Constellation of Stars

Be About It | Annual Awards

At Yamurrah’s annual Be About It Gala Event, we celebrated and gave recognition to the incredible women who have made remarkable contributions in their everyday lives, recognising their impact on our communities and beyond. These inspiring women are now joining our Constellation of Stars, marking a decolonised reframe of the traditional Hall of Fame, where their diverse stories and achievements are given the prominence they deserve. By honouring these women, we not only acknowledge their dedication and resilience but also pave the way for future generations to embrace their own journeys of excellence. Together, we shine a light on the brilliance of these stars, reminding us that every act of kindness and courage enriches our worlds.

2024

Congratulations to our awards winners at Be About It 2024 held at Oatlands Estate on beautiful Darug Country. Our award winners are phenomenal women, who are women all about it.

Aunty Madeline McGrady, a proud Gomeroi Elder and filmmaker, born in Toomelah, NSW, is an esteemed advocate for justice and activism.

She made history with her groundbreaking film on Aboriginal deaths in custody, "Stand Up,” and was the first Aboriginal representative on the Australian Film Commission.

Currently residing on Darkinjung country, Aunty Maddy actively contributes to youth and human rights issues and serves on the board of GNL, continuing her impactful work in the community.”

Aunty Jean is a remarkable woman strongly engaged in community and advocating for her people, in particular Stolen Generations Survivors. She is a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, an author and survivor of Cootamundra Girls' Home and resides at Red Bay Community.

During her life she has been Secretary of the Aborigines Progress Association, active in the Country Women’s Association, the Family Planning Association, and was the Director of the Jilimi Centre for Aboriginal women for which she received an award for service to the community. Jean was the founder and a coordinator of Jilimi Women's Centre in Nowra and won an award for Services to the Community from Warragul Aboriginal Association. Aunty Jean also worked for Shoalhaven Women’s Resource Centre and World Vision’s Indigenous Program.

Mary-Anne Frail, a proud Ngemba woman from Brewarrina in Western NSW. She is a tireless advocate for human rights and a fierce champion against domestic violence, not just for her own community but for all races.

Her invaluable Aboriginal heritage and cultural skills significantly contribute to her work, particularly in research projects focused on empowering Aboriginal women.

With a background in the Indigenous Women’s Legal Program at the Women’s Legal Service of NSW and a decade of service at Link Up NSW, Mary-Anne has dedicated herself to supporting Stolen Generations survivors through healing and reunification. Additionally, her talents as a DJ on Koori Radio highlight her commitment to community engagement.

Aunty Judy Atkinson and her daughter Carly Atkinson are remarkable leaders in the field of trauma healing. Aunty Judy, founder and patron of We Al-li, is an internationally recognised expert in intergenerational trauma, with numerous awards to her name, including the Carrick Neville Bonner Award and the Fritz Redlick Memorial Award from Harvard University.

Her influential book, "Trauma Trails – Recreating Songlines," sheds light on the lasting effects of colonisation and emphasizes the power of storytelling in healing and in 2019 she revived an Order of Australian Medal.

Carly, an accredited social worker and Associate Professor, specialises in complex and intergenerational trauma, having developed Australia’s first culturally sensitive Aboriginal trauma assessment measure.

As CEO of We Al-li, she leads the development of culturally informed trauma healing training and resources. Together, they represent a powerful legacy of resilience, healing, and advocacy for communities.

Rowena Welsh-Jarrett, a proud Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr woman, was born on Gadigal Land and is actively engaged with the Redfern and La Perouse communities. As a cultural and heritage practitioner, Rowena integrates Aboriginal cultural and environmental knowledge into built environment projects through her company, RWJ Pty Ltd. She collaborates with design teams to translate First Nations stories and values into urban design, landscape architecture, and public art. Her notable projects include the Bays West and Circular Quay redevelopments, Barangaroo development, and various public art initiatives.

An advocate for culturally appropriate co-design processes, Rowena emphasises cultural governance, social justice, and education for the communities she serves. Rowena was part of the repatriation team in Germany which saw the handover and return of Aboriginal remains back to Country. She is a member of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Council and a Southern Sydney/South Coast Native title delegate. Rowena is committed to cultural education and self-determination and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in archaeology and history.

Shanell Dargan is a proud Wiradjuri, Mununjali, and Irish woman with deep-rooted connections within the Redfern community. As a devoted mother and former Xfactor Contestant, she has transitioned her passion into the realm of professional boxing, achieving the title of Australian Super-Bantam Weight champion. Her aspirations now extend to becoming the first Aboriginal Female World champion, propelled by her drive for excellence.

