My name’s Rowella, and I’m a Cultural Practice Advisor in child safety.
What keeps me going on the tough days are the moments that remind me why I’m here — like seeing a child’s face light up when they discover they have a bigger family than they knew. Keeping our kids connected to their culture, community, and identity — that’s the key.
But the reality of working in the department as an Aboriginal person is that we never stop. Even outside work, people come to me with questions and concerns because they trust that someone on the inside will listen.
It’s not always easy.
There’s still a long way to go to strengthen cultural capability in child safety. But someone has to be here, on the inside, pushing for better for our people. Because if we’re not part of the system, how will it ever change?
That’s why I’m adding my voice to Raising Voices, Reforming the System — and why I hope you will too.
Please take a few minutes to share your experiences through our union’s survey. Every response helps us build the evidence and the power to create real change.
