I founded Tribe Connections from both lived experience and professional purpose. As a proud Yuin woman with strong ties to the Far South Coast, and next generation of the Stolen Generations, I carry a deep understanding of the lasting impacts of intergenerational trauma, family separation, and cultural disconnection within Aboriginal communities. These experiences continue to guide my commitment to creating safe, culturally grounded spaces for healing.

I am a qualified Social Worker with further studies in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and over 12 years of experience in community services. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, relationship-based care that centres dignity, cultural identity, and connection.

Through Tribe Connections, my focus is on building a culturally safe and inclusive counselling service that meets the needs of First Nations peoples and CALD communities. This work is driven by a vision to decolonise traditional mental health systems—challenging models that often exclude or marginalise diverse ways of knowing, healing, and being.

Tribe Connections aims to provide accessible, culturally responsive support that honours identity, strengthens connection to culture and community, and creates space for healing on people’s own terms. By embedding cultural safety, lived experience, and community-led practice into service delivery, I am working to ensure that support is not only available, but truly meaningful and empowering.

At the core of this vision is a belief that healing happens in connection—with culture, with community, and with each other.

I am the Co-Founder of Tribe Connections, with nearing 20 years of industry-based experience in trauma-informed and therapeutic care, particularly within the Out of Home Care (OOHC) sector. My background in community development, youth work, and program facilitation has shaped my commitment to creating safe, culturally inclusive, and meaningful spaces where children, young people, families, and communities feel genuinely seen, heard, and connected.

As a first-generation Australian of Fijian-Indian heritage, much of my work is deeply influenced by my own experiences growing up between cultures. For a long time, I struggled with the feeling of not fully belonging in either world, and that experience gave me a strong understanding of identity, connection, and what it means to feel accepted. I often see similar feelings reflected in children and young people in OOHC — the feeling of searching for belonging, understanding, and safety. Because of this, I believe connection is one of the most powerful foundations for healing, growth, and positive change.

A core belief that guides my work is that the best form of connection happens when we allow our inner child to reach out to someone else’s inner child. When people feel safe enough to play, laugh, express emotion, be curious, and simply be themselves, genuine understanding and trust can begin to grow. I believe authentic relationships are built through humanity, vulnerability, and shared moments — not through hierarchy or control.

I am also deeply committed to supporting the people who care for our young people. I believe that providing authentic, high-quality care begins with ensuring carers, support workers, and professionals are also receiving authentic care and support themselves. When the people in caring roles feel valued, supported, and connected, they are better able to show up with compassion, patience, and presence for the children and young people they support.

Through Tribe Connections, my goal is to continue creating spaces where people feel empowered to connect, heal, grow, and thrive together.

I am a social worker and proud Torres Strait Islander woman who grew up in the Illawarra and have strong ties to the local Aboriginal community. I have experienced systemic barriers first-hand and am driven to create safer, more just pathways for the next generation of young people in my community.

I bring experience across youth work, residential care, community services, creative media and mental health support, and my practice is grounded in cultural safety, empathy and trauma‑informed care. I work closely with young people from disadvantaged areas, often using film and storytelling as tools to support identity, voice and pride in culture.

I am deeply committed to decolonising current counselling frameworks and I actively challenge approaches that do not reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing. I am passionate about reshaping mental health support so it centres culture, community, relationship and self‑determination, rather than pathologising people’s responses to injustice.

At Tribe Connections, I offer culturally responsive mental health and wellbeing support to my local community, walking alongside young people and families in ways that honour their stories and strengths. I bring warmth, integrity and a strong advocacy voice, and I work to ensure that services are not only accessible, but genuinely healing and community‑led.

I am a proud Māori youth worker dedicated to supporting young people’s social and emotional wellbeing through culturally safe, strengths-based practice. I bring a holistic approach to my work, blending cultural connection, relationship-building, and fitness to help create meaningful and lasting change.

With a strong focus on whakawhanaungatanga and trust, I work alongside young people to build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity. My practice is grounded in respect, empowerment, and the belief that wellbeing is strengthened when culture, movement, and connection are woven together.

My approach reflects a commitment to helping young people feel seen, supported, and capable of reaching their potential, while honouring the values and experiences that shape who they are.

Tilli is the heartwarming emotional support animal at Tribe Connections, bringing comfort, connection, and joy to everyone she meets. As a lovable French Bulldog with a gentle nature and playful personality, Tilli helps create a calm and welcoming environment where people feel safe, supported, and valued.

Known for her affectionate cuddles, friendly spirit, and ability to brighten even the toughest days, Tilli plays an important role in supporting emotional wellbeing and social connection within the community. Whether she’s sitting beside someone who needs comfort, joining group activities, or simply making people smile, Tilli reminds everyone of the healing power of companionship, kindness, and unconditional love.