Through her remarkable journey, Shanell exemplifies resilience, tenacity, and spirit, inspiring others with her tale of overcoming adversity and pursuing her dreams with unyielding determination.

Yamurrah proudly is supporting Sharnell in her boxing journey - we are right behind you !

Rosie Armstrong Lang, a Gamilaroi cultural woman from Boggabilla/Toomelah, is the CEO and Founder of the Culturally Informed Practices Institute .

Through her experience working with trauma victims, Rosie recognised a profound disconnection among her community from their culture, homeland, and identity. This disconnection often led to feelings of depression, anxiety, and a deep sense of emptiness. As a response, she established the Culturally Informed Practices Institute to address these challenges and promote healing and reconnection.

Carol Vale, a Dunghutti entrepreneur and co-founder of Murawin, has dedicated over 40 years to enhancing outcomes for Aboriginal communities. Her extensive experience across various NSW Government agencies, including Aboriginal Affairs, Education, and Housing, has positioned her at the forefront of initiatives aimed at socially and economically empowering communities. Under her leadership, Murawin has prioritised Indigenous voices in critical areas such as planning, renewable energy, and climate change, while also supporting female First Nations entrepreneurs through the Tiddas in Business program, equipping them with essential tools for success.

Recognised as Indigenous Business Woman of the Year, Carol's commitment to economic empowerment reflects her passion and determination. In her acceptance speech, she emphasised that this accolade represents the hard work of her entire team at Murawin, which she co-founded with her late husband, Greg McKenzie. Carol wisely stated ““If you want to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage in this country, you back an Indigenous businesswoman.”

Dr Leticia Funston, Letty, is a fierce intersectional, anti-colonial feminist and social researcher and social worker.

A true activist at heart, she is a regular presence on the front lines of injustice, advocating for those who need it most with unwavering humility and passion.

Her extensive work as an academic advisor, researcher, educator and work across many domains showcases her dedication to addressing systemic and institutional racism, gendered violence, and settler-colonialism.

Bianca Hunt, a remarkable rising star and versatile personality in the media industry. As a proud Kamilaroi, Barkindji, Ballardong, and Whadjuk woman, Bianca has dedicated over a decade to honing her skills as a TV presenter, interviewer, and advocate across various fields, including sport, travel, fashion, and music journalism.

Her vibrant presence on shows like NITV's Yokayi Footy and SBS's Going Places with Ernie Dingo showcases her charisma and ability to connect with audiences. Bianca's recent appearance on "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" further amplified her reach, capturing the hearts of viewers nationwide. An ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Wyanga Elders, she passionately uplifts First Nations voices and shares their stories.

Founded in 2021, her talent agency, Agnt Blak, aimed to empower First Nations talent in media. Bianca continues to inspire as she expands her multifaceted career as a broadcaster, MC, and speaker, and we are excited to see her journey unfold.

Ashlee Donohue, a proud Aboriginal woman from the Dunghutti nation and raised in Kempsey, New South Wales, is an accomplished author, notably her memoir “because I love him”.

Ashlee is an educator, and media commentator focused on raising awareness of domestic and family violence. Through her platform, she shares her lived experiences and provides a safe space and support network for women. Ashlee has been featured on ABC's The Drum, NITV, and SBS, and has contributed to publications like Mamamia, IndigenousX, and The Guardian, as well as appearing on various podcasts.

As a highly sought-after facilitator and advocate, Ashlee has presented at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women forums in New York City. She is the CEO of Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Women’s Centre and actively participates in the City of Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory panel and the Domestic Violence New South Wales Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Steering Committee. Additionally, she has been instrumental in developing anti-violence campaigns and educational materials addressing anti-racism.

Evening my Essence meaning: the most significant element, quality, or aspect and beauty of a person or your Culture
In my Language Li-Yanyuwa

My Ngalki - My Inner Spirit is my substance in the world, my inner Spirit holds the unique beauty and meaning of my being, it is the Essence of who I am in this World for all our Beauty shines from within an we are all blessed with it.

Ngardiji Yanyuwa Mermaid i follow the paths an songlines ,dance an traditions of my Great Grandmothers my Grandmothers and my Mothers, Aunties and Sisters, they all taught me Culture, kindness an Respect to myself and to those around me who I encounter on my journey from a young age.