At Mudyala, we’re fortunate to work with a range of incredible people to enhance the lives of our community, whether they’re staff or volunteers. One such incredible individual is our Clarence Valley Aboriginal Community Engagement Worker, Michael Laurie.
Michael has been working as part of the Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation team since early-2021 and heads up a number of our youth programs. Michael’s experience, energy, passion and connection to people and culture make him an invaluable asset to our team.
Although already well known throughout the community, we asked Michael to introduce himself for our blog. This is what he shared:
I am a proud Aboriginal man with strong links and connections to the Yaegl, Gumbayngiir and Bundjalung language groups and lands. I have vast experience in working community sectors around NSW that vary from youth, homelessness and the justice system. I am a strong advocate in living and sharing Aboriginal culture and have done so through many aspects from learning local stories, connecting with Country, learning from our Elders, dance, song and language. All these lessons have been a major element in my family, friends and my life.
I have a passion for working with Aboriginal people and in particular our Aboriginal youth. Working with Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation as a Community Engagement officer allows me to live and develop my passion for delivering Aboriginal Cultural values and practises in a modern innovative way. All with the main goals to support the communities we live and work in.
In recognition of Reconciliation Week 2021, Michael created this short video, below, with Thunderbox Films. We’re with Michael in this; we strongly support Reconciliation and the concepts highlighted by Michael within this film.
Read Michael’s recent feature about Dirrangun in Surfing World Magazine.
“The stories our old people share teach us so much. They give us our lore, our way of being, our creation stories of country, our language, our song, our dance, our animals and our connection to Miimi (Mother) earth.”
Join Michael on an upcoming date at one of our regular programs. To learn more about Mudyala’s programs, click here.
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