A proud Gamilaraay and Bigambul woman, mother of two grown daughters, and a Baagii (Grandmother) to one sacred granddaughter. Family and her responsibility to care and protect them in what ever way she can is vital. From creating opportunities to connect her family to Country, to always being a listening ear or to visit her siblings and their families just to have fun. She is a teacher, mentor, and education and health consultant.
Since graduating from teachers’ college in 1981, she has worked across Australia in a wide range of educational settings, from Early Years to university. Aunty Steph’s passion lies in building a First Nations-led education system — one where young people feel loved, respected, and empowered to thrive. She believes in the implementation of on the ground solutions run by First Nation people with the experience of their communities. Her love and care for the young leaders of today and tomorrow sees her flying to different locations to support and share her knowledge where-ever she is invited. She worries, the young people have a range of situations which compete with them leading healthy, happy and joyful lives. She sees her responsibilities and her relationships with young people as core to her daily purpose and her living healthy and happy.
She has contributed to initiatives such as Reconciliation Victoria, was awarded a Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership, and in 2023 received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contributions to First Nations education and health. The death of her husband of 40 years to cancer in 2023 has create enormous change in not only the work she does but also how she wishes to give back. The opportunity to be a part of the YARN Elders group and share her lived experience as a carer for many years has meant she feels comfort and gratitude in supporting young people and their families.
