Positive programming and investing in people. It's been a busy term!
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
I am writing this on the way home from an incredible trip to Woorabinda. All our visits to our partner communities are wonderful in their own way, but this one felt particularly special, because it was a chance for me to spend time with Woorabinda Community Manager Khanita Sukaserm (pictured right), who has recently been promoted to direct the programming for her community, instead of it being managed out of our Wurundjeri head office.
It is one of Murrup’s key aspirations to upskill and elevate our community-based teams; we will never stop believing in the potential of our people and their expertise to implement solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. I am so proud of Khanita and the whole Woorabinda team for what they are achieving, and for being leaders in their community.
Some of our long-time supporters will also remember Kelsey Muhl (pictured centre), who has rejoined us as Executive of Programs. Kelsey’s appointment is another example of the long-term impact of our programs; she was born and raised in Palm Island, worked for the Cathy Freeman Foundation and has returned as a leader of our organisation. And we have elevated another First Nations staff member - Seth Clay - into the role of Palm Island Community Manager.
There have been a number of other milestones since we were last in touch, which you can read about below. And we’re already gearing up for a busy Term 2.
On behalf of the whole team, I wish you a happy and safe Easter period and thank you for all your support.
Shellee Strickland Murrup CEO
Palm Island students supported in Strong Transitions
Palm Island Strong Transitions Coordinator Xavier Sibley has had a busy term supporting students and their families who have started boarding school this year, as well as supporting others to enrol for coming terms.
In one week, our team assisted with eight boarding school applications, helped apply for four birth certificates and supported a student to prepare for a scholarship. They also provided an information session for 50 students and family members about transitioning to boarding school.
But good preparation is not just doing the paperwork; for many families, navigating the transition to boarding school can be daunting, culturally unsafe and expensive. So our support also includes social and emotional wellbeing check-ins, provisions for cultural safety, and packs that contain toiletries, bedding and school supplies, so students start their first day of their new school well-prepared and with confidence, and thrive while they’re there.
Culture and connection in Wurrumiyanga
Girls and young women in Wurrumiyanga got creative recently as part of our Yangali program. The group went to Bima Wear - a female-led creative enterprise based in community - where they learnt how to make a screen and then screen-printed their totems and footy teams on tote bags.
Screen-printing on Tiwi Islands has been going for decades and is a blend of traditional art skills and more modern techniques for creating garments. The young women enjoyed learning the craft from older women.
Our Yangali program is designed for girls and young women aged 13 to 17 and weaves together yarns about health and wellbeing, respectful relationships, culture and community, alongside fun activities, pampering and shared meals. Since the program started in 2024, the community has reported improved social and emotional wellbeing, and increased community connection among participants. And, most importantly, the girls keep coming back.
Congratulations to our long-term partner
Lander & Rogers has provided pro-bono legal services to our organisation since 2010. They have supported across HR, Board governance and training, contract law and intellectual property, and have become cherished partners.
But it’s not just us who are singing their praises; Lander & Rogers was recently recognised in the Beaton Client Choice Awards as the Best Australian Law Firm (revenue $100m – $300m), Best Professional Services Firm (revenue $100m – $300m) and was a finalist in the Best Provider to Property (revenue >$30m) category.
Congratulations, and thank you, to the whole Lander & Rogers team.
Rinse and repeat: delivering clean clothes and bedding
Murrup and Orange Sky joined with partners Red Cross to celebrate 12 months of free washing and drying in Wurrumiyanga. Since the Orange Sky mobile laundry van was launched in February 2025, community members have completed 1580 free loads of washing and drying, and the service has created employment for local people thanks to funding from the Australian Government through the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.
As well as providing the dignity of having clean clothes and bedding, the service also helps treat skin conditions, such as scabies, which can lead to rheumatic heart disease and other complications.
We are so grateful to all our partners and the community for embracing the service.
New program supports Tiwi babies and their mums
A new, weekly program is being delivered in Wurrumiyanga to support mums and their bubs.
Murrup is partnering with Red Cross to deliver the program that provides mums with the opportunity to come together to share their experiences, build confidence in their parenting, and learn cooking and other skills.
Importantly, the program incorporates wellbeing exercises to remind the women of their innate strength, and to support them as they parent in two worlds. And our staff get lots of baby cuddles too.
New Murrup Executive builds on family and community legacy
Murrup’s leadership team just got a new (old) face.
Kelsey Muhl (nee Youngblutt) started working with the Cathy Freeman Foundation in 2015, delivering programs in her home community of Palm Island. Now, as Murrup’s Executive of Programs, she’s shaping the way the organisation designs and delivers its program across five streams.
Kelsey said she was thrilled to rejoin the organisation, which, in recent years, has deepened its impact and become an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
‘I’m so happy to see programs I helped develop, like Strong Transitions, have continued, and been expanded to other communities,’ Kelsey said.
‘And I have so much pride that Murrup is collaborating with partners, and that our community-based staff are being elevated to management positions.’
In 2021, Kelsey stepped away from the organisation to pursue opportunities with the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet and the City of Whittlesea. She gained experience in Aboriginal Land Rights, managing funding contracts, strategic partnerships, project development and community engagement working with CALD young people.
‘We are so happy that Kelsey has rejoined our team with her vast range of skills, as well as her first-hand experience of living in, and working with, our partner communities,’ Murrup CEO Shellee Strickland said.
‘One of our primary goals is to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and I know that Kelsey will lead with culture, underpinned by best practice.’
Kelsey gets teary when she talks about what it means to return to the organisation where she started her career.
‘My mum, Nazareth Youngblutt, helped establish the foundation on Palm Island. She volunteered for the organisation before becoming a paid employee. Then she became a Board member,’ Kelsey said.
‘She cried when I told her I was coming back.
‘And it’s amazing for my daughters to witness me achieving my dreams, while serving my community.’
Students celebrate Term 1 attendance
Forty-two students in Galiwin’ku received awards this term for attending school more than 80% of the time.
Murrup is proud to partner with seven schools to support children and young people to attend school and thrive while they’re there.
Congratulations to all the students and their families, and the incredible teaching staff, for a great term.
Donate to Murrup and you’ll support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in our four partner communities to be free to create the future of their dreams.
We thank you for your support.
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