has formal qualifications in the disciplines of media, business, assessment and training.

Mundanara is on several committees and boards, including but not limited to, the Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School also known as The Murri School; Philanthropy Australia’s First Nations Governance Committee; Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) advisor for AGL; Founding Director of The Land Back Foundation, Founder of Deadly Futures Indigenous Corperation, Visiting fellow of QUT’s Learning and Teaching Unit. Mundanara is currently studying a Masters of Indigenous Business Leadership at Monash University, with a podcast partnership with Monash Business School.

Mundanara is the Managing Director/ Co-Founder and workshop facilitator of the BlackCard Pty Ltd, which is a 100% Aboriginal owned business certified with Supply Nation. Mundanara co-founded BlackCard with Dr Lilla Watson, who is a respected Aboriginal elder, artist, educator and long-time course developer. BlackCard is a specialist consultancy providing cultural capability training and consultancy services to enable people and organisations to work effectively with members of the Aboriginal community. BlackCard’s purpose is working with people, not for people, with the genius of Aboriginal Knowledge.

Yarraka descends from the Wonnarua and Bundjalung nations of NSW on her mother’s side and the Birri Gubba and Gungalu nations of QLD on her fathers side.

She was born on Gadigal country in Sydney and grew up in Redfern in the 80’s then moved to Brisbane in the early 90’s where she now resides with her 3 children and grand daughter who were all born on Yuggera country in South Brisbane.

Yarraka has over 20 years experience working in both Indigenous and non Indigenous organisations throughout NSW and QLD and has won awards for her art and media achievements.

With an immense passion for education, Yarraka enjoys working with children and imparting knowledge on to the next generation, having worked for Brisbane Catholic Education and delivering cultural workshops at numerous schools and child care centres around South East Queensland.

Renee is a proud Wiradjuri woman with cultural and ancestral ties to Erambie, Cowra, NSW. Born on Darug Country in Western Sydney and raised in Mt Druitt, Renee moved to Redfern on Gadigal Country where she resides with her partner and first baby.

Renee has extensive experience across Government, Corporate, Non-Government and Community Controlled organisations at a State-wide and National level, predominantly focusing on developing and delivering policies across Aboriginal Affairs in NSW. Renee has a lived experience in the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights movement and extensive knowledge working with Aboriginal communities to achieve systemic and legislative reforms.

Renee was previously the Policy Director of Aboriginal Affairs and Regional Youth for the NSW Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts, Regional Youth & Tourism. 

Through Renee’s professional and personal experiences, she strives to empower individuals through education and advocacy, by creating pathways and tangible outcomes to allow all to succeed.

Elle is a proud Ngarabal/Birrbay woman with over 12 years experience in community, government and corporate sectors. Elle was born on Dharug Country, grew up on Gomeroi Country and now resides on Gadigal Country.

Elle holds expertise in First Nations policy development, advisory and training. Elle recently managed a team to establish the Aboriginal Languages Trust, an Aboriginal-led NSW Government Agency. The Trust was established under the NSW Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 to provide a focused, coordinated, and sustained effort in relation to Aboriginal languages activities at local, regional and State levels.

Elle has built a solid track record working in child and family services in a variety of roles from a frontline child protection practitioner to managing the implementation of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) systemic response to the Family is Culture (FIC) review chaired by Professor Megan Davis. Elle was a member of the original DCJ and Independent team that stayed with the FIC review from start to finish reviewing the circumstances of 1,144 Aboriginal children and young people who entered the out-of-home-care (OOHC) system in 2015/16, and as such she has a have a deep understanding of the challenges facing Aboriginal families who come into contact with the child protection and OOHC system.

Elle has a strong understanding of NSW government legislation, policy and practice relating to child protection and OOHC.

Thriving on challenges has provided the opportunity to successfully work with high needs and socially disadvantaged participants/clients. Elle has proven ability to work with a broad range of people, business and organisations with complex systems and barriers.

Henry Nona is a Teppathiggi (Far North Qld) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man who was born on Thursday Island (Waiban).

Currently employed by BlackCard.org as a Cultural Capability Officer.  Delivering Torres Strait Islander Custom and Traditions to participants.  The purpose of the position is requiring extensive cultural knowledge, understanding and sensitivity to the issues and protocols associated with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures. As a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man I travelled extensively throughout Queensland and Australia and engaged with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regional and urban organisations and businesses.

Growing up on Badu Island and later relocating to Cairns, the primary language spoken at home was “kala Laga Ya – western island and Creole” which are both fluently spoken.When communicating with other Islanders who don’t speak the same language, creole is spoken to best understand each other.

Henry was taught both custom and culture by his parents and grandparents with the importance of carrying on the knowledge and passing it onto others, especially the next generation.Up until 2021, Henry had been employed by Qld Health as a Cultural Capability Officer over a period exceeding over 10 years delivering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander components to Qld Health staff.  In this position, Henry also provides advice and recommendations regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait practices in the workplace.

Staff are educated on the cultural differences between urban, rural and remote communities.Henry recently travelled with Palliative Care Qld and UQ as a consultant to the Torres Strait Islands.

Proud Nucoorilma, Anaiwan, and Dunghutti man | Kinship carer | Storyteller | Social Entrepreneur

Embracing Change, Igniting Impact.

As a dedicated advocate for social change and First Nations empowerment, I bring a rich blend of heritage, passion, and expertise to my journey. Born and raised on Dharug Country, I’m privileged to raise my family on land that holds deep significance.

A Journey of Empowerment.

With a deep-rooted commitment to storytelling, collaboration, and facilitation, I’m focused on propelling positive transformation. My expertise lies in promoting First Nations economic development, circular economics, stakeholder engagement, and innovative program development. I’ve been honored to serve as Chairperson of Gadigal Information Service and Deputy Chairman of Sydney Metro Aboriginal Council, reflecting my dedication to community leadership.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion.

As the founder, director, and former volunteer CEO of BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, I’ve worked to amplify the voices of the NSW Aboriginal LGBTQ+ community. My Master of Business in Indigenous Business Leadership equips me with the tools to empower individuals and organizations, fostering a brighter future for Aboriginal people through a deep understanding of culture.

Shaping a Bridge of Understanding.

As the founder and director of YarnnUp, I’m passionate about bridging gaps and building bridges of understanding between First Nations Australians and the wider community. Blending neuroscience, Aboriginal philosophy, and ancient knowledge, we empower organizations with cultural capability and strategies that echo with authenticity and impact.

Join me on this journey of empowerment, collaboration, and positive change. Let’s weave the tapestry of heritage and innovation to create a brighter tomorrow.

#EmpowerChange #CulturalBridge