Twenty-five inspirational Indigenous citizens recognised
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, The Chronicle has compiled a list of 25 influential people from Indigenous backgrounds who inspire others and lead by example. Full list here.
Toowoomba
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As part of NAIDOC Week 2022, The Chronicle has taken the opportunity to highlight some locals with Indigenous heritage who are inspiring others and leading by example.
Lizzie Adams
A proud and passionate Mardigan woman, Lizzie Adams has strived to lead by example and help those in our region.
The CEO of Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd for the past 18 years, Ms Adams is also the founder and executive director of the Jaydon Adams Memorial Foundation, in honour of her late son.
She is also director for the Rural Medical Education Australia, a founding member and committee member in Protea Place.
In the sporting area, Ms Adams is president of the Toowoomba Brothers Senior Rugby League Football Club and was the first female appointed to the Ipswich Jets Rugby League Football Club where she holds the seat of director.
In addition, she also represents the region on a state level as director on the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak.
“When I was born, I wasn’t even registered as a human being. I was born as flora and fauna,” she said.
“To be here and doing what I am doing, I’m very proud.”
Kieren Gibbs
For more than four years, Kieren Gibbs has been assisting Indigenous youth through their sporting career, as a sports and recreational co-ordinator with the South West Indigenous Network (SWIN).
As well as being a popular cricketer in the region, Mr Gibbs said he was proud to “look after our community”, by providing free physical activity and organised sports for the region.
Mr Gibbs, a Githabul and Kooma man, is proud to be able at assist the region and give the youth a chance to play, and for some through the Pathways Program, have the opportunity to represent the district.
Keesha Charles
A proud Githabul woman from the Bundjalung nation, Keesha Charles has been recognised in the past for her commitment to the region and promoting the wellbeing and welfare of residents.
Previously the Indigenous leader at Oakey State High School, Ms Charles has also been involved with Sk Studios as a dance teacher, which raises money for chosen organisations and charities.
Ms Charles was award the 2022 Oakey Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year.
“Knowing I have achieved a few good things through being Indigenous, I hope I can share that with my peoples to help them be confident and achieve what they want to,” she said.
Damon Miri Anderson-Couchy
A proud Wakkawakka, Kullulli, Gamilaroi and Bundjalung man, Damon Miri Anderson-Couchy has shared his culture with the district for many years, through song, dance, art and more.
Owner and Director of Nguluwa Dhiyaan Aboriginal Arts and ranger with the Bunya Peoples’ Aboriginal Corporation, Mr Anderson-Couchy was recognised in 2020 as the Toowoomba Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year.
A talented dancer and artist, Mr Anderson-Couchy has taught students in local schools, and his murals are spread across the region.
In addition to his public appearances, Mr Anderson-Couchy also shares his knowledge in land management, including guyum baringa (cultural fire).
Jodie Collins
Oakey resident Jodie Collins has been a standing member of the community for years, working with younger generations at Oakey High, with the Beyond the Broncos program, and sharing her culture through many events.
In 2021, Mrs Collins was awarded the Oakey Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year award during the Australia Day celebrations.
“My mum is one of my biggest inspirations,” daughter Shayla Collins-Wharton said.
“She goes above and beyond for anyone and I’m so proud of everything she has achieved and contributed within the community.”
Mrs Collins was a founding member of the Oakey Reconciliation Group, and has encouraged youth to achieve their best for many years.
Thira-Mayinj
Muruwarri and Mardigan man Thira-Mayinj began learning his culture as a young child, sitting around the fire with a neighbour.
At 16, Thira-Mayinj created the Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers group and now works as a cultural educator and trainer for Goondir Health Services within the Dalby and Oakey communities.
Over the years, Thira-Mayinj has been recognised for his work across the community, including the national Yvonne Cohen Award for his didgeridoo playing, and the 2011 Toowoomba Regional Council Cultural Award.
“One of my favourite memories was spending a week in the bush with a group of old men teaching me about country, how to cook on the fire, old stories, and language songs and how to source and make/carve Aboriginal tools, weapons and instruments,” he said.
“ (Now) each week I open a workshop … for any member of the community to come and learn about our rich beautiful culture, learn how to paint, draw, play the didgeridoo, and learn how to make a didgeridoo and all other instruments and weapons.”
Cloe Terare
Indigenous Toowoomba artist Cloe Terare has continued to push the boundaries with her music over the past several years.
Her music has been featured on Triple J’s Unearthed, and 12 Spotify editorial playlists, including Triple J’s New Music Hitlist.
Performing around the country, Ms Terare has continued to show that she has a voice that deserves to be heard.
Taliqua Clancy
The proud Wulli Wulli-Goreng Goreng woman became the first Indigenous Australian to compete in beach volleyball at the Olympic (Rio de Janeiro, 2016) and the Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast 2018).
Clancy and playing partner Artacho del Solar went agonisingly close to winning gold on the Gold Coast losing to Canadians Melissa Humana-Paredes and Sarah Pavan.
Despite growing up nearly 200km from a beach Clancy is among beach volleyball’s best international players.
