WORKING TOGETHER
Rrambaŋi Djama
HOW DO WE DO THIS?
EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS
Culture College support a unique economy in cultural education in remote Northeast Arnhem Land. We provide sustainable two-way employment pathways on Country, through culture for Yolŋu and First Nations knowledge holders from the NT, NSW, and Victoria. Whilst generating training opportunities and leadership roles for First Nations Australians to steer and direct the evolution of Culture College.
As our programs grow so does our Mitji (team). Each year we employ 50+ Yolŋu from across Northeast Arnhem Land and between 15 – 30 First Nations and non-Indigenous mentors from across Australia to bridge First Nations knowledge into the hearts and hands of the younger generation.
“The essence of contact with Country is missing from education – Culture College allows Yolŋu to learn knowledge while working and walking country, then looking out to Balanda who will be learning from us…Yolŋu the wind in the sails behind Balanda the vessel going back home from this learning experience.”
– Marcus Mungul Lacey – Culture College Director
MIṮTJI
OUR TEAM
“In coming together we are weaving a mat”
“The question is, what colours do you weave into the very fabric that is Country?”
– Djaprirri Mununggirritj – Culture College Director
“The question is, what colours do you weave into the very fabric that is Country?”
Our Miṯtji comes together as a reciprocal eco-system all weaving together on one common ground – Country is our Teacher.
We are a First Nations and Balanda (non-Indigenous) team coming together to connect, learn, grow and share together through reciprocity, humility, openness and patience.
Learn from the stories and perspectives of our Mitji to get a feel for what we are creating together.
WALMANYDI (NANCY) MUTILINGA BURARRWANGA
DILAK SENIOR ELDER
Walmanydi (Nancy) is a senior Elder of the Gumatj Burarrwanga clan. She is a Dilak, which in Yolŋu culture is a title given to a Yolŋu Elder with the highest level of cultural knowledge. Walmanydi is the most senior remaining wife of Mowarra Ganambarr OAM (deceased). She was born in the bush around Arnhem Bay, and lives at Nyinyikay Homeland. Walmanydi knowledge is based on tens of thousands of years of cultural practice. She continues to pass this knowledge on to her sons, daughters and grandchildren. She is also a master weaver and artist.
DJAPIRRI MUNUNGGIRRITJ
DIRECTOR & LEAD EDUCATOR
Djapirri is a Gumatj senior leader, who is widely respected for her deep understanding of culture, language, and commitment to her people. She has consistently worked to balance relationships between Yolŋu and Balanda and was a lead board member of Reconciliation Australia for over 20 years. Djapirri was instrumental in establishing the Yirrkala Women’s Patrol to address domestic violence, alcohol abuse and other community safety issues. In 2011 she received the Northern Territory Australia’s Local Hero Award. Djapirri is a powerful educator advocating for Country as Teacher. Djapirri was also the Indigenous Engagement Officer for the Australian Government. She is well-known and respected for her work across the political arena.
MUNGUL MARCUS LACEY
DIRECTOR & LEAD EDUCATOR
Mungul is the first son of Megan Balatj Ganambarr and the grandson of Walmanydi (Nancy). He is recognised and respected in the community and NT Education Department as a lead educator, ranger, singer, songwriter, performer, and choreographer who has involved members of both the Yolŋu and Balanda communities in his creative projects. Mungul has also served on a Consulting Panel with the NT Government relating to education and infrastructure. He has twice been runner-up in the NT Young Achiever Awards. Mungul is a widely respected young leader of Yolŋu Customary and Närra Law and is a trained mediator through the four-year Mawul ROM program. He is the youngest person to be elected to the Galiwinku Community Council. He speaks Gumatj, Datiwuy, Gupapuyngu and English. Mungul is currently Chairman of Nyinyikay Dha Wuba Aboriginal Corporation.
