First Nation community leaders videos

David Rathman is a proud Eastern Aranda descendant with family connections with Kokatha, Arabunna and a number of other traditional groups in South Australia. His distinguished career began working in media for the ABC and radio, which transitioned to social planner, Aboriginal education and Director, Office of Aboriginal Affairs. From 1992 David was the CEO of the Department of State Aboriginal Affairs, Executive Director of Aboriginal Education and Employment Services, 2008 Executive Director of DECS delivering education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people, and 2014 as Executive Director of Aboriginal and Family Services. He has been appointed to numerous boards from the SA Museum to the University of SA. He continues his work as director of the Aboriginal legal rights movement and co-chair of UNISA RAP community and SA Water RAP committee. David currently operates a consultancy business advocating for Aboriginal issues. This is but a glimpse of David Rathman’s achievements as an Aboriginal statesman for South Australia. He has been awarded the Public Service Medal in 1993 and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders. On Australia Day in 2000 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Frank Wanganeen is a Kaurna elder born at Wallaroo on Narungga country. Frank has been involved in various committees about reconciliation, Aboriginal heritage, native title, social justice and the revival of the Kaurna language. He also operates the Kaurna Cultural Walking Tours in Adelaide as a cultural educator who creates awareness of Kaurna cultural heritage and Aboriginal issues.

Sasha Hill is a Yamatji/Noongar woman from the Central Western Desert. Sasha is an artist and also a social worker who uses art therapy and Aboriginal ways of being and doing in her practice. Her painting style is characterised by dot work, symbols and bright colours which is all common to central western desert.

Follow Sasha on Instagram Sasha Hill Arts

Tamaru is a proud Narungga/ Kaurna. He is a teacher and consultant of Kaurna culture and language from ELC to universities. He advocates and consults on reconciliation action plans in the public and private sector. Tamaru is passionate about Kaurna language and biodiversity.

Khyleesha Welgraven is a proud young Adnyamathanha, Kokatha and Arrente woman. She is a college captain at Kildare College where she is also currently completing Year 12 and her Commonwealth Bank Traineeship. Khyleesha has a strong belief that change starts within us, so she advocates about social justice to empower others to be themselves in a safe and welcoming environment.