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As we look to the future, we do not turn our back on the past. We acknowledge the foundation logo of our organisation, in use for 17 years, synonymous with our Recognition and Settlement Agreement. Our original logo was created by the late Uncle Clive Atkinson in 2004. It represents Bunjil and Jupiter, two fundamental parts of the Dja Dja Wurrung Creation story.
©2025 Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation | Privacy Policy
Nihal Samara
Coming Soon
Nick Lewis
Nick was born and raised on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, before moving to Djandak (Castlemaine) in 2004, following the completion of his formal tertiary studies in Environmental Science.
Over 20 years, Nick has worked on a diverse range of public and private projects spanning water, public transport, renewable energy and environmental conservation sectors. Collectively, his work focused on environmental markets, risk assessment, land use planning, business case development and triple bottom line assessment.
After spending 3 years as a ‘home dad’ for his two daughters, Nick joined the DJANDAK Right Plant Right Way project team to support a First Nations led review of the Victorian Revegetation Sector. Though this project he grew his appreciation of the need for First Nations led care for, and healing of Country. Nick is excited to take on the Right Way Project Officer role to support increased Djaara participation and leadership across the conservation sector.
Nick enjoys exploring Country by bike, camping and home-grown food.
Corey Ilsley
Corey Ilsley is a proud Gunditjamara man from the Western Districts of Victoria, in the town of Heywood. He has resided on Dja Dja wurrung country for over 35 years and raised 3 beautiful children. His Ancestors names are the Lovett/ Rotumah-Kanoa family.
Corey has worked previously in roles at Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative where he respectfully represented and advocated strongly and professionally for our people. He has built partnerships with Justice agencies on Dja wurrung country which included the Sheriff’s Department, Local Police Officers, Bendigo courts, Bendigo Lawyers, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services, so that our people feel culturally safe when in contact with these agencies.
Corey looks forward to representing DJAARA and the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the DJANDAK Protection Officer. Continuing his passion in advocating and representing mob by building, strong long-term partnership with the Environment Protection Authority.
Yanwen Ross
Born in Melbourne and raised in a small country town outside of Bendigo, Yanwen has now settled in Bendigo.
Yanwen completed a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and furthered his education obtaining a Diploma in Accounting. Yanwen is motivated and excited to use his skills in the Finance team at DJAARA assisting in invoicing and processing accounts.
Yanwen is a keen field hockey player and to this day continues to play at various levels.
Cameron Connors
Coming Soon
Natasha Harris
Natasha is a descendent of the Yorta Yorta people.
Natasha is an experienced HR Professional with an extensive administrative and payroll background across local private organisations.
Natasha is passionate about helping others and is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work for DJAARA and plans to use her experience to aid the Dja Dja Wurrung people in achieving their goals and ambitions.
Jason Trindall
Jason is a proud Kamilaroi man from the plains of far north NSW. Spending most of his younger years in the Goulburn Valley, he now calls Bendigo home. Jason has travelled far and wide around Australia, gaining experience in the mining, construction, and warehousing sectors. Firstly, operating heavy machinery and then moving on to training and safety.
Whilst working Jason has been lucky enough to explore different areas of Australia, from the coast to the centre and all the wondrous nature in between. Jason’s love of the land grew stronger with each experience of the country and wildlife.
Helping people and exploring the land is when Jason is most happy.
Cora Wolswinkel
Cora was born and raised on Gunaikurnai Country in South Gippsland and has lived on Dja Dja Wurrung Country since 2013, following a trip around Australia that lasted over two years.
After working in a range of industries including medical, primary production and retail, Cora enrolled in Archaeology at La Trobe University in 2016, graduating in 2022 with a Masters degree. Cora then worked as an archaeologist and artefact specialist until August 2023, when she joined DJAARA.
Cora is feels honoured to join DJAARA in the role of Project Officer for the new pilot SAHA program, and in doing so, to aid Djaara in achieving their goals and ambitions.
Maria Caputi
Maria was born in Colombia, South America and immigrated to Australia in 1999. She represented her country as an elite Gymnast for eight years, and later became part of the Indoor Volleyball national team while acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, a profession that she worked on until she immigrated to Australia.
In Melbourne, she worked in recruitment, specifically for the franchising industry, and later managed a family Solar distribution business; during that time, Maria focused her career on finance and procurement, acquiring a Bookkeeping degree, an experience that left a big commitment with the renewable sector also experience first-hand the disadvantages that some Aboriginal communities where having due to climate change and poor access to electricity and she finds that working with Dja Dja Wurrung is a small way to contribute to help with the solution.
Maria moved to Bendigo in 2019 with her partner and two adolescent children, and since she has taken up paper quilling after missing her creative pursuits and has done a public solo exhibition in 2023 and hopes to do more exhibitions and find a way to sell more pieces as she enjoys quilling dearly.
Maria is very committed to supporting her community, especially the small Hispanic-speaking group living in Bendigo. She loves dancing to Latin music and watching high-level sports, and she is still trying to like Vegemite and understand the love for Cricket.
Stacey Bennett
Born in Monbulk and raised in the Dandenong Ranges, Stacey relocated with her children from Healesville to Bendigo 6 years ago.
During her time in Healesville her family lived through the Black Saturday Fires of 2009, unfortunately losing a dear friend in Toolangi. Stacey was heavily involved in organising a major memorial event for 10 years and was active in numerous Bushfire recovery groups.
Stacey feels grateful to have the opportunity to work with the amazing Djandak Wi team at DJAARA.
Stacey is also actively engaged with the local youth in the community, coaching local basketball teams and developing Junior fishing Clubs to support and enable youth to connect with mentors and other young people while learning new skills.
In her free time, Stacey enjoys spending time outdoors fishing the local lakes and waterways, bushwalking, gardening & photography.
Jacqueline Grenfell
Jacqueline’s role as Government Heritage Liaison Officer sees her working closely with all three levels of government, assisting in the protection, strengthening and promotion of Djaara’s Malamiya (cultural heritage).
