My Story
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised this page contains names, images and stories of people who have passed.
Trauma, Strength, and Hope
When I sit with someone in my work, I don’t arrive alone. I come with the stories, histories and lineages that shaped me, the people who loved, struggled, resisted and survived before I was born. Their courage, determination and hard-won wisdom influence the way I listen, the questions I ask, and the way I hold space for the people I work with.
Our lives are made of stories: the ones we are told, the ones we tell ourselves, and the ones that have not yet found words. These stories shape who we believe we are, who we hope to become, and how safe we feel in the world around us. For many of us, intergenerational trauma sits alongside intergenerational strength, pain and possibility woven together.
Sharing some of my own inspirational ancestors is part of being transparent about the values I bring to counselling: respect, honesty, curiosity, humility, courage, and a commitment to healing. In our work together, we may explore the lines of story you come from, the patterns you want to honour, and the ones you are ready to gently change, so that new stories can emerge.
The People Behind My Practice
Buraigal Worimi Woman (1800 -)
My 6th great-grandmother is known as a Buraigal Worimi woman, anchoring our family in Worimi Country around the Karuah River and the coastal lands between Port Stephens and Forster/Tuncurry. Even without all the details of her life, knowing she walked and cared for that Country connects me deeply to Worimi lands and waters.
My 6th great-grandfather, King Cuttabush, is remembered as an Aboriginal leader from the Coonabarabran region. His name appears today as an important ancestor for Gamilaraay people, showing how central his line remains for our community. Knowing I descend from his leadership reminds me that I am connected to something great then myself.
My 5th great-grandmother, Jinnie (Gamilaraay) Griffin, is spoken of in community histories as a powerful Gamilaraay woman and matriarch. She is described as the daughter of King Cuttabush, and later as the acknowledged leader, a woman of authority moving between Aboriginal and colonial worlds while staying strong in who she was. She passed on to her daughter Mary Jane both cultural authority and the skills to navigate these worlds.
My 4th great-grandmother, Mary Jane Cain (often known as “Queenie” or the “Queen of Burrabeedee”), is remembered as a Gamilaraay community leader and land rights activist from the Coonabarabran region. She petitioned the Queen for land at Forky Mountain, which became Burra Bee Dee Aboriginal Reserve, a place where our people could live together on their own Country. The courage and persistence she showed in securing that home still guides how I think about justice and responsibility today.
George stood with Mary Jane through this time of upheaval and change, raising a large family grounded in that hard-won home on Country. His life is part of the foundation that allowed later generations to grow up knowing where we come from.
Alfred’s life is woven through the same Country and community, working, raising family and navigating a world where Aboriginal people were restricted at every turn. His presence in our line speaks to endurance and the everyday acts of sacrifice and endurance that kept our families going.
Maud Chatfield – Gamilaraay (1900 -1961)
Maud stands in our line as a First Nations woman who helped keep family together through rapid change. Her presence in our tree reminds me of all the strong women whose names don’t always make it into history books but who held everything together at home.
John Bailey – Gamilaraay, Wailwan, Wiradjuri (1898-1928)
John sits at a place where three powerful river Nations meet: Gamilaraay, Wailwan and Wiradjuri. Through him, our family lines connect across those Countries. His life reminds me to always see opportunities and look forward.
Elsie May Bailey – Gamilaraay (1921-1949)
My Great-Grandmother is remembered for hard work, love and doing what had to be done so her children and grandchildren could have more choices.
Ronald Walker – Gamilaraay (1916 - 1945)
My Great-Grandfather - Ronald’s life holds stories of survival, everyday resilience and determination. His strength and sacrifice for his country sits behind the stability and continuity our family still leans on today.
Cynthia Dowsett (Bailey) – Gamilaraay (1935-2010)
My grandmother, Cynthia, kept our family stitched together with care, and enduring love. The stories she carried, and the way she has navigated challenges while staying grounded in who she was, remind me that culture is something lived every day, not just spoken about.
I choose to carry the stories, responsibilities and hopes of my ancestors. My life and work are about healing, connection and building spaces where we can create connection in the community, safety in our homes and peace within ourselves.