Tatum Moore (Connected Beginnings Manager)

My name is Tatum Moore, and I am a proud Aboriginal woman with kinship connections to Wiradjuri, Yorta-Yorta, Gurnu-Barkindji, and Kunja peoples. I was born and raised on Wilay-Wiradjuri country -Dubbo, and my identity is deeply rooted in my family, culture, and community.  

I am passionate and committed to ensuring a better future for Aboriginal people, by pursuing cultural, social, and conomic independence for our people as well as preserving and sharing our cultural knowledge and traditions, ensuring that our stories are passed down to future generations. I have a strong commitment to supporting my community and creating opportunities for growth, healing, and empowerment.  

I see myself as someone who bridges the past, present, and future by honouring my ancestors and working toward a brighter future for our people. I am proud of the strength and resilience of my culture, and I strive to reflect that in everything I do.  

On my mother’s side, my people are Wiradjuri and Yorta-Yorta, and on my father’s side, I am Gurnu-Barkindji and Kunja.  

I was born and raised on Wilay-Wiradjuri country-Dubbo. My connection to community is through my family, culture, work and my ongoing efforts to support and uplift those around me.  

What makes my community so special is its resilience, strength, and the way we come together to support one another. Our cultural knowledge, language, stories, and traditions are deeply rooted in our identity, and our connection to Country is something truly unique and sacred.  

I’ve had the privilege of contributing to my community through various roles, volunteering, working on community projects, supporting cultural events, & mentoring. These opportunities have allowed me to give back and help create positive change.  

TRRA is vital for our communities because it provides a platform to amplify our voices, protect our culture, and advocate for the needs and aspirations of our people. It helps us stay connected, empowered, and ensures that our stories and perspectives are heard and respected.

Stevie Carr (Community Coordinator for Connected Beginnings)

I am Stevie Carr I am a proud Wiradjuri Woman a direct descendant of the Dhandalimal Clan one of the eight clan groups of the Wilay - Wiradjuri nation. And I am the community coordinator for Connected Beginnings.

My great grandfather was born on country on the unseeded land we stand on, my connection to our community is strong. I have lived in dubbo my whole life I have seen and been apart of the change of our community- From work to personal life my connection to Dubbo is a significant part of my identity.

Our region is special because of the connection to culture and the connection to one another - there is not a day I don't pass someone in community and stop for a yarn or a quick flick of a wrist and a nod to symbolise a hello and I see you. I graduated my schooling in 2021 - my year group was the largest class group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduating class - it was such an accomplishment and to this day I am so proud of myself and my mob.

TRRA is so important when our community know what TRRA does or can do. TRRA stands for community and hears the voices that may be quite to others, we can take issues and concerns to higher levels and ensure that no issues or concerns are swept under the rug. TRRA is lead by Blackfallas and is handled in a way we see appropriate. TRRA insures that our communities get the best outcomes.

Anthony Riley (Project Officer)

My name is Anthony Riley, and I am a proud Wiradjuri man born and raised in Dubbo NSW.

I am passionate about creating a better future for our next generations. I am also passionate about revitalising the Wiradjuri Language. I have been sharing my knowledge within schools, businesses and communities since 2015. I believe speaking our Language Is the first piece of the puzzle for self-empowerment.

I was born and raised in Dubbo NSW. Riley from Tubbagah Wiradjuri, Wilay miyagan and have connection to Wellington NSW through my Grandmother Towney/Stanley.

The Language and culture awareness and the way our community comes together.

I have had the opportunity to contribute to the Wiradjuri Language Nest and help grow the Wiradjuri Language within Dubbo. I have won Music Artist of the year at the 2023 Dubbo NAIDOC Awards. I have also got an honourable mention for Scholar of the Year at the 2022 Dubbo NAIDOC Awards.

TRRA is very important for our communities as it gives us a voice that the government will hear. TRRA also takes real grass root problems that the government never see or hear about it and that is very important for our people. TRRA helps our people come together and gives communities the tools to empower themselves and make decisions that will benefit future generations.

Shane Riley (Senior Project Officer)

Wiradjuri Nation. Wilay Mayiny

I am a Riley from Dubbo NSW and a Towney/Stanley from Wellington NSW

The most special thing about my community are the talented and exceptional mob who live there. Our country is filled with beautiful landscapes and songlines connecting us to the land and waters.

I have been lucky enough to represent my community with TRRA and also be a part of committees which support our mob during times of celebration.

TRRA is an opportunity that has been given to us to have real conversations about the systems that impact us as Aboriginal people on our land, for us to be able to speak to those in power gives us a real voice and valuable decision making for our own lives.

Emmerson Shipp (Admin Officer)

My name is Emmerson Shipp, and I am TRRA's Administration Officer. 

I am a proud Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan woman.

I was born and raised on Wiradjuri Country in Dubbo and have since been involved in/attended various community events - such as, NAIDOC Day events. I also connect to community through my passion for creativity, particularly painting Aboriginal artworks. 

What is most special about my community is the strong sense of connection and support among the people. 

I have had some achievements in my community. For instance, I was involved in the NASCA program throughout my schooling, where I attended and helped out at multiple community events. At these events I participated in cultural activities, such as face-painting, weaving, storytelling and cultural dances. 

I think having TRRA in our communities is important as it helps strengthen community voice and representation and ensures that the needs and perspectives of Aboriginal people are heard. 

Paris Edwards

Wangkumarra

My work is providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mums and bubs 0-5 with the educational and health support that they may need. My aim is to help our families and communities become stronger and to help all of us become more educated about our culture.