Jacqueline comes from the local government sector, with significant experience managing arts, culture, and heritage in in a diverse range of positions and councils. She holds a Master of Management, and Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, with her minor thesis exploring how Victorian councils have responded to calls to remove controversial colonial monuments from public display.
Jacqueline lives on Djandak and is a passionate advocate of social justice through arts, culture, and heritage.
Shamsuddin Shaikh
Shamsuddin Shaikh is currently employed at DJAARA as an IT Security Officer, safeguarding the organisations systems and data from cyber security threats.
Shamsuddin Shaikh grew up in Pakistan before moving to Australia in 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) , MBA (Master in Business Administration ) ,Diploma in I.T and cyber security certificate. He has diversified experience in various sectors such as Civil engineering project, Banking and IT sector.
His passion is reading books, playing sports, travelling and trying new things.
Sou Ganapathi
Coming Soon.
Jamie Mileto
Jamie comes to DJAARA with extensive experience working for various state and federal members of Parliament across Central and Northern Victoria with responsibilities ranging from constituent & departmental liaison, speech writing & research as well as- State, Local and Federal Government relations.
Jamie is a former member of the United Nations Youth Parliament & a Graduate of Latrobe University so is no stranger to Bendigo.
Jamie proudly resides on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and his interests include spending time with friends and family, walking, gardening & the outdoors, thoroughbred racing and watching AFL – GO LIONS!
He has a Multicultural background with proud roots in Italy, France and the UK.
Noel Laidlaw
Noel Laidlaw is a mining engineer with over forty years’ experience in Victoria. He has worked as a small miner, contractor, mine manager, tenement consultant and government advisor. He was also the State Mining Warden. Prior to his mining career, Noel was secretary of the Bendigo Trades Hall Council.
Noels specialist mining experience and skill will compliment the RSA team and will strengthen compliance from the mining industry and enhance relationships between the industry and Traditional Owners.
Noel has lived on Dja Dja Wurrung Country most of his life. He has had a lifelong commitment to fairness, social justice and promoting the rights of the forgotten members of society.
Daniela Davis
Daniela is a descendant of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Ngurai Illum Wurrung and Wamba Wamba people, and is a direct descendant of Alfred (Arbup) Davis. Daniela is currently living and raising children on Wurundjeri Country in the forests of the Dandenong Ranges.
Daniela has a background in advocacy, policy, dispute resolution, project management and social emotional wellbeing (SEWB)/mental health. Daniela feels privileged to have gained formal qualifications in law, social sciences and Indigenous trauma and recovery, and has worked across the ACCO sector, not for profits, Aboriginal branches of state government and the tertiary education sector over the last 17 years. Some of this work has included writing submissions and community consultation for two royal commissions, the conciliation of complaints between Aboriginal women in prison and prison health services, appealing NDIS refusals to the AAT and facilitating the roll out of rainbow tick accreditation across ACCOs.
Daniela feels very honoured to join DJAARA in the role of Yilingga Marna to implement the agreement between DJAARA and the City of Greater Bendigo, the first of its kind in Australia. Daniela hopes it’s implementation in the spirit of reconciliation will assist the negotiation of further treaty like agreements and lasting partnerships with DJAARA that will further realise Djaara rights to self-determination and benefit the whole community for future generations to come.
Leanne Greenwood
Leanne is in the Djandak Wi Strategic Planning Officer role at Djaara. Primarily, Leanne is focused on Djandak Wi planning and monitoring, developing Djandak Wi strategies and processes, and ensuring that Djaara values and voices are embedded into the Djandak Wi program.
Leanne grew up in Nairobi Kenya before moving to Naarm, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in 2001, where she now lives. Growing up in Kenya instilled a love of biodiversity, nature, and conservation in Leanne, which continued to blossom as she grew up and explored Australia’s vast and ancient landscapes. Her love of nature led to a Bachelors degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, an Honours degree in mammal monitoring, and a PhD focused on the interactions between people, fire, fungi, and flora in Australia’s semi-arid deserts. Leanne has also worked as a research assistant on several fire related projects, in conservation roles around Naarm, and worked and volunteered for several environmental NGOs.
Leanne is passionate about increasing the recognition of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and the importance of people and their fire regimes within Australia’s ecosystems. Leanne is deeply passionate about supporting First Nations peoples to achieve their aspirations in returning cultural burning to Country and is excited and privileged to be a part of Djaara’s journey in working towards self-determination through Djandak Wi.
Leanne loves spending time in nature, hiking and camping. She loves travelling, yoga, reading, and going to art and music festivals, as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Elias Norman
Elias studied and practised law in Townsville, Queensland before moving back on Djandak to his hometown of Bendigo. With a background in Native Title, including Future Acts, Elias is most proud of his involvement in the Torres Strait Regional Seas Claim which resulted in a consent determination of Native Title in November 2022.
Elias is now an Agreement Maker in our Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) Unit, Dja Dja Wurrekatjalangu, implementing Djaara’s Land Use Activity Agreement (LUAA) with the State of Victoria.
Elias is committed to assisting Traditional Owners gain recognition for culture and country, protecting cultural heritage and, through negotiating agreements, obtaining positive outcomes to effectively improve the lives of Traditional Owners now and for the future.
Donna Spiller
Donna lives by Mt Kooroocheang on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and has a love of the volcanic hills that surround her family home where she raised her five children. Donna enjoys working closely with the community and volunteers on local projects and for various organisations, including the Country Fire Authority as Community Safety Officer.
Donna holds a Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) and a Graduate Diploma in Arts and Entertainment Management. Donna has a range of experience working in reconciliation, arts, and culture in local government and the for-purpose sector. Donna’s passion for social justice has spanned three decades and she is committed to delivering projects that are centred in a self-determined process and outcome. She looks forward to the opportunity to work on the Nation Building Project and acknowledging the positive outcomes of Dhelkunya Dja Country Plan.
Helen Mihailides
Helen relocated from Melbourne 4 years ago and has immersed herself in the local culture and community. Helen is an experienced HR manager with a master’s in commerce and an extensive HR background across private and government organisations.
