Professor Juli Coffin is a proud Aboriginal woman, with traditional ties to her grandparents Nyangumarta country in the Pilbara region. She is recognised as a prominent Aboriginal researcher, with expertise in cultural security, education and research across a diverse range of settings including chronic diseases, community development, health promotion and Equine Psychotherapy. A Mother of three, and Australian representative at Waterpolo, multiple times, Professor Coffin combines her love of sport, horses and young people into her daily life and with all those around her, excels in developing innovative and creatine approaches to some of life’s most complex issues.
The Yawardani Jan-ga Equine Assisted Learning research program, designed by Professor Coffin, is the first of its kind in the Kimberley, in Australia and the world. Recently, Professor Coffin has been recognised as a recipient of the prestigious Ministers Award and Yawardani Jan-ga program receiving the Youth Focus for Change Award in 2021 WA Mental Health Awards, and a finalist in the 2021 Western Australian of the Year Awards. In 2024 Juli and the program received the Australian Mental Health Prize for its contribution to the betterment of mental health of Aboriginal Australians.
Sophie Coffin is a proud Palyku and Ngangumarta woman with ties to Yindjibarndi Country in the Pilbara. Sophie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Indigenous Studies and Juris Doctor degrees from UWA.
Sophie currently sits on the board of Glass Jar Australia, the organisation behind the influential Shooting Stars education engagement program, and Jawardani Jan-ga, an award-winning program improving the social and emotional wellbeing of young people in the Kimberley and Pilbara through equine assisted learning.
Sophie was a strong advocate for the Voice referendum, and continues to advocate on issues affecting Indigenous peoples.
Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker AM is a proud Wadjuk, Ballardong and Yued yok, academic, researcher, author, community practitioner and leader. For more than three decades, she has dedicated her career to improving the lives of Aboriginal children and families across health, education, and community development.
She holds a PhD in Education, a Master of Science, a Bachelor of Applied Science, and an Associate Diploma in Applied Science, combining academic excellence with lived cultural knowledge to create meaningful change. Her research expertise spans Aboriginal identity, racial socialisation, and self-esteem in children, which she has translated into culturally safe, community-led programs that strengthen wellbeing.
Cheryl has led or co-led major initiatives including Moombaki Cultural Learnings, Weeip Maali Boodja, Balanginy, IRISE (Identity and Self-Esteem), National Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Yawardani Jan-ga. She has also developed more than a dozen grassroots programs such as Kaat Koort n Hoopz, Maali PaCE, Moorditj Koorlong, Too Solid, Solid Kids, Solid Schools, Noongar Bush School, and the Deadly Spirit Holiday Camp.
Her work highlights the voices of Aboriginal children and young people, supporting them to grow in cultural identity, language, and belonging. She is dedicated to helping kids become beacons for their own selves—strong, confident, and proud of who they are, with every opportunity to succeed and thrive.
In addition to her academic and research leadership, Cheryl serves as Director of Yawarda and Chair of Koya Aboriginal Corporation, where she continues to champion Aboriginal self-determination, cultural safety, and grassroots solutions for families and communities. With more than $20 million secured for community projects, her leadership has created culturally secure, evidence-informed resources that shape practice, policy, and outcomes.
Across all her work, Cheryl centres Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing—ensuring children’s voices are heard, valued, and uplifted.
Born and bred in Port Hedland. Family from Pilbara region. Member of Palyku Jayarti Aboriginal Group, as well as Nyamal.
Love the outdoors, keen on fishing and camping, enjoys sitting by campfire with friends and living the dream.
Have 2 Chihuahuas, my own little fur babies.
Born and raised on Ngarluma Country in Ieramugadu (Roebourne), Dion Storey is a lifelong advocate for self-determination and social justice. He brings extensive experience in professional standards, governance, legal and compliance, policy advice and development, and trauma-informed service delivery to support holistic wellbeing.
He has served in senior public service roles across both state and federal governments and is currently the General Manager of Corporate and Executive Services at Yorgum Healing Services. His leadership is grounded in cultural integrity, community strength, and a commitment to creating systems that work for all people. Dion is passionate about empowering organisations to drive values-based practice and deliver meaningful, strengths-based outcomes.
Raised in Derby, I have always felt a special connection with the Kimberley. I returned to the area and settled in Broome in 2020. With a background in Client Relationship Management with over 23 years’ experience, I transitioned into the financial sector where I took on a role as Bank Manager and I am currently working with NAB as the Small Business Banking Manager for the Kimberley Region. My children are Yamatji and I am an ally of Aboriginal people and their culture which motivates me to passionately advocate for the success of Indigenous businesses and organisations.