About Us

JOHN HARTLEY—CHAIR
Kuku Yalanji Name: Junkali

I am Yalanji Bama of the Kubirri Clan of Mossman and Port Douglas North Queensland. I currently reside in Mossman and serve as the current chairperson of the Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation. My Mother was born in Port Douglas and raised in Mossman Gorge, a part of her Mothers Ancestral Country.

I have experience in Cultural education and advocacy, events organising and logistics. In collaboration with others have created, facilitated, organised and delivered presentations and workshops on the importance of First Peoples Cultural Wellbeing and have had the opportunity over the years to speak at forums on the impacts and effects of colonial violence upon First Peoples and Country. I enjoy learning from my Elders, painting stories, fashioning cultural artifacts, rebirthing songs in language and dances for my country, and promoting the Kuku Yalanji language and cultural ways of being. I support and advocate for Human rights, equity, and the rights of nature.

DAPHNE NADEN (NEE WALKER) CO-CHAIR
Kuku Yalanji Name: Dimurr

Born in Mossman Qld, I am Kuku Yalanji with connections to Kubirri (through my mother); Julay (through my father) and Buru through both my Grandmothers. I have over 40 years work experience in government and non-government agencies and in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Organisations in various sectors including, education, housing, training and employment, health and community development.
My hobbies include art, reading and gardening and I have a keen interest in the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

AMELIA RYAN
Kuku-Yalanji Name: Wumbaji
Born in Mossman QLD, Kuku Yalanji tribe. Connection to Kubirriwarra clan group through my father side and other clan group connection as well within the kuku Yalanji clan groups.

I have connection to my Indigenous community of Mossman and surroundings. Living and working as an active first nations member within the Douglas shire. I am a mother and partner living on country off grid with cultural knowledge of country and my bama family. My heart and good intentions are for my clan groups and overall, for all of Kuku Yalanji tribe, for our children our future, present and our past generations deserving acknowledgment and respect.

MELISSA RYAN
Kuku Yalanji Name: Kababina
Born in Mossman QLD, Kuku Yalanji tribe. My connection to Kubirri Clan of Mossman/Port Douglas is through my father’s side, Kaba Kada and Buru through my mother’sside, with further kinship connections across Eastern and Western Kuku Yalanji Country. I have experience working in Indigenous health, and through volunteering and working within different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations and committees. Currently I am living in Mossman working in health, and giving back to my community through culture while also learning from my Elders.