Outside of work Helen spent time with her small community working on the Whroo forest, volunteering and as President for a community house, and other environmental projects to support healing and protection of the land near and around Whroo. Helen also supported and led the creation of a community arts hub that brought together art, dance and music.
Helen is grateful and honoured to have the opportunity to work for DJAARA and plans to use her experience to support the development of people’s wellbeing, improve structures within her area, and grow a people centric workplace.
Lindy Harland – Kabu
Lindy grew up on djandak in Eaglehawk, moving here as a young child from Northern England. Lindy is a lawyer, after being admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in 2009. Lindy started her legal career with one of Australia’s most prominent Aboriginal legal services, NAAJA, where she was a criminal lawyer based in Darwin. Lindy then moved across to NAAJA’s Nhulunbuy office, on magnificent Yolngu country, where she lived and worked for five years, predominantly practicing in the area of civil law. A large part of Lindy’s role was travelling out to various homelands to provide legal advice clinics and representation to Yolngu people.
Lindy returned to djandak in 2017 where she took up a role with the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre as a Health Justice Partnership Lawyer. 2018 saw Lindy shift across to the Manager and Principal Lawyer of the Community Legal Centre, responsible for providing the region with legal services in Family Violence, Child Protection, Family Law, Crime and Civil practice.
Lindy has extensive experience working with socially, culturally and linguistically diverse people, including Aboriginal people, as well as people with complex disability and mental health conditions, impaired decision-making capacity, and people experiencing trauma.
Lindy is passionate about social justice, human rights, and is excited to be back working with an Aboriginal controlled corporation.
Jason Kerr
Jason Kerr is a direct descendant of the great Leonard Kerr who was born at Mt Hope on Dja Dja Wurrung Country around 1854.
Jason is an extremely passionate Dja Dja Wurrung man and lives and works on Djandak.
Jason has worked for the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation for over 15 years and is an integral member of the Cultural Heritage Team.
He is an appointed Aboriginal Heritage Officer and also holds a Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management.
Jason has a passion for sharing Dja Dja Wurrung Culture and ensuring the protection of Cultural Heritage on Country.
Jason is also a very talented artist who has designed artwork for local Council projects and numerous artwork pieces when commissioned.
Beck Eames
Beck was born on beautiful Dja Dja Wurrung County and has spent majority of her life here. Beck is a passionate supporter of indigenous culture, history, traditions & is looking forward to learning as much as possible.
Beck has recently joined DJAARA following over a decade in banking predominantly working in the risk and compliance sector.
In her spare time Beck loves spending time with her family, cooking and reading.
Dr. Di Smith
Di happily returns to Djaara, excited to be launching the pilot Strategic Aboriginal Heritage Assessments Project for the Corporation. With her partner of 40+ years, Tim, and Patrick (bouncy Dobermann) and almost 20 year-old cat, Diego, they live on Djandak in Bendigo and are proud parents of Melbourne-dwelling young adults, Siri and Roy. Di’s work in Victorian Aboriginal cultural heritage management under the Aboriginal heritage legislation has included public service roles, assisting Registered Aboriginal Parties with operational functions, and roles in heritage consultancy. Her recent work history includes roles as Program Manager – Cultural Heritage with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (2013-2017) and Manager, Loddon Mallee Heritage Operations with First Peoples – State Relations (2007-2012, 2017-2022).
Working closely with Aboriginal traditional owners, colleagues, public and private land managers, owners and developers to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage has strengthened Di’s passion and enthusiasm for engagement and education in cultural heritage management. Supporting outreach roles have included mentoring for tertiary students and supervision of PhD candidates. The academic research for Di’s own PhD research brought a world first focus to the importance and value of studying contemporary and historical agricultural heritage places through the humble farm graveyards of vehicles and machinery by recognising these as places of meaning and purpose. The research took her across Australia and to farming communities in Canada to record the quirky and universal inter-generational collection practices of people living on the land.
Shanice Kerr
Coming Soon
Julian Cleary
Julian has worked in policy, advocacy and strategy roles with Aboriginal and human rights organisations, and in government and community health. His formal qualifications are in arts and law.
He is passionate about social and environmental justice, and supporting Traditional Owner self-determination and leadership. He is honoured to have joined DJAARA to contribute to realisation of the vision, goals and objectives of Djaara, as powerfully expressed in the Dhelkunya Dja Healing Country Plan.
Julian has lived on Djandak for the past 5 years with his partner and daughter. He mostly grew up on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung / Bunurong People land, with regular visits to his maternal grandparents and extended family on Djaara country around Bendigo.
Julian loves music, learning and connecting with nature and community. He is of Irish and Scottish heritage.
Jacki grew up on Gunditjmara Country, and has lived and worked on Dja Dja Wurrung Country for the last 15 years.
Jacki has completed studies in politics, literature and project management and has a range of experiences from across the public and for-purpose sectors, developing skills in engagement, management, administration and strategy. She currently serves on the Golden Square Kinder Committee.
Jacki is humbled by the opportunity to work within the Partnerships & Policy team at Djaara and plans to use her experience to aid the Dja Dja Wurrung people in recognising, advocating for and achieving their goals and ambitions.
In her spare time, Jacki enjoys reading and caravanning, and is an avid parkrunner.
Marykia is a Proud Yorta Yorta/Djaara woman descending from Leonard Kerr, she grew up around Bendigo and Echuca, and has joined the Dhelkunya Dja Policy team as a trainee with the opportunity to complete a Cert III in Business Administration.
Marykia is excited to be working at DJAARA where she can learn more about her culture and be involved in healing Country.
In her spare time she enjoys painting and anything art related.
Leon Smith was born and raised on Ngunawal country until he and his family moved to Dja Dja Wurrung country in May 2022, Leon is a descendant of both Yorta Yorta and Kamilaroi people.
Leon has over a decade of corporate experience working across Federal Government and Private industry with a wide range of experience in Finance, IT and Business Process Improvement leveraging software automation.