Charlie Rowe
An inspirational leader and Indigenous role model, Charlie Rowe was awarded the 2022 Toowoomba Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year award.
As the Outreach Services Manager at Carbal Medical Services, Mr Rowe works hard to support Indigenous fathers and reduce gender-based violence in the community.
He promotes the important role men play in early childhood development through his ‘Strong Fathers, Strong Families’ program.
Through the program, majority of all participants have fully engaged in the program and successfully stayed out of jail.
Desmond ‘Jack’ Gibbs
A proud Kooma man, Jack grew up in Cunnamulla before moving to Brisbane and later Toowoomba where he met his wife and had a family.
Over the years, Mr Gibbs has been a huge advocate for women’s sports, and supporting kids in boxing programs, sporting ventures and being an Elder community representative on the Carers QLD RAP Regional Advisory Committee.
Following in his mother’s footsteps, he chose to lead by example and has volunteered his time with countless organisations and initiatives.
These including serving as chairperson for the Downs Housing, QEB Sporting Organisation, TACRA as a youth worker, Kooma Traditional Owners, SEQ Legal Service, Goolburrin Regional Council, QLD Indigenous Cricket and All Blacks footy clubs.
He has worked as manager with Goolburri Health Advancement undertaking child protection contracts working with foster and kinship carers, as a manager for Joyce Wilder Aboriginal Hostel in Brisbane, a local ranger, a youth worker, and within Westbrook Youth Detention Centre.
Mr Gibbs received the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Toowoomba NAIDOC awards.
Tyler Smith
A student of Toowoomba State High School, 13-year-old Tyler Smith has secured the 2022 Toowoomba NAIDOC Junior Education Award for his exception demonstration of dedication and commitment in his schooling.
During the last three terms, Tyler received A’s in all subjects, except for science in Semester 1, 2021, mathematics in Semester 2 2021, and Humanities and Social Sciences in Mid-Semester 2022.
He continues to push himself to achieve his best and is an inspiration to his friends, family, and classmates.
Jannali Suey
The 2022 school captain for Wilsonton State High School, Jannali Suey has continued to lead by example, and be a strong voice for other Indigenous students.
Jannali was awarded the Toowoomba NAIDOC Senior Education Award for her dedication to the region, including helping to implement culturally safe and appropriate events and school projects while encouraging all students to become the best versions of themselves.
A hardworking student, Jannali is involved with the Beyond the Broncos program at her school, RATEP, the school’s community committee, and helps other Indigenous students to complete their work for the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AP academic challenge.
In the future, Jannali hopes to study education, law or medicine, while continue to pave the way for emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Tia McKenna
A proud Mandandanji woman, Tia McKenna works as a patient transport officer with the Queensland Ambulance Service and volunteers with the Whaddup and Which Way Indigenous Youth programs in the district.
As a mother of two, Ms McKenna has a strong interest in pursuing a career in education, and was accepted into RATEP, a community-based teacher education program to study a Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education.
In December 2021, Ms McKenna graduated and was awarded the Hendrick Fourmile Scholarship in recognition for her studies with RATEP and in support of her aspirations.
Ms McKenna was awarded the 2022 Toowoomba NAIDOC Tertiary Aspirations Award.
Natasha Weribone
As a volunteer member at Carbal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services, the Toowoomba NAIDOC committee and an employee of Multicultural Australia, Natasha Weribone has been acknowledged for her work in the region.
As nominated by a colleague, Ms Weribone was awarded the 2022 Toowoomba NAIDOC Trainee/Apprentice of the Year, for her completion of her Cert III in Community Services and traineeship with Multicultural Australia.
Official qualified in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid, Ms Weribone is able to assist those who are experiencing a mental health problem or crisis until appropriate profession help is received or the crisis is resolved.
She has taken an active part in Multicultural Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and she is passionate about her culture and raising awareness of the importance of mental, physical, emotional, psychological and social wellbeing of First Nations people.
Shakarna Roma-Johnson
Proud Wakka Wakka and Birri Gubba young woman Shakarna Roma-Johnson has risen above life’s challenges and fearlessly fought for her dreams and aspiration.
Ms Roma-Johnson understands, celebrates and embraces her Indigenous heritage, and strives to inspire others to learn about and celebrate culture through her art.
Previously in care, Ms Roma-Johnson spent a period of her living away from family, but through hard work and taking every opportunity to grow, she has achieved her goal of enlisting in the Australian Army, and is currently in training at Kapooka in New South Wales.
She has been recognised with many awards of the years, but this year, she was named the NAIDOC Youth of the Year.
Richard McCarthy
After becoming an amputee in 2018, Richard McCarthy has made massive contributions to the disability sector not only in the Toowoomba region but in various locations where he is involved with numerous organisations.
He has refused to let his disability effect his ability to live a full life, and continues to fly helicopters, sky dive, scuba dive, ride his motorbike and more.
“Richard is a true inspiration in the Toowoomba community, and we would like to take this opportunity to recognise him for all that he does and for the positive perspective he displays for people with disability,” Nikki Robson.