HARRY WILSON
DIRECTOR
Harry Wilson is a board member of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and has served on the Board of Management since 2009. Harry is the grandson of Paddy Uluru, a senior custodian of Uluru. Harry is keen to continue the good work of maintaining Tjukurpa (traditional Aboriginal law in the western desert region) and supporting Anangu (western desert Aboriginal people) and the park in working together to keep Tjukurpa strong and see this commitment in all areas across Australia.
JANUSZ HOOKER
DIRECTOR / FOUNDER
Närra Yaku Janusz. I have over 20 years of experience as an international financier with a focus on real estate and private equity. He is currently the Chairman of LJ Hooker and Hooker Corporation, his private real-estate companies. He graduated from the Wharton School of Business and was a Bronze Medallist in Rowing at the 1996 Olympics.
LJ is passionate about youth education with a mission to unite and empower the next generation of Australia’s leaders. He and his wife Ana are co-chair the Hooker Family Foundation in Australia and the US. Together they created the Kids to Coast educational exchange program in Central Australia and Culture College in Arnhem Land.
JUSTIN PORTER
CEO
Närra Yaku Justin. I joined the Culture College team in 2016. He has been working in the Tourism Industry for over 20 years and has an extensive background in Tour Operations and Management for groups, in particular Educational programs in Australia and internationally. Justin has a passion for bringing life changing experiences to young people and is honoured to be part of the team that is bringing the Indigenous and Non Indigenous worlds together. Learning from our First Nations collaborators and educators has been transformative and Justin is focused on brining that opportunity to as many people as possible.
TROY SCHULZE
OPERATIONS MANAGER & PROGRAM COORDINATOR
As a youth, I resonated with the album Tribal voice by Yothu Yindi as I listened on my cassette player. I have always related to messages of Country Connection. Working in Environmental education as a teacher in Victoria, in my own business with home-school children and on Groote Island as a Learning on Country coordinator I feel passionate about being outside and noticing the subtleties of Country. Landing at Culture College, I am motivated by the important work of creating a platform for First Nations to teach and be heard by our countries young people. To develop our own relationship with Country, to care, to listen, to grow and honour our place in a web of diverse peoples and places.
EMILY ALEXANDER
EDUCATION MANAGER & PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Närra Yaku Emy / Djäri. I currently weave between Yaegl, Yolŋu and Bundjalung Country, and am deeply rooted to Bunurong Country where I grew up. For many years I have walked with First Nations communities throughout Australia within two-way education, embarking on a constant learning journey to unravel and grow towards conscious cross-cultural humility through deep reflection and reciprocity. I am committed to Culture College as we are creating unique opportunities to deepen our layers of connection through gathering with First Nations Australians and Country to learn, grow and thrive together from the most profound level - listening from the heart.
BALATJ (MEGAN) GANAMBARR
DILAK ELDER & MENTOR
Balatj is the second daughter of Walmanydi (Nancy). She is a master weaver and artist creating bark paintings, pandanus baskets and string bags. Balatj is full of knowledge about her culture and law. She has raised four boys on her homelands – Marcus (Mungul), Luke (Djamangi), Daryl (Wunun), and Jack (Ganbirr). Balatj speaks Gumatj, Datiwuy and English.
MELISSA LADKIN
CULTURAL BRIDGE & MENTOR
Närra Yaku Mel. I am a proud descendant of the Awabakal / Wonnarua / Bundjalung peoples. I am a contemporary Aboriginal artist living on Bundjalung country, Northern NSW. I have committed over 30 years to working in Conservation Land Management and Bushland Regeneration, I have been caring for Country for most of my life. I am passionate about building strong relationships with the community, Elders and Traditional Owner’s to provide a platform for knowledge sharing within a culturally safe space. Providing a bridge for our youth to learn more truth about our history and my people’s rich culture whilst assisting in changing the narrative and building sustainable pathways to become our future leaders. I currently walk within the Culture College ecosystem as a cultural bridge.