More recently having left the public service, Leon wanted to work for an organisation that was closer to home in terms of his heritage and was given an opportunity to work DJAARA.
Leon has a passionate for process improvement, digitalisation and software automation in which he is keen to work with DJAARA in implementing to allow the corporation to better focus on delivering benefits to the Dja Dja Wurrung people and the overall country plan.
In his spare time, Leon enjoys anything automotive, IT and gaming related along with spending time with his family and exploring the country.
Sophia was born and raised on Djandak in Bendigo and continues her Indigenous heritage journey to locate her mob stemming from her great great grandmother who was born on Djandak in the 1850s.
Sophia’s passion for material culture and Australian history became apparent during her high school years leading to the completion of a dual Honours degree in Archaeology and History allowing Sophia to work across Victoria as an archaeologist.
Cultural heritage importantly tells the story of Dja Dja Wurrung culture, customs and practices through the relationship of Djaara Ancestors and Country. Sophia’s position at Djaara allows her to focus on advocating for the protection and management of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, securing cultural heritage for current and future generations.
Hannah Dunolly-Lee is a direct descendant of the great Thomas Dunolly who was born on Dja Dja Wurrung Country around 1854.
Hannah is an extremely proud Dja Dja Wurrung woman born on country and has remained on country ever since.
Hannah has been employed with DJAARA for 7 years, starting her career back in 2015 as the Corporation Receptionist and employed across numerous roles including working on country as a Cultural Heritage field representative. Hannah now enjoys her work in the Member Engagement team as an Events Coordinator.
Hannah has been involved with many Community Groups over the years and has become a positive and reputable face for the group.
Hannah has a passion for sharing the Dja Dja Wurrung culture and stories that have been passed down to her.
Rachel was born and grew up on yorta yorta country, at Tatura and now resides on dja dja wurrung country, at Woodend.
Rachel is a passionate multi-disciplinary professional across digital and traditional marketing, finance, HR and business management. She has worked in global and domestic, traditional B2B, entrepreneurial and rapidly growing businesses.
When not making a difference at DJAARA, Rachel loves spending time with her family, throwing herself into sport and exploring this great country!
Nicola spent most of her childhood on Dja Dja Wurrung country and, after 20 years away, returned 14 years ago with her husband and family.
With a love of clear communication, she has worked freelance as a non-fiction writer and editor, between raising children and stints working in organisations.
Among other things, she has written cycling guidebooks for travel publisher Lonely Planet, edited Ride On magazine for Bicycle Victoria (now Bicycle Network) and, more recently, has worked in communications & engagement with the Department of Transport, and media & communications with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Nicola enjoys working in the community and cares deeply about leaving the world a better place. She has been involved with various community organisations most of her adult life in both voluntary and paid capacities.
She is currently president of Bike Bendigo, where she advocates for cycling infrastructure, delivers projects, teaches riding and road safety skills, manages comms and engagement and liaises with government and other stakeholders.
Nicola is excited to join the communications team at DJAARA.
Anita, spent the first half of her working career living in Melbourne as a designer. Moving back to Dja Dja Wurrung country with a young family, Anita transitioned across to the Cultural Heritage Sector, gaining extensive experience in a range of organisational management roles, and an understanding of communications and stakeholder engagement. Currently she is studying at the Australian Institute of Management.
Anita is an ardent supporter of indigenous culture and tradition on Country and is grateful for the opportunity to work with and support the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board on its collaborative Joint Management Plan for the Dja Dja Wurrung Parks.
Brittney is a descendant of the Wiradjuri People nestled along the Murrumbidgee River in New South Wales.
Brittney has a background of events, admin and customer service and has a passion for connecting with people.
She is so thrilled to be working alongside the member engagement team to bring a whole range of events that will build member engagement not only with DJAARA services but with members alike.
Relocating to Bendigo only a few years ago, she loves learning about Bendigo’s rich history and how she can assist members in making a strong future.
Tony was born and has mostly lived and worked on Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung country. He moved to Djandak in 2020, where he now calls Castlemaine home.
Tony has always enjoyed creating opportunities for others to heal, grow and connect. He has trained and worked for more than 10 years in caring for the environment, building community and supporting others.
His team works with people across the DJAARA Group and with our members to formulate the policies and strategies that guide the organization to achieving the goals outlined in the Dhelkunya Dja (Country Plan).
Tony has a passion for social justice, the environment and honouring and learning from ancient cultures. He has qualifications in political science, public policy, yoga and trauma informed therapies.
Hannah grew in Melbourne’s West, where she cut her teeth as an agreement maker in her loving but complex family. Hannah is now raising her own loving and complex family on Djandak.
Hannah is a lawyer who has focused on fighting for the rights of survivors of child sexual abuse, in both private practice and the community legal sector. Hannah has a strong interest in First Nations and local histories, with a focus on gender and women’s perspectives.
She brings to Djaara her breadth of experience negotiating complex agreements, developing meaningful and long-lasting relationships with government and other negotiating partners, and achieving key procedural and legal reform.
Hannah is passionate about reaching creative agreements that capture the spirit of the Recognition and Settlement Agreement and support Djaara’s goals and ambitions.
Oli was born on the small island of Florianópolis (Meiembipe or “mountain along the channel”) in the south-east of Brazil on the lands of the Carijós Tupi peoples to a Brazilian father and Australian mother. After moving back to Australia, Oli grew up on Wurundjeri Country on the outer eastern fringes of Melbourne while spending a lot of time with family camping in Gariwerd the Grampians on Djab Wurrung and Jardwajali Country.
Oli is passionate about climate justice and community-based solutions to global problems such as climate change and biodiversity loss and is both excited and humbled to be working with Djaara to lead holistic and transformative social and ecological solutions to the climate crisis.
Oli has degrees in Arts (International Studies), Science (Geology) and a Master of Environment (Climate Change) and has been working in NGOs and the community sector for over 7 years in climate change education, sustainability, and sustainable development. More recently Oli has been working as an academic research assistant at RMIT University on various research projects across sustainability, climate change, environmental justice, resilience and biodiversity conservation as well as teaching and tutoring in RMIT’s school of Global, Urban and Social Studies.
