Rona Glynn-McDonald named as finalist in Women’s Weekly’s “Women of the Future”.
Each year, The Weekly runs a competition inviting young successful women around Australia to nominate themselves and their work.
This year Rona Glynn-McDonald, past Yalair scholar is a finalist in the community, health and charity category.
Rona is the founder of Common Ground, a not-for-profit that records and shares First Nations cultures. She’s inspired by her grandmother, Freda Glynn, a formidable leader, media pioneer and powerful voice for Aboriginal people. “I’ve been guided by incredible women throughout my life,” Rona says.
As a proud Kaytetye woman, Rona’s also driven by a passion to provide for disadvantaged Indigenous young people and communities impacted by social exclusion.
“Common Ground was born out of the idea we needed to create the space for all Australians to learn about First Nations experiences,” Rona says.
Since Common Ground started a year ago, more than 120,000 people have used the online resource. Common Ground recently completed a national campaign, The First Nations Bedtime Stories Challenge, in which they shared five short films from Central Australia, told in local languages.
She hopes to use the Women of the Future bursary to connect with Indigenous people in Australia and globally. “My dream,” she says, “is to create an Australia that celebrates and embraces our First Peoples.”
Original article: https://bit.ly/2zmFDFc
Recently, Yalari alumna Kaleishia Ross (class of 2014) started work at Headspace in Katherine as the Aboriginal Wellbeing Worker.
Below is a message written by Kaleisha explaining her new role, and it’s importance in the community.
“Hey Everyone, my name is Kaleishia Ross. I am from and live in Katherine in the Northern Territory. In 2010 I was awarded the Rosemary Bishop Scholarship; I have graduated in 2014 at Scotch College in Adelaide.
I currently work at headspace in Katherine and I am the Aboriginal Wellbeing Worker. Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation that provides early intervention to young people between 12 and 25 years. The service covers 4 core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drugs.
My role is to provide responsive and culturally appropriate and safe support to young Aboriginal people experiencing difficulties in access to mental health care. Including the consideration of mental health difficulties, social, intergenerational trauma, alcohol and drug issues and engagement in education or employment, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. I am required to assist with referrals and engagements with private providers at headspace Katherine.
I love that I have been given this opportunity to further my skills and to expand my understanding and knowledge on mental health and encouraging my people with the stigma of mental health and issues we as Aboriginal people face.
I maintain a healthy headspace by being active and playing a range of sports, keeping connected to my family, friends and culture. And taking the time to balance work, sleep and being a mum.”
It is currently Mental Awareness Month, and it’s amazing to see a Yalari alumna in such an important role, helping towards this cause and giving back to community.
If you would like further information about Headspace and the work they do please visit: https://headspace.org.au/.
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