Governance

To ensure the Roadmap is driven by the experiences, needs and expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people we have formed a National Youth Governance group.

Our Governance group includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from across the country. 

In the true nature of Governance, the group is involved in all aspects of this work from the development of the Roadmap, to research methods, activities and implementation.

Take a look below to learn more about each of our Governance group members!

Royce Ramsamy

Royce was born in Cairns, Queensland and moved to Darwin in 2010. He completed schooling in 2021. Royce applied for a traineeship shortly after finishing school and is now working with the Menzies- Ramaciotti Centre and Biyamarr Ma team at Menzies School of Health Research. He is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at CDU. 

Royce has had many volunteering opportunities with HealthLAB, a health promotion team at Menzies School of Health, and has travelled with them to various schools and communities in the Northern Territory. He is excited to be a part of the Governance Group and help promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. 

Corey Kennedy

Corey Kennedy is a proud Barkandji man who has lived in Adelaide his entire life and completed a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Adelaide in 2022. During his time studying, Corey gained experience working as a Research Cadet at Wardliparingga, the Aboriginal Health Equity Research Unit at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. After displaying his continual passion and potential in this role, he was successful in gaining part-time work as a Research Assistant at Wardliparingga across the Men’s Health and Population Health Teams.

In his downtime, you’ll find Corey keeping fit and healthy by participating in a variety of different sports, from martial arts to Australian rules football, where he always strives to get the best out of himself and his teammates. In 2022, he co-captained the University of Adelaide’s Indigenous Nationals team to the gold medal in basketball and was a part of the inaugural Adelaide University Waatu University Basketball League squad. As he continues to put himself into situations that challenge him to grow, we’re looking forward to seeing where his journey will lead.

Masalgi Mills

Masalgi Mills is a Gugu Badhun Aboriginal woman and a Torres Strait Islander with ancestral ties to Mabuiag, Dauan and Mer Islands. She is currently in the second year of a Bachelor of Public Health at Central Queensland University. Masaligi chose health as a career as she is aware of the health issues which affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through lived experiences with her own nation groups. Masaligi hopes to make a contribution in improving health and wellbeing outcomes by working with people to assist them in achieving optimal health status.

 

Masalgi has had the opportunity to work with young people in several projects, as a community liaison officer for the Youth Diabetes Project and consultative committee member. Masaligi is active in Traditional Owner roles being involved in community development planning, founding member of the Gugu Badhun Youth Banda Forum and organisation of Gugu Badhun annual Cultural Camp activities.

Jaeda Lenoy

Jaeda Lenoy is a Gumbaynggir and Bundjalung descendant from the Mid to North Coast of NSW (Mother’s side), as well as Birriah, Ngaro, and Juru woman from the Far North and coastal regions of North Queensland and South Sea Islander member from Tanna, Vanuatu. She is currently living on Wulgurukaba and Bindal traditional lands.

Jaeda has participated in cultural actions – the Palm Island 100-year anniversary, Stars Foundation participant, the Townsville Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre and Pop-Up shop. She has also participated in many leadership and bravery programs, academic or university-based tours and tertiary experiences, as well as NAIDOC based celebrations and competitions. 

Jaeda is driven by confidence, resilience and teamwork which forms a tree of support for one’s self or a cluster to succeed. Jaeda has a vision of acceptance and embraced diversity to increase in future, to celebrate and support others in all elements of wellbeing and creations.

Daniel Rosendale

Daniel Rosendale is proud Kuku Yalanji and Gugu Yimithirr man who was born on the land of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Peoples on what is now called Cairns. Daniel has completed his Bachelor of Business Admin (Indigenous) at the University of Technology Sydney. Daniel has contributed to various local, state, and national community projects that aim to create better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. Daniel is a co-founder and current executive of Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation (DIYDG). DIYDGS vison is to Inspire, Equip and Empower young people to take action and change the world.

With a focus of trying to provide the best possible opportunities for the next generation, Daniel is excited to collaborate and work alongside the youth governance group to help build National Roadmap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adolescent Health. 