Outside of work Oli is passionate about addressing climate change in the South Pacific leading the charity Climates – a group of volunteers that provide remote support and free services to NGOs and communities in Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG, West Papua, Samoa, Kiribati and Tuvalu.
Oli is deeply committed to supporting and elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, leadership and self-determination particularly in relation to climate change and the environment. Oli sees working with and on-behalf of Djaara as an honour and a privilege.
Sharon was born in Djab Wurrung country and moved to Dja Dja Wurrung country in 2010 after a lifetime of moving around regional Victoria and some time in Adelaide, South Australia.
After completing Arts and Law degrees at the University of Adelaide, Sharon practised as an insolvency and commercial litigation lawyer in Adelaide before moving to Mildura to work as a general practitioner and serve a term as Councillor with Mildura Rural City Council between 2005 and 2008. Sharon enjoyed local government so went on to spend some time with Wentworth Shire Council as the Manager Governance and Corporate Development before moving to Bendigo to work with the City of Greater Bendigo in Organisation Development for six years. For the past five and a half years Sharon has been Director Corporate Services with Loddon Shire Council where her passion for corporate services flourished.
Sharon has a passion for helping organisation and individuals to be the best they can be and is excited to be working in corporate services to continue to deliver on this passion in collaboration with Group stakeholders.
Among other things, Sharon is a keen embroiderer and mother to three boys aged 13 to 21.
Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori-Scottish-English descent, Ben lived in the West of Melbourne for 13 years off and on until recently and is now privileged to be living on Djandak in Castlemaine.
Ben has worked in private, public, and not-for-profit/community sectors in professional, for-fun and community volunteering capacities in Aotearoa, UK, Egypt, and Australia. While living in Victoria, he has worked in employment services, occupational rehabilitation, management consulting (Nous Group), and various leadership and management roles in Vic State Government (Dept Health and Human Services / Dept Families Fairness and Housing).
Other interests include well-being/arts/workshop projects and festivals, gardening, and LGBTIQ+ community engagement and advocacy. Ben brings strong professional expertise and experience in learning and workforce capability development, and organisational development and capacity building. He is focussed on developing workforce development strategy to meet the purpose and demands of DJAARA’s rapidly scaling up Djandak Wi cultural burning program, ensuring that djaara members voices determine the strategy. Qualifications and professional development studies include: Bachelor of Performing Arts; Grad Cert in Business; studies in environmental education, health, conservation and land management. Ben loves a good yarn, good humour, singing and dancing, and has a keen interest in psychology, philosophy, and politics.
Mark Costello was born on Wadawurrung Country in Ballarat and has lived and worked on on Dja Dja Wurrung Country since 2003.
As the Manager – Partnerships and Policy, Mark leads two teams, Galkangu (Joint Management) and Dhelkunya Dja Policy, to deliver on key business priorities and initiatives. The role manages partnerships and leads the development of agreements with local and state government authorities, through business and cultural change, driving our aspirations and future for Dja Dja Wurrung People, as articulated in the Dhelkunya Dja (Healing Country) Country Plan and the Recognition and Settlement Agreement.
Mark has recently joined DJAARA following two decades of work primarily in the public sector. Mark brings a passion for supporting people to be their best, closing the gap of disadvantage for our most vulnerable, and progressing truth, treaty, self-determination and cultural rights for Aboriginal Victorians.
Dylan Brown is a descendent of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara people. Dylan was raised in the north of Melbourne on Wurundjeri country where he now resides. He is currently employed at Djaara as a Project Officer in the Land Use Activity Agreement (LUAA) department. He is extremely passionate about his roll and the effect it has on the Dja Dja Wurrung land and community.
Dylan is a descendent of Clive Atkinson, a renowned indigenous artist in the Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung community and has been involved in works involving both tribes.
Dylan strongly believes the work he is involved in is one step closer towards Djaara people managing country and will ensure future generations will benefit from this legacy.
Harley Dunolly-Lee is Dja Dja Wurrung through place of birth and a kinship relationship with their ngamtjam ‘grandfather’ who was barrim-barrimbi ‘the great grandson’ of the Dja Dja Wurrung apical ancestor, Thomas Dunolly (1853 – 1923). Harley has a passion for cultural revival and for reawakening the Dja Dja Wurrung language through the legacy of Thomas Dunolly who was an activist. Harley has been reawakening the Dja Dja Wurrung language for 15 years.
Harley is currently attending university completing a Phd study on the reawakening of the Dja Dja Wurrung language. Prior to this Phd, Harley has studied linguistics, archaeology and anthropology. Harley’s current role at Dja Dja Wurrung involves research and provides language workshops for the community and DDWCAC staff. The research Harley provides is focused on language requests from the wider community and Dja Dja Wurrung community language workshops. Harley’s goal is to ensure the language is well respected in the public domain and used for the purpose of cultural reawakening in the home.
Tameeka is a Descendant of Leonard Kerr, born and raised on Kaurna Land.
Tameeka is relocating to Djandak to continue her role in the Member Engagement Team, while completing a Cert III in Community Services.
While working alongside mob, Tameeka plans to create a positive and meaningful impact that will support future generations.
She loves being with family and creating lasting memories, and enjoys being on the court playing Netball.
Tameeka is eager to expand on her professional skills and is excited to learn and grow culturally.
Freya grew up on Djandak and from a young age had a great appreciation for Dja Dja Wurrung Country. The experience of growing up in a sustainability focused community just outside of Castlemaine led to fascination in environmental management and decision-making.
Freya is passionate about finding biocultural solutions for environmental issues and seeing Djaara heal their Country with fire. She has an academic background in environmental anthropology, politics and policy from her time at the University of Melbourne. She has spent years in diverse organizational contexts from not-for-profits, higher education and youth organisations; developing skills in strategy, research, community organising and facilitation.