Mr McCarthy was recognised with the 2022 NAIDOC Value and Embrace Disability award.
Emily Robinson
19-year-old Emily Robinson has gained a reputation for her beautiful artworks and determination to pass on knowledge of her culture to younger generations.
Ms Robinson picked up a paint brush and found her passion while in Year 12, which has seen her worked commissioned, and made her a regular at local markets.
She has held workshops at multiple schools across the region, and has continued to share her culture and art to communities.
Emily was recognised with the Toowoomba 2022 NAIDOC Artist of the Year award.
Christine Watson
Within her final year of schooling at Concordia College, Christine ‘Chrissy’ Watson has established herself as a well-respected identity and role model within both the college and the boarding house.
A Cherbourg resident, Chrissy has been the athletics age champion each year since 2017, received a level. 3 scholarship with the Brisbane Lions AFL and was accepted into the Brisbane Lions Academy level 2 in 2021. In 2022, she represented the South QLD AFL and Qld state teams.
Chrissy was awarded the 2022 Toowoomba NAIDOC Junior Sports award.
Alky Hinch
Toowoomba man Alky Hinch has been recognised as the 2022 NAIDOC Senior Sports Award recipient, after he was selected in the 2022 Queensland Mens 45 State of Origin team to play in August.
In the past, he has represented the Brisbane Cobras Men’s 45, where he travelled to Brisbane weekly for training as part of his dedication.
“Alky’s love for the sport has seen him play, coach and mentor many young kids in the local community,” Trish Cochrane said.
Paul McKellar
A longstanding member of the Newtown Rugby League Football Club, Paul McKellar, has been recognised with the 2022 NAIDOC Sporting Chance Award.
Mr McKellar first began as a player with the club, before later becoming a committee member, club duty official, game day operations officers and groundsman.
Nominated by Newtown Lions representative, Ms McKellar was a vital part of why the club was reinstated to the Toowoomba Rugby League competition as a club in season 2021.
“Local sporting clubs continue to thrive because of people like Paul, (who) put up their hands so that our communities have spaces to play the sports that they love to do,” the representative said.
Janet Suey
A strong and proud Mardigan woman on her grandmother’s side, Janet Suey has been an active member in the community for years.
With a passion in women’s sports, Ms Suey has volunteered as manager of multiple teams including rugby league, indoor cricket and softball. She has helped raise funds for girls and young women to travel and participate in representative sides at Murrie carnivals, which has led to some local women being selected for representative sides such as the Indigenous All Stars.
Her strong commitment to the community has seen her connect with many families across the region, and has seen her employed by South West Indigenous Network, Aboriginal Legal Service, Downs Housing and more.
Ms Suey volunteers for multiple organisations, and was recognised as the 2022 NAIDOC Community Champion Award recipient.
Rica Lacey
A leader in the medical field, Rica Lacey has worked with Darling Downs Health for more than 10 years, and now holds the title Director Indigenous Health.
She has worked in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector for more than 12 years, and helped lead the Darling Downs Health First Nations Covid response.
“Improving health service delivery for our mob has inspired me to work in health management,” Ms Lacey said.
“I love everything about my role, but one of the standouts for me is being able to create change in services to meet the needs of our communities.”
Karen Johnson
Advanced Indigenous Health Worker Karen Johnson has worked with maternity and child health Indigenous health teams at the Goondiwindi Hospital for more than a decade, but her role shifted when the Covid-19 pandemic broke.
“To see our Indigenous Health team jump in and help to support the rollout of our vaccination programs and testing across our communities, was incredible,” she said.
Ms Johnson assisted in local contract tracing with the public health uni and assisted with vaccinations at the outreach clinics.
“To everyone in the community who got vaccinated and did the right thing, either with wearing masks, isolating when needed and getting tested, I would just like to say thank you.”
Emily Young
A proud Gungarri and Mardigan woman, Emily Young is a rising star in Women’s Rugby League.
Over the years though Emily has played with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Women’s Rugby League, and was selected for the Indigenous All Stars side and the Queensland Murri side which toured New Zealand.
Here in Toowoomba, she plays for the Newtown Lions in the Toowoomba Rugby Football League competition.
In 2021, Ms Young was named as the Toowoomba NAIDOC Senior Sports Award recipient, and continues to inspire young women that any dream is worth chasing.
Cheryl Moggs
A descendant of the Bigambul people, Cheryl Moggs is an elder, cultural leader, artist, teacher, designer and weaver in the Darling Downs.
She was the recipient of an Order of Australian Medal for Services to Indigenous arts and cultural, community, business and her people of the Bigambul Nation.
Ms Moggs is the founder and CEO of arts and cultural business Tarmunggie, which means women, and a teacher of Indigenous arts and culture across TAFE Queensland, Educational Queensland and tertiary education, community and business sectors.
In 2018 she won the 2018 National NAIDOC Art Poster Award, and this past week has been creating a mural, in collaboration with other artists, a mural at Grand Central’s Community Library.
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