Dear Croakey readers and supporters
I’m writing to thank everyone who has engaged with the #SaveCroakey and #OurNewsYourVoice campaign. I’d most especially like to thank the 40 people who have generously donated this week.
Your support makes a real difference to our sustainability, and also gives us a much-needed boost in a very tough operating environment.
I’m also writing to introduce myself, as the newest member of the Croakey team, where I have a part-time business development role.
I was introduced to Croakey’s work by my dear friend and colleague Jade Bradford. Jade and I met some years ago through the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program when she was studying journalism at university. We share an interest in social justice, recognition of First Nations’ knowledges, voices and truth-telling and so, when she mentioned that Croakey needed support with business development, I leaped at the opportunity to help and am so grateful to be part of the team.
My home is in Kalamunda (Noongar ‘Cala Munnda’) on the edge of the forest in the hills just on the outskirts of Boorloo (Perth), on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar, the lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation.
This is where I was born and raised, after my British parents came to Australia from the UK in the 1950s. I feel very privileged to be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and biodiversity of Whadjuk Country and learn about the Whadjuk Noongar songlines from Traditional Custodians but am also deeply saddened at the trauma and genocide that has occurred on this land.
In addition to my work with Croakey, I have my own consultancy in social impact measurement and diversity, equity and inclusion, which I launched at the start of this year.
My professional background has been primarily in the higher education sector spanning over two decades, where I have developed and led programs ranging from international student support to equity and inclusion, and student career and leadership development.
I have held roles at Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia in addition to not-for-profit organisations; the Council for International Students of Western Australia (CISWA) and the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program.
Much of my work in this field has focussed on working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities.
I am passionate about equity, human rights and social justice and am wholly committed to walking alongside First Nations colleagues and friends on the journey towards Makarrata and a fairer future based on truth-telling, self-determination and justice.
For the past 15 years I have been involved in the Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES), an initiative of Engineering Aid Australia aimed at encouraging First Nation students to explore STEM career opportunities and embark on supported pathways into engineering and science professions, and I currently sit on the Engineering Aid Board of Directors.
It has been a rewarding journey for me to work with some incredibly talented young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and play some small part in igniting their dreams and supporting them on a pathway to achieving their academic and professional goals, and to see them become trailblazers for the next generation.
Prior to launching my consultancy and joining the Croakey team, I held the role of Senior Education and Conciliation Officer with the Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia. This role in particular, gave me a different level of insight into the inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through colonial structures of our society.
Outside of my work life, I live with my partner David, and our dog-child Marley, with our four adult children now having flown the nest. Much of my time outside of work is spent enjoying the nature and bushland of the hills where we live, through hiking and photography. I also enjoy travelling, learning about other countries and cultures, and pursuing creative endeavours in art and music. I was so thrilled upon joining Croakey, to find that many of the team share similar interests!
Going forward
I have been astonished at the tireless work and level of commitment of the Croakey team, particularly in relation to their incredible reach for such a small organisation operating ever so efficiently on minimal resources and budget. I look forward to helping to build Croakey’s sustainability for the future and in doing so, helping to ensure the future of public interest journalism, and independent health media.
It has been wonderful to see the outpouring of support for Croakey during this past week, whether in supportive comments on social media or through donations.
It means a great deal to the team to know that, at a time when so many people are looking away from the news and the difficult challenges we face, our communities of readers and contributors are steadfast in supporting public interest journalism for health. Thank you.
As the Local and Independent News Association crowdfunding campaign draws to a close, we hope your support continues.
Here are nine ways to support us going forward:
- Know anyone who can support us? Please connect us up.
- Advertise with us
- Use Croakey Conference News Service
- Use Croakey Professional Services
- Have your organisation join the Croakey funding consortium
- Share our content
- If you find our content useful, please encourage your organisation to support us.
- Become a regular donor
- Advocate for better media policy – write to your MP, relevant Ministers, read and share our policy submissions.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always happy to meet and talk about our shared interests in health equity and informed, engaged communities.