Lorraine Randall

Lorraine Randall is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman with connections to Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, Narungga and Badu Island in the Torres Strait Islands. Lorraine lives and studies on Larrakia country (Darwin, NT). Lorraine successfully completed a Certificate III and IV in Allied Health Assistance at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and is currently studying a bachelor’s degree in health science and a Masters in Speech and Language at CDU.

Lorraine has experience working as an Allied Health Assistant at the Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospital for 2 years, working alongside Speech Pathologists and diverse Allied Health disciplines. She has assisted in finding culturally appropriate strategies working with First Nations mob, requiring Speech Pathology input in an acute setting presenting at the Indigenous Allied Health Australia Conference in 2022.

In addition to her work, Lorraine has received many awards in recognition of her work. She was named NT Trainee of the Year (2021), Runner-Up for Australian Trainee of the Year (2021) and Assistant in Allied Health Person of the Year (2022). Lorraine has worked with diverse cultures and disciplines, mentoring younger generations going into health career pathways. She strives to make a difference in First Nations health to become the role model she always wanted, to all generations finding their ways through life.

Lorraine is passionate about her culture, family, sports, nature, and her relationship with Jesus.

Thomas Harrington

Thomas Harrington is a proud Indigenous man with ties to the Bundjalung Nation in northern New South Wales. He grew up on Dharug land in Western Sydney and now lives, learns and works on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. In 2020, Thomas completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Anatomy and Histology and is now currently enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine postgraduate degree at the University of Sydney. 

Alongside his study, Thomas is involved in numerous initiatives such as a student representative for the Faculty of Medicine and Health which informs the Indigenous Strategy and Services (ISS) Committee for his university. In the past, he has been a youth mentor for Indigenous students and has been an activist for Indigenous students on campus as the Indigenous Office bearer in 2019. 

Thomas has a deep passion for medical equity and justice, with the goal of practicing medicine in regional and remote communities having a focus in improving Indigenous health outcomes. He also has a passion for medical education and believes in re-shaping the way First Nations people are portrayed in medical literature.

Mahlia Garay

Mahlia Garay is a proud Aboriginal woman who has family connections to Ngarigu and Darkinjung mob in New South Wales. Mahlia currently lives, studies and works on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. Mahlia is a Bachelor of Arts/Social Work (Honours) student at the University of Sydney, majoring in Indigenous Studies and Health which are her two academic passions.

Alongside full time study, Mahlia is an Aurora Indigenous High School mentor and an After School Educator. Mahlia was also a Research Assistant for a project working towards identifying the sexual health needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ young mob at the Kirby Institute of UNSW. Mahlia is passionate about working with young mob, striving to support them to feel connected and proud of their own identity and achieve their goals, which in turn contributes to broader community empowerment.

Mahlia has chosen her current career path with the belief that through socially just and culturally responsive/inclusive practices we can change current oppressive systems in society and centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander world views and practices. Mahlia hopes to see the health of young First Nation mob be grounded in their own cultural pride and identity, where we can thrive in all environments and create space for the continuous growth and healing for future generations to come.

Hamish Rose

Hamish Rose is a proud Gunditjmara man living on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne and is currently completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, with plans to major in psychology. Hamish believes that the National Roadmap Governance Group will be important in bringing about change in how First Nations mental health is addressed in Australia.

In addition to being a part of the Governance Group, Hamish also provides pastoral support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in his role at Queen’s College. Hamish enjoys reading, listening to music and playing volleyball in his spare time.

Thomas has a deep passion for medical equity and justice, with the goal of practicing medicine in regional and remote communities having a focus in improving Indigenous health outcomes. He also has a passion for medical education and believes in re-shaping the way First Nations people are portrayed in medical literature.

Sally Cooke

Sally Cooke has ties to the Kamilaroi People in Moree and lives in Canberra. 

Sally’s interests lie in Australian politics, international affairs, sociology, and health. Sally also enjoys reading, listening to music, and attending political meetings and various seminars.

