First Nations Speaker Series with the Aboriginal Languages Trust

BARKAA is a Malyangapa, Barkindji woman who’s roots come from Western New South Wales, living on Gandangara land in South West Sydney.

Music to BARKAA has been part of her journey to express herself and passionate about the truth and issues impacting First Nations people. She released her debut single "For My Tittas" which put her on the map followed by her debut E.P ‘BLAK MATRIARCHY’ which has propelled her to remarkable heights over the last couple of years.

In 2022, BARKAA continued to make waves with rounding out the year with two ARIA nominations and a victory in the King Brown - Song of the Year category at the National Indigenous Music Awards. She was also honoured as an FBi SMAC Award winner for the third consecutive year, triumphing in the coveted Record of the Year category with her album "Blak Matriarchy" and securing the Best Video award for its eponymous film clip, as well as, taking home the Best International Hip Hop Single of the Year Award at the International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards.

Furthermore, she made notable appearances, including being featured in games Need For Speed and NBA2K. North Face campaign, Rage, and delivered powerful performances during the NRL Indigenous round, Groovn The Moo, Listen Out, Sydney Opera House, and Sissy Ball for Sydney World Pride.

Her exceptional contributions to the music industry led being featured in Vogue Magazine and being dubbed as the new matriarch of Australian rap by GQ.

BARKAA's journey as an artist not only encompasses her musical prowess but also her dedication to addressing important societal issues and celebrating her rich cultural heritage. As her star continues to rise, BARKAA proves herself to be an influential force in shaping our nations music scene.

Comedian Andy Saunders believes the best way to make the world a better place is through laughter.

With an extraordinary ability to use humour to break down barriers and stereotypes as well as provoke thought, he is a talented MC and entertainer who will grab your audience’s attention from the moment he walks onto the stage.

Andy Saunders has been telling jokes in front of audiences ever since he can remember… he was always destined to make people laugh.

Having become of Australia’s most popular and successful acts, Andy Saunders has performed and hosted events around the country at a variety of events and venues including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Deadly Funny; Adelaide Fringe Festival Aboriginal Comedy All Stars, ABC Comedy Up Late TV and Up Early TV. Andy Saunders appeared on Channel Ten’s Oxfam Gala TV and at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Channel 10 TV appearance 30th Birthday Big Bash in 2016.

Andy Saunders takes satire to new heights. His trenchant observations of human behavior and sharp material, combined with skills in attracting and holding the attention of audiences of all ages are a powerful combination.

Cleonie Quayle is a Malyingapa woman from the Barkindji nation and is an Aboriginal Field Officer and Paralegal at RLWG. She has worked in the field of law for roughly 20 years; her specialities include Stolen Generations, social justice for Indigenous people, Aboriginal mental health issues, family violence and the impact of the criminal justice system on Indigenous people. Cleonie is a Sydney based Advocate, and was the recipient of the prestigious Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales Aboriginal Justice award, in recognition of her outstanding Advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal women and the Community.

She was also awarded the Mudgin-Gal Award for her work in the area of Family Violence and access to justice for Indigenous People escaping violence. Cleonie’s expertise is as an Advocate and lecturer in Indigenous Peoples and the Law. Cleonie has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences and Seminars in Indigenous Peoples and the Law. She has lectured at several Universities and TAFE Colleges on: Indigenous Women and the Law; Young People’s rights to access public space, Aboriginal Land Rights, the Stolen Generations and Critical Race Theory, Racism, and the Law. She is also the author of numerous publications in Indigenous Peoples and the Law. Cleonie works on a consultation basis as a Paralegal at Reparations Legal, RLWG is a dynamic team of lawyers, social workers, field officers and paralegals dedicated to assisting those who have suffered injustice to get the compensation (reparation) and legal remedies they deserve.

Cleonie also is a self-employed jewellery designer, She spends her time collecting, crafting and designing Australian Aboriginal Gumnut, Quongdong and Aboriginal fabric jewellery. She continues the ancient Aboriginal traditional of using natural materials and fibres such as Australian Eucalyptus Gumnuts to craft jewellery whilst adding a contemporary twist into her necklaces using gemstones and beads. Her Jewellery connects the environment, landscape, healing circles and nature throughout her unique creations. It is through her craftsmanship that it is evident that whilst Australian Aboriginal art and culture is one of the oldest traditions in the world but it also capable of moving forward and evolving.

I am a Biripi Women from Taree. I am a mother, an Artist, and a weaver. I come from a large family that has always been involved in advocating for our people. My home country is where the leaves touch the water from the mountains to the sea. And my bloodline is Watu the possum. My connection to family, community and country is what drives me in my previous roles and my current role within the Aboriginal languages Trust.I have worked in government and community over the past 26 years across the state of NSW, in the Northern territory and South Australia.

I remember as a child listening to my grand parents talk of country using language in the home and sharing culture with us in everything we did. As a child I though of it as just time with my grandparents now I understand the importance of what they were showing and teaching us.

Its like age provides us the perspective. We were lucky to have culture shared but now see it as a responsibility to share with our community. Regarding language, I started my journey with my brother a teacher of Gatthang our language spoken in Biripi.Language ignites a memory of connection that we all have as Aboriginal people. Although we didn’t realise, we have heard language, used language in our everyday lives. It might only be a few words, but it is the start to a journey worth having. I am passionate about the work we do at the trust and am very privileged to support the journeys of many communities through the Trust.