Her love for Djandak and the opportunity work with Dja Dja Wurrung saw Freya return to her hometown of Castlemaine to work at Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises (DJANDAK) for a year, before commencing as DJAARA’s Djandak Wi (Cultural Fire) Project Manager. She guides the planning and strategic direction of DJAARA’s cultural fire program, finding opportunities for Dja Dja Wurrung to work with fire and to expand their cultural fire program.
Amanda was born in Mildura and moved to Djaara country in the 1990’s. She has been a Foster carer of Aboriginal children and has 3 Children of her own. An Aboriginal son and a Torres Strait Islander boy in Kinship care.
Amanda has been a Case manager for 6 years in Kinship Care, and recently completed a Diploma in Community Services. During her time as a Case Manager she began an Aboriginal basketball Club for out of home care youth, which now incorporates the wider community. The end goal was to assist Aboriginal people in all sports. Amanda began with basketball as this was familiar to her. The competition started with one team, an now has 14 teams competing in the program.
Amanda is community minded and loves to help people where she can.
Garry was born in Seymour and lived his early years in country Victoria with stints in Horsham and Wodonga and settling in Mornington in later years.
Starting his building career as a tradesman and soon after completing his apprenticeship started his building company. Retiring at 42 Garry soon found retirement unfulfilling and started looking at ways to apply his learnings and experience to assist other people to achieve better outcomes.
Working in Western Australia, Northern Territory and even Fiji managing projects and training and mentoring many young people on the journey. Returning to Country Victoria was always in the back of Garry’s mind and led him to return with his family with a deep sense of being “Home “on arrival.
Jacinta is a Djaara woman, descending from Caroline Malcolm, who has lived on Country for her entire life. She is currently studying criminology and psychology and is passionate about seeing systemic change and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
In her spare time Jacinta enjoys spending time with her friends and has recently learned how to weave.
Renee relocated from Melbourne to Dja Dja Wurrung country 5 years ago and is proudly raising a young family on Djandak.
She is an experienced administrator and newly certified Human Resource officer with an extensive administrative background across private and government organisations.
Renee is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work for Djaara and plans to use her experience to aid the Dja Dja Wurrung people in achieving their goals and ambitions.
Jason Kerr is a direct descendant of the great Leonard Kerr who was born at Mt Hope on Dja Dja Wurrung Country around 1854.
Jason is an extremely passionate Dja Dja Wurrung man and lives and works on Djandak.
Jason has worked for the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation for over 15 years and is an integral member of the Cultural Heritage Team.
He is an appointed Aboriginal Heritage Officer and also holds a Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management.
Jason has a passion for sharing Dja Dja Wurrung Culture and ensuring the protection of Cultural Heritage on Country.
Jason is also a very talented artist who has designed artwork for local Council projects and numerous artwork pieces when commissioned.
Harley Douglas is a descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Bangerang People, and a direct descendant of one of eighteen Djaara apical ancestors- Caroline Malcolm. Harley was born on, lives on, and works on Djandak (Country).
Harley grew up in Campbells Creek with the family property adjoining onto the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. Whether it was exploring mineshafts, watching animals, kicking the footy, creating cubby houses, climbing rocks or trees, riding bikes, or hiking, Harley well and truly grew up in the bush. Harley maintains a strong connection to the environment now and spends every opportunity he gets outside on Djandak.
Harley entered the business in a traineeship role with DJANDAK about five years ago and has since shifted to DJAARA to lead Program Management of Galkangu (Joint Management). Harley is filled with a deep pride walking in the footsteps of his ancestors on Djandak. Harley enjoys being given the opportunity to promote Djaara culture and bring forward traditional land management practices into a contemporary setting through the work that we achieve at DJAARA/DJANDAK.
Jenni was born, raised and educated in Bendigo where she completed two degrees, Majoring in Accounting with minor degrees in Commercial Law, Business Law, Statistics and Economics and and sometime later a degree in Manufacturing Design (Clothing Design)
Jenni spent 13 years in the Pilbara where she undertook positions in many industries including Mining Construction, NGO’s and Housing WA. Her work with the corporations involved assisting people to improve their life either by mentoring youth or assisting them to find solutions to their current issues. She is passionate about helping people reach their full potential and is family oriented – her friends and work colleagues form part of her family.
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Riz is an MBA in Human Resources Management, AHRI Member and Certified Practitioner of Human Resources (CPHR), a Law Graduate, and an Artificial Intelligence/Digital Business Strategist equipped with a Global 18 Years of HR Management experience covering all the core HR functions/knowledge areas. Also, he has worked as an Operations Manager, HR Business Partner, HR Manager, and HR Consultant in varied industries across 3 continents. He is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (FIML), and a Member of the Recruitment, Consulting, and Staffing Association (MRCSA).
I introduce myself to you and your families as Ron Marks, the newly appointed Traditional Owner Treaty Engagement Officer for Djaara. Over the next two years, my role is to bring the subject of Treaty into the conversations with everyone to encourage Dja Dja Wurrung voices to have a say and to support our Dja Dja Wurrung community representative, Trent Nelson.
I work with a great team, and we will work with you to come up with thoughts and ideas on how to reach out to members of our Dja Dja Wurrung community to talk about Treaty.
Nikita is a djaara woman and descends from John Charles. She has spent most of her working career at the Corporation and has worn many hats over the years including CH field representative. Nikita is currently the Program Manager – Member Engagement & is currently doing a Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership and Management. She is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board.
She is passionate about engaging and ensuring that djaara voices are being heard, that mob participate in events and can practice their self-determination. Nikita also is passionate about learning more about Cultural practices and knowledge.
Nikita has a three-year-old son, she would like to be able to have the knowledge and resources to guide him through life as a djaara descendant
Rhianna Kerr is a Dja Dja Wurrung woman. She is a descendant of Leonard Kerr. She currently resides on Country in Bendigo. Rhianna has been an employee of the Corporation since late 2015 in various roles, and now works with the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board (DDLMB)providing administration and project support.