Sally stands for social justice and equality, improving health and education outcomes, and fixing the systematic and intergenerational disadvantages that so many members of our community face. Improved healthcare services, secure housing, better-connected communities, and a connection to culture are required now more than ever.

Monique Maclaine

Monique is a proud Palawa woman, of the Truwulway and Plangermaireener clans of North-Eastern Lutruwita/Tasmania. The foundation for her study and work responds to her connections with Country, culture, and community.

Monique is currently completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Ecology/Botany at the University of Tasmania. She is passionate about the intersections of place, culture, technology, and sustainability, driven by a desire to advocate for climate change solutions rooted in Traditional Knowledges.

Her current role is at Riawunna at the University of Tasmania, where she supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success. Outside of work and study, Monique is an associate with the Firesticks Alliance Mentoring Program, a governance group member as part of the SAHMRI Roadmap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adolescent Health, and a volunteer with the State Emergency Service in the Derwent Valley & General Response Units.

Jakirah Telfer

Jakirah comes from the dry forest clan, Mullawirra Meyunna, of the Kaurna People of the Adelaide plains region. Her name, Jakirah Warruyu, means second born girl of the full moon. On her father’s side, she has connections to Narungga. On her mother’s side, her ancestral lines were broken from Ooldea.

Since successfully completing Year 12, Jakirah has undertaken a work placement at Price Waterhouse Coopers, Indigenous Consulting.  Her keen interest in linguistics and recovery of First Nations languages led Jakirah to join SAHMRI’s Aboriginal Health Research Unit, Wardliparingga, as a part-time Research Assistant working on “The Indigenous Languages and Wellbeing Survey”. In addition to this, Jakirah was also working part-time at Tauondi Aboriginal College as a Tutor in Literacy and Numeracy.

Jakirah is a lead dancer with Yellaka: Old Wisdom New Ways, an Aboriginal Culture and Dance Group  transferring ancient knowledge and wisdom to the younger generation and strengthening their culture and identity. Jakirah has worked alongside Karl Winda Telfer to deliver Cultural Education Programs, and co-facilitated dance workshops and cultural sharing’s for young people at Wan Smol Bag Vanuatu during a 2019 cultural exchange. Jakirah has also mentored Aboriginal students at OLSH girls’ school and St Joseph’s Education Centre since early 2021.

Jakirah is passionate about her culture, language, and the arts, working and performing in Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Felicity Andrews

Felicity Andrews has family connections to the Kaniyang Noongar Nations of Western Australia’s Southwest where she lives. Felicity is currently studying community services at TAFE with plans to go into social work. She loves children, and her goal is to become a foster care social worker.

Felicity has a passion for helping others and is very involved with her community. She also enjoys going on trips to her family farm and  camping. Felicity loves all animals, and often pet sits for neighbours.

Elijah Calyun

My name is Elijah Calyun and my mob is from  Ballardong Country in WA. I am currently a year 11 student studying a Cert II in Sport and Recreation at SEDA College WA, and I am also an employee at Kmart.

Some of my many interest are camping, sports and also learning more about my culture. I also enjoy connecting with and learning from other young people.

I stand for social justice, equality, improving the health of mob/communities and helping young people better themselves mentally and physically. 

Jaida Penny

Jaida Penny is a Nyoongar woman (Dad’s side) and has lived on Wadjuk boodjar her whole life. She is currently a Research Assistant with the Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team at Telethon Kids Institute. She has lived and worked experience in this area, having worked with neurodiverse Aboriginal youth through tutoring, mentoring and caring. Jaida works on projects looking at the health, wellbeing and development of Aboriginal kids aged 0-5 years old. She is motivated by the prospect of leading equitable research that addresses challenges faced by Aboriginal families and empowering them to give their kids the best opportunities that they can.

Jaida is currently studying at the University of Western Australia, undertaking a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Human Biology. She has strong cultural learnings as guided by her Elders and brings her holistic understanding of wellbeing into the work she does. She has an interest in integrating different perspectives of health, with a passion for improving the lives of children.