Tell us about who you are, where you are from, and what you do.

Who am I? I’m a 22-year-old who, like many others, is trying to find my place and identity in this great big world. I am a proud Kalkadoon, South Sea Island and Scottish woman who grew up in Rockhampton, which is situated on Darumbal land, central Queensland. I moved to the big smoke of Sydney when I was 17 to study fine arts/arts at UNSW (focusing on Indigenous and film studies). I have since graduated and currently working as a new media producer at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence.

Each day I am continuously working towards becoming a great storyteller who has the ability to share our people’s stories in the best possible way.

What do you plan to focus on during your week as host of @IndigenousX?

While being on @IndigenousX I want to focus on the power of storytelling and the Indigenous film and creative industries. I want to ask the questions and start the conversation on Indigenous film. What makes a good Indigenous film? What makes a good character? Negative vs. positive stories? Indigenous director and non-Indigenous director – and why it matters.

What issues are you most passionate about and why?

I am passionate about all Indigenous issues. However, I am invested in the ideologies surrounding Indigenous identity, and what it means to be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. There is obviously no clear answer because everyone has different stories of what Aboriginality means to them. That’s why I am so interested in filmmaking and story telling, to share people’s individual stories and show that Indigenous identity is not simple.

Who are your role models, and why?

My grandmother and parents are my role models. My grandmother was the most amazing lady I will ever know. Her stories of her childhood, growing up the child of a stockman and a domestic servant and later as an orphan on Palm Island, are what inspired me initially to become a storyteller and filmmaker. My parents, without a doubt, will always encourage me to do what makes me happy and achieve my dreams. They made me who I am today (and therefore are obviously pretty cool themselves).

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope our stories will last over the generations, and I hope that the wider Australia will one day open their eyes and appreciate our culture and people for all they’re worth.