Over the last five years working with the Corporation, Rhianna’s experience has allowed her to move into her role, supporting the DDLMB.
Michele was born on Wurundjeri Country and has lived for the last twenty years in East Brunswick. Michele worked at DELWP where she helped establish the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board and has worked with the Board for the last five years. Michele brings her incredible depth of experience in government and community sector organisations and expertise in policy, planning, community engagement and project management to her role.
Her experience spans State and local government, the community sector in roles that have varied from health and aged services advocacy, supporting refugee communities, community disaster recovery and community arts. Michele is a skilled relationship manager and supports the DDLMB in building and strengthening its connections to the Dja Dja Wurrung Community, DELWP, Parks Victoria and broader community networks.
Janine Heislers is originally from Melbourne and moved to Dja Dja Wurrung Country 25 years ago where she has raised her family. Janine has run a business providing services to clients in the community Not-for-Profit Sector, an area that is of particular interest. Janine has enjoyed working for the Corporation in the Business Services section since December 2018 providing accounting and payroll services, to support Djaara in the work they do on behalf of the Traditional Owners.
Robert was born in southern NSW and grew up in central Victoria where he went to school and eventually attained a degree in Accounting at the local university in Bendigo.
He moved to Melbourne to start his career as an Accountant and has worked across Central Victoria and Melbourne for the duration of his work life.
His career spans various industries such as retail clothing, dairy, and employment before coming to work at the Corporation.
His status with CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) Australia is as a Fellow and he has been a member with them for almost 40 years.
Hasith Gunasekare is originally from Sri Lanka who has more than five years of experience In Accounting. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public management (Special) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
He is an ASA Associate Member and is studying towards CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) to complete his professional studies.
Samantha Howden was born & raised in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria. She briefly lived on the coast in central WA and currently lives on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo. Sam has studied within the business & accounts fields. Her experience within the construction industry in administration & business support has been advantageous at gaining employment at Dja Dja Wurrung as a Business Support Officer.
Samantha continues to develop her knowledge of Australia’s First People’s history, culture & affairs through her role at Djaara.
Hannah Morton is originally from Wagga Wagga, NSW and now resides on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and has extensive experience in Human Resources, professional services, business administration and project management. Hannah is people-focused with a passion for ethical practice, employee engagement and wellbeing. This will allow her to implement positive change within the Corporation to support the Dja Dja Wurrung team to continue their invaluable work and ultimately strive for the Corporation’s core mission of promoting the laws, culture, property rights and human rights of the DDW People.
Geethu Koshy is multifaceted & has lived and worked in multiple countries globally the including United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. A commerce graduate, Geethu boosted her analytical skills & strategic thinking with a post-graduation in Human Resource Management and is an Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
With her diverse background in Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Learning & Development and Strategic Business Management – Planning and Research, Project management and Leadership in various industries, she brings working with people to achieve common objectives, to the forefront of organisational design.
She is a passionate learner & likes to be at the forefront of innovation, transformation & evolution by applying strategic design thinking & behavioural economic principles.
Born and raised in the Macedon Ranges, Kim Campbell made the move up from Melbourne to live on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in 2018.
Kim has enjoyed her numerous roles with Djaara and is currently supporting the Malamiya (Cultural Heritage) Team with the amazing work they do on Country along with managing the Cultural Ceremony bookings and requests.
Kim is passionate about animal rescue and environmental issues and wants to ensure we leave the world in a better shape for generations to come. Kim is a Certified 6Sigma Green Belt with an extensive background in Process Reviews & Mapping, Business Development, Transport & Logistics, Human Resources and Event Management.
Ron Kerr Jnr is a direct descendant of the great Leonard Kerr who was born at Mt Hope on Dja Dja Wurrung Country around 1854. Ron is an extremely passionate Dja Dja Wurrung man and lives and works on djandak.
Ron has worked for the Corporation for 14 years and is an integral member of the Malamiya (Cultural Heritage) Team. He is an appointed Aboriginal Heritage Officer and also holds a Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management. Ron has a passion for sharing Dja Dja Wurrung Culture and ensuring the protection of Malamiya on Country.
He is also a very talented artist who has designed artwork for local sporting teams, local Council projects and numerous artwork pieces when commissioned.
Jackson Dunolly-Lee is a direct descendant of the great Thomas Dunolly who was born on Dja Dja Wurrung Country around 1854. Like many Aboriginal children born during this early frontier period, Tommy was given the surname of the place where he was born. Jackson is an extremely passionate Dja Dja Wurrung man born on djandak and has lived on djandak for all of his life.
In 2019 Jackson was appointed as an Aboriginal Heritage Officer by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs to investigate and monitor compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and holds a Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management and has a passion for ensuring Malamiya (Cultural Heritage) is protected and preserved on djandak.
Jackson has been working for the Corporation for six years.
Jon’s family migrated from England in 1963. He lived on Kaurna Country in South Australia before moving to Bendigo to work for Djandak Enterprises and then the Corporation.
On leaving school in 1974 Jon took up a printing apprenticeship just as computers were overtaking the industry. From there he moved into mainstream IT roles gaining skills in networks, programming, technical writing, and training.
In 2001, Jon enrolled in Archaeology at Flinders University graduating in 2012 with an Honours degree and Graduate Diploma. Jon worked as an archaeologist in WA and SA until 2016 when he joined Djaara.
Through his work he has been able to expand on his photography and illustration skills while maintaining his IT skills. Working with djaara; being able to support and assist in the protection and promotion of Dja Dja Wurrung culture has been a great and rewarding experience.
Mike Hayes grew up across Queensland and Victoria and now lives in Castlemaine on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. He has a background in both environmental science as well as media and communications, through blending the two disciplines, his career has seen a strong focus on community engagement in environmental settings.
By working in conservation and eco-tourism through local and state government, he brings a passion for connecting people with Country and is a strong supporter of traditional land management practices. This has allowed him to easily transition into his current role as the Project Manager for Galkangu (Joint Management) at Djaara where he continues to deliver on the Joint Management Plan.
