Because of her, we can!

Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Because of her, we can

This week, in recognition of the NAIDOC theme of ‘Because of her, we can!’, we celebrate some remarkable women who play a significant role in driving our work around Australia. 

Every day, more than 125 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women work in Save the Children’s programs around Australia. They support more than 3,400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and women to build stronger lives, families and communities.

Meet Marsha

When Marsha was five years old, she was removed from the care of her grandparents in Mount Isa to start a new life with a side of the family she didn’t know. She doesn’t remember a lot before that day, but she’ll never forget the pain of being taken away.
 

Marsha grew up in Brisbane with her loving Aunt and Uncle but always missed the connection with her aboriginal heritage in the bush.  “I always wanted to come back and work here in some way. I really missed how you’re really connected to everyone. It’s a really close-knit community.”

Marsha now works with the Ready Together program at Save the Children's Dumaji Children and Family Support Centre, helping young kids and their families prepare for the transition to school. 

“It really does make me proud to be part of something that’s going to help change this community for the better.”

Because of Marsha, we can.

Meet Trisha 

Trisha is a Financial Capability Worker for Save the Children at our Mornington Island Children and Family Centre. 

“This is the only financial service on the island. I work with clients on basic banking and transfers, setting them up for internet and telephone banking and helping them manage their budgets.”

The Financial Wellbeing program has assisted more than 420 families since it began in 2012. Trisha says it’s having more of an impact than she ever imagined.

“I just love helping people and making them feel happy about themselves.”

Because of Trisha, we can. 

Meet Isabel

Isabel Toby is the Centre Manager at Doomadgee’s Children and Family Centre in the Gulf Region, far north Queensland. Things have changed a bit at the centre since she began seven years ago.


“We didn't have a building. We used to go by the river and have our staff meetings,” she says. “It took two years for all our programs to grow because we had to build the trust and respect with the people of our community. 

Isabel's ethos is that no one gets left behind. If a family needs help, she will do everything in her power to support them.  

“Our centre is open to anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.”

Because of Isabel, we can. 

Meet Montana 

Meet Montana. Montana is a social worker with Save the Children and advises state and federal governments on issues affecting youth in the Kimberley. 
 

Before becoming a social worker, Montana was in a very different place. After stints at four boarding schools, she dropped out of school at the age of 15. After her adoptive father passed away, she decided to turn her life around.  

Montana got back on track and enrolled in a pre-employment program and secured a traineeship. In 2016, she won the NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year award. This year, she received an email from the Australian Government inviting her to participate in the 17th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, to be held at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.  

Because of Montana, we can.  

Meet Aunty Joy

This is Aunty Joy. Aunty Joy helped set up Save the Children's Early Childhood Care and Development Program in South Australia. Despite being in her 70s and having changed the lives of thousands of children throughout her 40-year career, Aunty Joy is showing no signs of slowing down. 
 

Image: Save the Children

Aunty Joy provides an outlet for families to enjoy time with their children while also acting as a mentor to younger staff. In 2017, she provided over 100 children with early learning opportunities who otherwise may not have had access due to their remote location. 

“I believe all parents want the best for their children but many families face difficulties and this means some children get off to a rough start in life,” she says. “I know through my own experience that helping children get a healthy start and letting them have fun and learn means they can become confident and capable adults later in life.” 

Because of Aunty Joy, we can.