Aunty Merle is more than just an experienced educator; she is a strong Aboriginal Elder with a profound care for the educational journey of every individual. Her advocacy is marked not by harshness, but by a deep kindness and respect, born from a genuine desire for the best outcomes for all people. She firmly believes that education is the key that unlocks freedom and choice, a conviction that fuels her tireless work. Her 38 years of service within the Department of Education speak volumes, evidenced not just in improving data and outcomes in both early childhood and high school settings, but in the countless lives she has touched with her presence. Beyond her formal roles, Aunty Merle is a respected community advocate, lending her wisdom and cultural values to numerous boards, including the Department of Education, Reconciliation bodies, Queensland Health, and the Moreton Bay City Local Decision Making Board, among many others. Everything Aunty Merle undertakes is guided by a generous heart and a deep commitment to her cultural values. Her life’s work is a testament to building culturally safe and systemic change, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, and communities have equitable access to culturally responsive education in every sphere. Aunty Merle’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is rooted in passion, guided by wisdom, and driven by an unwavering commitment to creating a better future for all.

Kaitlin is the visionary force behind Yura Consultancy, a business born from deep roots in community engagement, social studies, and education. With a career shaped by purpose and guided by cultural integrity, Kaitlin brings a wealth of experience and a powerful sense of responsibility to everything she does. Her journey began in the heart of community, where she served as a Community Education Counsellor, walking alongside young people, families and staff members, offering guidance within the education system, and becoming a trusted voice in culturally safe support and guidance. Kaitlin’s path continued to evolve as she took on the role of facilitator for Crossing Cultures capability training with the Department of Education, where she helped bridge understanding between cultures and foster genuine, lasting connection. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a fierce commitment to growth, Kaitlin is now deepening her leadership journey through studies in Indigenous Business Leadership. This forward-looking pursuit speaks to her dedication not only to personal growth but to building powerful, sustainable solutions for the future. At the heart of Kaitlin’s work is a bold vision, to grow Yura Consultancy into a leading 100% Aboriginal-owned enterprise,  a safe, empowering space for cultural exchange, reconciliation, and economic transformation. She sees business not just as commerce, but as a vehicle for healing, opportunity, and legacy. For Kaitlin, passion means action. She believes in embedding Indigenous voices at the core of business, education, and governance, ensuring that systems evolve to reflect and respect the wisdom of Country and culture. Her work is not just about the present — it’s about shaping a future where Indigenous leadership is not the exception but the foundation. Kaitlin Lee’s story is one of strength, clarity, and unshakeable purpose. With every step, she honours her heritage and paves the way for generations to come.