Tim Hoogwerf is passionate about working with people and communities to create positive change. He has been involved in leadership, management, and community development for over 30 years, as an officer in the Australian Army, as a health practitioner, and working for government and non-government organisations in environmental and natural resource management. These different paths have allowed Tim to work with a diverse range of people and live in communities throughout Australia and overseas. Tim loves working at the DDWCAC and with Djaara to help right the wrongs of the past and heal Country. He continues to have more questions than answers about life that keeps him grounded, and he likes nothing more than to spend time with his family and get outdoors.
Caleb Dunolly-Lee is a djaara man who is a Descendant of Thomas Dunolly. Caleb currently lives on djandak in Bendigo. Caleb has experience in construction such as landscaping and working in the Department of Justice and Community Safety on the upgrades of HM Barwon Prison.
He has previously been the Alternative Director for the Dunolly Family 2017 – 2020 and he currently works as the Project Officer for the Land Use Activity Agreement (LUAA). His role is to regulate compliance with the LUAA, enforce and enable Djaara LUAA rights on country.
His job gives him an opportunity to work towards communicating, benefiting, and helping djaara through LUAA negotiations for community benefits, work opportunities, recognition of culture and raising awareness of djaara LUAA Rights. Working at Djaara has given Caleb an outlet for his creative thinking, his helping nature and vision for a better future for the generations to come.
Davina Wijesinghe is the Program Manager for Recognition and Settlement Agreement Implementation at Djaara. Born and raised in South East Melbourne, Davina was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria as an Australian Lawyer in 2018. She began working with Djaara on land rights and recognition in her role as Graduate Lawyer at First Nations Legal and Research Services before coming to work at the Corporation in 2019.
Davina has previously facilitated conciliation at one of Australia’s Ombudsman offices; she has also volunteered and interned with NGOs, community legal centres and a statutory office in the areas of anti-corruption, policy and law reform and human rights advocacy. Davina works with our Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) team. She draws on her diverse experience to develop long term partnerships between Djaara, government and the broader community, implement Djaara rights under the RSA, identify areas for further legal or procedural development and arrive at creative and meaningful outcomes for Djaara both now and into the future.
Nate Perry grew up in rural Ohio in the United States and is a dual United States and Australian citizen. He currently resides on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo. Nate has extensive and diverse experience across the government, community and research sectors in Australia, the United States and Latin America. His experience across these sectors includes strategic policy development, environmental and conservation policy, anthropology, community development practice and community engagement.
His passion and experience in building policy to bring together Natural Resource Management and Traditional Ecological Knowledge will be essential in the Program Manager – Dhelkunya Dja Policy role. Nate strongly values the opportunity for his skills to be utilised to realise Djaara self-determination.
Mariaa Randall is a Gidabul, Gulibul, Yaegl woman from the Far North Coast of NSW. She currently resides on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung in Bendigo. Mariaa has an extensive 20-year dance background as an independent artist. Her work has enabled her to work with communities, artists and companies in Australia, Japan, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.
Her expertise in dance as a producer, director and event manager has allowed for a seamless transition into her role at Djaara as the Communication Relationships Manager. Mariaa continues to find ways to enable daily practices of cultural revitalisation and resurgence in her work.
Dominika Balwin is the first generation of her Polish and mixed European family to be born in Australia. She has spent many years of her life happily residing on beautiful Dja Dja Wurrung Country, as well as extended periods living overseas.
Dominika is passionate about social justice and the arts in every form. She studied politics, history, and linguistics, and has been a freelance translator and university tutor, as well as working for Japanese organisations in Tokyo and Sydney.
Dominika’s work in executive support and administration across various industries led to a position with the State government funded initiative Regional Centre for Culture 2018 and from that connection came the opportunity to work with the DDWCAC starting in early 2019.
As Governance Officer supporting the Board, Chair and CEO, she is enthusiastic about contributing to the work of the Corporation during these exciting times for Djaara self-determination.
Jim was born on djandak, at Rochester, where his mother still lives. He is a lawyer with a background in management and conflict resolution. Jim managed regional offices of the first Human Rights/Anti-Discrimination Commission and National Native Title Tribunal, was General Manager of the Cape York Land Council, and – as a lawyer in his own practice and accredited mediation specialist – has taken great pleasure in conflict resolution. Jim managed the Stolen Children (Bringing them Home) inquiry and report. In his own time Jim reads, enjoys music and gardening, and openly acknowledges he has no sporting ability at all.
Cassandra Lewis is the General Manager of DJAARA, she is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Wamba Wamba woman. With a background in business and people management, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a rapidly growing organisation.
Cassandra is part of a talented and strong Executive Management Team facilitating organisational improvements in strategy, policy, business systems, and organisational culture. She supports the Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO and the Board in fulfilling DJAARA’s mission.
Her leadership has promoted organisational stability and high employee satisfaction through a period of rapid expansion. Increasing numbers of Djaara staff are employed in culturally safe, secure, and satisfying roles.
Cassandra is recognised as a considered and collaborative leader, with a track record of fostering partnerships that advance the interests of Djaara and benefit the wider community. Her focus is ensuring that Djaara rights are recognised, and opportunities for Djaara are maximised.
She has driven organisational transformation and capacity building to support Djaara self-determination through her governance responsibilities across Joint Management, DJAARA’s 2013 Recognition and Settlement Agreement and DJAARA’s Registered Aboriginal Party Status.
Cassandra was raised on the beautiful Murray River Country of Swan Hill. She is a mother of five children born and raised on Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country).
Rodney Carter is a descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta People and resides on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo, Central Victoria. He currently works for his people, the Dja Dja Wurrung as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd.
A defining moment in Rodney’s career has been negotiating the Dja Dja Wurrung People’s Native Title settlement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.
Rodney strongly believes that Dja Dja Wurrung people are best placed to manage our own history, places, and materials for the benefit of all Victorians.
“We manage our Culture and our Heritage, not just for the benefit of our own mob but for all People that come to our Country.”
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