Following NAIDOC week, CCAus is honoured to present Aunty Rhonda Radley and Genus Passi who will be joining us in conversation to share their stories and wisdom on strength, vision and legacy. We will explore how culture shapes the way we understand, accept, and respond to death, dying, and grieving. We believe there is much to learn from the strength, spirituality, and interconnectedness that sit at the heart of First Nations approaches to end-of-life.
Dr Rhonda Radley (Anjilkurri) is a proud Birrbay/Dhanggati saltwater, freshwater woman from the mid-north coast, New South Wales, that walks with her ancestors. She is known as Baan ‘Aunty’ Rhonda, an active Aboriginal Community Elder supporting the revival of culture through language and practices in her local communities. Aunty Rhonda advocates for Aboriginal languages to be learned, spoken and seen in educational systems and community spaces. She weaves Gathang language throughout her art forms to invite the viewer/s to use a cultural lens to connect with Aboriginal stories and practices. Her gift to families and individuals is to be presence of heart and mind and to be open to all possibilities that manifest in time of grief and healing.
Genus Passi is of Eastern Torres Strait Islander heritage with family lineage from Lifou, and Western Papuan Province. As a Cultural Educator, Genus has collaborated with local, state and commonwealth governments, non-government agencies and community organisations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. A proactive Community Connector, Genus has worked across various health systems, focusing on Closing the Gap initiatives, improving education outcomes, addressing juvenile justice system challenges, and advocating for better housing solutions. Passionate about driving positive change, Genus is dedicated to addressing social issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and First Nations people across Queensland, New South Wales and ACT landscapes. Genus has served in leadership positions, being the current Board Chair of Yumba-Meta Housing Pty Ltd in Townsville and previous Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community Advisory Council with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and Managing Director and Founder of NAMU Consultancy.
Register here: https://compassionatecommunities.au/event/conversation-8/