REBECCA GANAMBARR
MENTOR
Rebecca is from the Dätiwuy clan of Rorruwuy. She resides at Nyinyikay Homeland. Rebecca is a skilled artist, weaver and painter. She is a leader of the Dätiwuy and Gumatj buŋul (dance). Rebecca enjoys sharing the Gurruṯu of her clan group with visiting participants. She is also the Granddaughter of Nancy Mutilnga Burarrwanga who is a most Senior Elder of the Gumatj clan.
TED BUKULATJPI
MENTOR
Ted is of the Warramirri clan. He is a traditional owner of the Warramirri Homeland of Nyinyikay, Mata Mata and Doltji which connects him also to the Wessel Islands. Ted is a gifted ceremonial (buŋul) dancer. He makes traditional tools for hunting and ceremonial bungul (dance) as well as traditional fish traps. He enjoys sharing knowledge of his culture and country with our visiting participants. Ted is also a brother to Marcus Lacey and the grandson of Nancy Walmanydji Burarrwanga.
DELTA KAY
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Delta. I am a proud Bundjalung woman from Cavanbah (Byron Bay). I am passionate about education and sharing my culture through storytelling and my native bush foods that my Elders taught me. I am the owner and operator of Explore Byron Bay tours.
KRIS COOK
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Kris. I am a Nyangbal baygal of the Bandjalang Nation. I teach Bandjalang Language and Culture in local schools, preschools, and communities, and also run and operate my business called Yidabal Galii Maa meaning- ‘making of a good spirit’.
I am a language holder and brilliant local storyteller of Buderam- creation stories. I also do professional photography and work for Koori Mail and events, across the nation.
DEAN LINDSAY
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Dean. I am a Kamilaroi man living in the Northern Rivers, on Bundjalung Country.
I spend a lot of my time immersed in projects that involve caring for this beautiful Country that I live on. For the past 6 years, I have co-facilitated Rites of Passage programs. In particular, the transition that a boy makes into becoming a young adult. It is my greatest privilege and honour to be in the role of mentor for Culture College, to walk alongside Yolŋu and to be a bridge of connection between cultures for participants in the program. I believe in the integrity of Culture College. I feel this type of education can create real change and bring us closer to reconciliation. It is an immersion into Yolŋu culture and there is no other option than to drop deeply into the heart. Yolŋu is welcoming and incredibly generous in their sharing, sharing an insight into a different way of being that is filled with connection, purpose, respect, and balance.
NATARSHA BAMBLETT
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Tarsh. I am a proud Yorta Yorta, Gunai, Wiradjuri and Walpiri women with Scottish heritage. I was born and raised in Shepparton, Victoria and am now living & learning in Naarm Melbourne. I am the founder of Queen Acknowledgements which provides a safe space and opportunity for all people to heal with the connection to self, culture and country, bettering the mind, body, spirit & earth in return. I love using storytelling in different ways to express myself and connect others to culture. I am proud to be a part of Culture College to support in providing an immersive experience that deepens the understanding of the connection to land culture and people and nurturing individuals learning journey with Country while on Country.
KOWUNDUH ZILLIG
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Kowunduh. I am a proud Yaegl-Bundjalung man from the Byron Shire of Northern NSW. I enjoy spending my time in the ocean, surfing is a huge part of my identity and is the driving force behind my happiness and mental/physical health. I believe the ocean is the greatest healer and I encourage everyone to spend time in and around it when they can. Working on Yolŋu Country is such an amazing opportunity for myself, Yolŋu, fellow Mitji and participants as we bridge our shared cultures and lifestyles together. We see how culture is still extremely strong and deeply embedded in the people from this area and surrounding and take on some of the peaceful, respectful and powerful ways Yolŋu live and implement it into our own everyday lives.
