Our Team - Traditional Cultural Practices

Gayili Marika Yunupingu

Is a Gumatj clan Elder of North East Arnhem Land N.T. Born on the shores of Melville Bay at the Galupa Community a Culturally significant traditional lore safe haven for numerous clan groups in the area.

Gayili is regarded as a traditional healer by her Community and is a prominent suicide prevention campaigner credited for reducing the rate of suicide in her Community from the worst in the world to zero.

In 2015 Gayili was made a board member of the Federal Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Group she is also the driving force behind Wesley Mission’s One Life program which has now reached more than 70 communities around the nation.

In 2017 Gayili was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the National Indigenous Human Rights Awards, for her work in suicide prevention.

Uncle Wayne Thorpe

Uncle Wayne is a Cultural educator and respected Elder of the Gunnai Nation (East Gippsland Victoria). From his forefathers to his oldest son are all from Gunnai Country. Uncle Waynes Mother’s Country is Yorta Yorta.

In 2007, Uncle Wayne received a B.A. majoring in Sociolinguistics in the Gunnai Language and Linguistics. And earned his Masters Degree through research that promotes Cultural knowledge and practices titled – “Watbalimba” – Language of Song Story and Dance.

His focus remains strong, reconnecting Community back to Culture through the guidance of their Elders and Community leaders. This is done in Uncle’s words “through the Mother” (On Country).

Andrew Price

Andrew is a founder and financier of developing the Tyalgum Energy Project which represents the first off grid town in Australia. Andrew took a simple vision to create a sustainable village and future for the residents of Tyalgum NSW and take positive action to inspire government and Communities across the Country to do the same.

As a Cultural and Environmental philanthropist he travels often in remote parts of the Country and works hands on along side First Nation leaders building Community programs that are Culturally safe and focused on strengthening the mind set of Indigenous Youth. .

He has four children three are direct descendants of the Wiradjuri people of NSW.

Peter McConchie

Peter grew up with close Family and Cultural ties to the clan groups of North East Arnhem Land NT. He has travelled the Country for close to three decades, working in and documenting Community led Cultural health initiatives with a focus on shifting external support to Community designed and operated healing programs In 2014 Peter photographed, recorded and produced “The Elders Report into Preventing Indigenous Self Harm & Youth Suicide”. And during this time co founded Culture is Life an organisation dedicated to Community led support for at risk Indigenous Youth. As an author he has written and recorded numerous books on traditional Cultural life and the Australian Environment. These include Yolngu Mali (Mali / Spirit) Elders Wisdom from Australian Indigenous Leaders, Fire & the Story of Burning Country and My People’s Dreaming (Uncle Max’s book).

Uncle Max Harrison: UN COP26 Glasgow

On the 11/12/2021 Uncle Max’s physical passing occurred. His teachings remain with us and continue through us. We leave Uncles Director biog up for the short term to acknowledge this great Man. And respect his Families request to not mention Uncles traditional name or write it.

‘Uncle Max’ Harrison a highly respected & initiated Yuin Man. Grew up amongst a close knit Community on the South Coast of NSW. There he and other young men were selected by Elders for initiation into traditional ways.

As a young adult, he felt challenged by the marginalisation of his people and by the disconnection to traditional Culture he witnessed. In response Uncle Max embarked on his life’s work: a promise to hold & protect his Culture, ensuring the survival of traditional ways, and the foundation of Culture. In the process, he created a rare opportunity for us all. To truly hear, understand and respect the Culture and traditional ways of the First Nation’s people of this land.

Uncle’s work within the justice system remains inspirational as it includes a success based Cultural process respected and supported by the NSW court system.

Uncles final public message to protect the Earth was directed and played to the World leaders at the November 2021 United Nations Climate Change conference (COP 26) it was was also broadcast to a global audience. A fitting message to all.

In sharing his traditional wisdom, Uncle Max drew his teachings from three key truths: “See the land – it’s beauty. Hear the land – it’s story. Feel the land – it’s spirit.

Uncle also chose the name Traditional Cultural Practices as a basis for our work through this organisation.