Joanne is a Jawoyn Elder, currently working at Banartjarl Wimun’s Group with the Family Support Team. Joanne has extensive experience in the health sector and was the Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner at the Barunga Clinic for thirty years. Joanne has seen significant increase in chronic illness, particularly diabetes and kidney disease over the last thirty years and thinks that more education around managing personal health, needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Joanne also believes in healing through Art, Language and Culture. She believes Aboriginal people, especially youth should be encouraged to participate in these types of activities as a strategy to prevent our people from entering the justice system.

Christine is a Bandjin and Jagalingou woman from Queensland, who has resided in Katherine for 30 years. Christine is one of the founding members of Katherine Justice Reinvestment, of which she has been a strong advocate and volunteer for approximately nine years. Christine has experience working in and knowledge of the education and training sector and is currently employed with the Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NTPHN). Christine is a Commissioner for Oaths and is a volunteer member on various Boards and Committees, including being the former Chair of Katherine NAIDOC. Christine’s personal interests include social justice and quality, Rugby League, socialising, and swimming in the Katherine River with her dogs.

Rick is an Aboriginal man born and raised in Katherine. Rick’s maternal family are the Traditional Owner tribe of Broome, Western Australia, the Djugun tribe. He has lived and worked in the Top End of the for the past 47 years and lived in Katherine for over 60 years with his wife and family who are local Dagoman people. Rick has held many high-profile executive positions for both the Government and private sector and holds qualifications in finance, accounting, economics, auditing and governance. He is also a current member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Shirley is a descendant of the Yawuru people of the Kimberley and Nyoongar of the southern regions. Shirley’s experiences and knowledge comes from living and working in the remote regions of Katherine for 36 years and completing her Diploma in Broadcasting and Journalism. Lecturing in media studies took her to remote regions including Timber Creek where she was elected by the community to represent them on the Vic Daly Regional Council. Shirley was Deputy Mayor for three years and says advocating for the people was very rewarding. Shirley sits on the NAAJA Board where she has been for the past five years and believes education on every level, in every context, is vital to the future of our community and people.

Glenice is a Jingili/Mudburra/Gurindji elder. Glenice was born on a station, moved into Katherine at 7 years old and did her education here until she completed Year 11. Glenice has worked in several positions including the old Commonwealth Employment Service, Aboriginal Health Worker Training Centre in Alice Springs and as a Salaries Clerk for Tennant Creek hospital. Glenice moved back to Katherine and started her own business, the Sunglass Shop in Katherine Oasis. Glenice’s journey regarding Indigenous Incarceration began with her personal and families experience with the justice system. Glenice is committed to supporting and advocating for Aboriginal people, especially around law and justice.

Doug is a Dagoman Elder of the Katherine region and is also connected to the Wardaman, Jingili and Gurindji language groups. Doug grew up and was educated in Katherine and has worked all his life, in mostly government jobs.  This includes nine years with Family and Children Services and eleven years with the NT Government AOD Department.  He was a prolific athlete and played over 400 Aussie Rules senior games, earning him the name of “Mr Top End Football”.  In 2012 Doug was inducted into the NTFL Hall of Fame and the Big Rivers Football League, Annual Men’s Best and Fairest medal is named in his honour.  Doug believes sport and recreation play a key role in prevention and his other special interest areas include education, training, AOD, domestic violence and mental health.  Doug recently received the Katherine NAIDOC Elder of the Year Award in 2023.

Gwenda is a Bidjara, Gungarri and Kooma descendant from Mitchell Queensland. She has lived in Katherine since 1992 and her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all call Katherine home. Recently retired, Gwenda was an Aboriginal Health Worker for thirty years in Aboriginal medical services and believes addressing basic health needs and access is as important as ever. Gwenda has received numerous awards including the NT Aboriginal Health Worker of the Year and Urban Aboriginal Health Practitioner Awards. Gwenda is interested in rheumatic heart and chronic illnesses that impact on people’s everyday lives, the importance of explaining health in a way that our people understand and how to navigate the health care system. Gwenda is passionate about mentoring young people in health careers and her justice areas of interest are homelessness, education, training, family/social supports and parenting programs.

Lazarus Manbulloo is an emerging Jawoyn leader. In 2014 Lazarus commenced work with the Jawoyn Association and in 2019 developed an initiative called the Munjymens Group. This program combines Western and Indigenous ways of healing and knowledge to help address and support peoples suffering with depression, anxiety and grief. Lazarus believes that learning and healing on Country is a great opportunity for men and youth to talk about mental health concerns and illnesses. This initiative led to Lazarus winning the 2024 NT Mental Health Award for Leadership in Lived Experience – Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing. Lazarus believes culturally led programs such as these are great services for Aboriginal people in the Justice Reinvestment space.

Samantha Sing is a Wardaman Traditional Owner and currently works with Northern Land Council as the Ranger Coordinator for Wardaman IPA Aboriginal Corporation.  Previously Samantha has worked as an Aboriginal Islander Education Worker (AIEW) at Katherine High School. This job involved working closely with Indigenous students and their families to encourage school attendance and wellbeing.  Samantha has also worked in the health sector delivering services to remote communities. She participated in the Australia Rural Leadership Foundation in 2020, which was of great value both professionally and personally.  Samantha’s interests include environment and land management and promoting connection to Country and culture. She believes justice reinvestment has the potential to connect Indigenous youth back to Country and cultural heritage. Other special interests include education, training, health and business/governance.