BRIANNA KREMLING
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Brianna. I am a proud Torres Strait Islander and German descendant. My family line stretches from Wik-Waya through Kaanju, Ankamuthi, Yupungathi, Taepadhighi and Darnley (Erub) Island. In mid-2022, I was a part of the class to graduate Advance Diploma from NAISDA Dance College. I debuted my professional journey as an independent artist with the NT Dance Company “Forbidden” (2021), and “Waŋa” (2022). I started my journey with Culture College last year and continue to educate and inspire the youth of my generation. Brianna has engaged in other projects and program developments and looks forward to future creations.
BEAU DEVONSHIRE
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Beau. I currently live and work on Arakwal, Bunjalung Country. Growing up in Cavanbah (Byron Bay), I have always been drawn to the ocean and the Hinterlands that surround our beautiful town, following my passion for both surfing and hiking. I have been blessed to have met or been greeted by so many people around this world and am always willing to listen, open up and share stories with people from all walks of life, young and old. I believe this is integral as listening carries on our learning. My journey to date has led me into both primary school teaching and mentoring, always aspiring to make valuable connections within all communities, learning about culture and caring for nature.
NICKOLLA CLARK
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Nickolla. I am a proud Arakwal Bundjalung woman from Byron Bay. I am an interdisciplinary artist, youth /cultural advocate, and granddaughter of Elder Dulcie Nicholls nee Kay. Her bloodlines and creativity come from being deeply connected to Byron Bay and the surrounding areas from Brunswick to Newrybar to Broken head on her country. I strongly advocate for youth, cultural rights and sharing, educating my wider community like my Elders. Sharing our history with our youth and wider non-Indigenous peoples is how we continue upholding recognition, kinship and reconciliation for our communities. Working together for stronger communities and connections to our lands. This is why I walk in this space to help our youth understand we are the longest living culture in the world.
CLEMENTINE HEATH
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Clem. I play, live and work on Bunurong Country. I have a background in Outdoor Education and Environmental Science which has allowed me to travel and work in many places including internationally. Educating others on the importance of nature and the benefits of being immersed in nature is what I am passionate about. I chose to walk within this space because I believe we have so much to learn from the Traditional Custodians of this Country. I am here to learn and listen and help others do the same.
BEN ADAMS
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Ben. I was born and raised on Yuin Country, Bermaguii and Bundjalung Country, Byron Bay. Since those days I've been travelling with surfing always being my carrot leading the way. Surfing is by far what lights me up the most. I now call Dhungutti Country, Crescent Head home, where I live a simple off grid lifestyle. Working in Arnhem Land with Culture College supports me to feel more connected to everything around me, it's incredibly nourishing for my soul. The changes I see in others (students, teachers, and our Mitji) are so incredible. To see a new group of students and teachers when they arrive and how much they have transformed as a person when they return home is exciting.
JAI FARRAR MARTIN
MENTOR
Närra Yaku Jai. I am a humble and modest surf, yoga and meditation teacher. I currently reside in Indonesia where I travel from island to island sharing the knowledge and education of Yoga and meditation. Empowering others to realise their fullest and highest potential is where I create a sense of meaning and purpose to my life. My mother recently uncovered a family secret that we have Aboriginal heritage. Since this day me and my near and dear have been on a journey of self-discovery, exposing ourselves and delving deeper into the culture and customs of the First Nations people of Australia.
MICHELLE LOWE
MENTOR
Michelle is a proud Bundjalung woman from Baryugil. She is an educator and is passionate about supporting cultural education and teaching our culture and language so that our ancestors can come through.
"‘Bringing young people on Country who are so
malleable to change and growth enables
all this culture to be shared on a regular basis.
Young ones participating regularly...not
just ceremonies...Keeping it strong!”
- Mungul Lacey
“Too many moments and emotions to put into words, but the key was growth... growth in understanding culture and community through sitting and listening...healing!”
- Australian Independent Schools - Teacher
- Australian Independent Schools - Teacher
MORE
FROM CULTURE COLLEGE
We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and sea. We celebrate your enduring connections to Country, law, language and stories. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and Ancestors who guide and watch over us through our commitment to creating a balanced future together.
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