SDN has established a 12-member Reference Group with representatives from Aboriginal communities in the areas in which we work. The Reference Group provides input, advice and support to SDN Ngara Nanga Mai and is headed by SDN Child and Family Services Board Member, Sonya Pearce.

Members

Sonya Pearce

Chair SDN Ngara Nanga Mai Reference Group BEd(Adults) MEd(Adults) AssDipEdu(Aboriginal) UTS

Sonya is an Aboriginal woman from the Goreng Goreng nation of Queensland. She is a Senior Lecturer/Director of Indigenous Programs and teaches Community Management at the University of Technology, Sydney.

In 2007 she was awarded a Carrick Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning — sustained and scholarly leadership of courses, teaching and student support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Sonya has also received a UTS Human Rights Award for her work with Aboriginal women tackling violence in Aboriginal communities.

Lyn Stewart

Executive Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Sector Advisory Group Inc

Danny Allende

Aboriginal Coordinator, Sydney Institute’s Yulang Aboriginal Education Training Unit

Delma Davison

Field Officer, NSW Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group Inc (NSW AECG Inc)

Kathryn Dodd Farrawell

Author/Artist

Steve Cochrane

LLB UTS, AdvDipIndLeadership AILC National Aboriginal Advisor, Mission Australia

Vivianne Freeman

Program Manager, Sydney Metro Barnardos

Adam Cryer

Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Community Facilitator, Hornsby Shire Council

Gary Ella

Community Project Officer (Aboriginal), Randwick City Council

Ann Cribb

Aboriginal Coordinator, Sydney Institute’s Yulang Aboriginal Education Training Unit