First Nations Community Access to Archives

Gulwanyang Moran is a proud Birrbay and Dhanggati woman of the Gathang language group and Manager of the First Nations Community Access to Archives team at MHNSW. Gulwanyang is a power-conscious and experienced leader with over 20 years’ experience in Cultural Capability education and praxis. A passionate advocate of cultures and languages, Gulwanyang brings a wealth of knowledge working on the ground in her own peoples’ language and cultural reclamation work. Truth-telling, rematriation, anti-colonialism and supporting First Nations archivists centres the work she does within the galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) sector. Through facilitating statewide language education and cultural programs, she maintains her understanding of the aspirations and needs of language revitalisation communities. Gulwanyang holds a Master of Indigenous Languages Education and informs national policy through the National Language Policy Partnership group as an independent community representative.

Beth Thornber was born in Corowa, a small town on the banks of the Milawa/Murray River in NSW. A First Nations curator, educator and artist of the Wiradjuri people, she is currently based in Sydney on Gadigal land. Her multidisciplinary practice uses colour and a visual alphabet of animal, plant and human motifs to question themes of impact: historical, environmental and human impact in so-called Australia. Her work considers existing structures cemented in everyday life and applies this lens to reimagine ideas of sacredness, boundaries, common ownership and shared responsibility.

As the new Project Assistant in the team, Beth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will really lend itself to the truth-telling aspects of the First Nations Community Access to Archives project.

Alinta Trindall is a proud Thungutti and Gamilaroi woman and is the Access Advisor for the First Nations Community Access to Archives team. Alinta is an advocate for truth-telling and its interconnectedness with healing. In her previous work as a researcher, she was committed to decolonising research and found a passion for the translation of Indigenous knowledge through a two-way learning lens. She’s worked on several community-led research projects and has used Indigenous research methodologies to conduct research that would be used to advocate for community priorities. Alinta has previously worked with the archives of the Aborigines Protection Board and the Aborigines Welfare Board through the Family Records Service with Aboriginal Affairs NSW and developed a deep love and appreciation for historical records. Alinta hopes that providing community with access to archival material and historical records will revitalise culture, reclaim our languages, provide educational tools for truth-telling, and ultimately contribute to healing.

James Varga is a proud Wiradjuri and Gangalidda man and the new Administrative Assistant in the First Nations Community Access to Archives team. James has worked extensively in both the tertiary education and government sectors, delivering events and functions and supporting learning, with significant experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander targeted spaces. He hopes to use his experience and knowledge to influence positive outcomes for First Nations communities.

Jasmyn is a proud Wotjobaluk woman of the Wergaia language group and is accepted by the Wiradjuri and Dharug communities. Jasmyn is the Senior Advisor in the First Nations Community Access to Archives team and joins us from the NSW Premier’s Department where she was the project lead working on the delivery of three community-based programs supporting social cohesion in NSW. She also founded and chaired the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff–led network for the department. Jasmyn’s educational background is in psychology, criminology and Aboriginal studies and she is passionate about working with community and prioritising truth-telling. She hopes to use her experience and knowledge to support the delivery of this project and to build trust between community and government.

Amie is a proud Gamilaraay woman born into Dharug Country. Amie began her work in graphic design and photography, which enabled her to pursue a career in digitisation. Amie started in the Digitisation team in Commercial Services at the former State Archives and Records Authority of NSW in 2018, specialising in reprographic photography and digitisation practices, and brings significant working knowledge and experience to the project digitisation lead role. Amie joined the team excited and passionate about the First Nations Community Access to Archives project and reconnecting with community. She is passionate about the importance of enabling community to gain access to language and culture.

Emily has worked with the State Archives Collection for many years, managing the Western Sydney Reading Room and providing advice and guidance on using the State Archives Collection. Working closely with the public, students, academics and government agencies, Emily has an excellent knowledge of the many ways archives can be used to inform historical research. Emily regularly presents talks and webinars featuring the State Archives Collection. In her current role Emily is honoured to be working with the First Nations Community Access to Archives team to surface language, culture and heritage material in the collection.