Zarayn Knight
Zarayn is a proud Barkindji, Kamilaroi, and Murrawarri man dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. With a diverse background in healthcare, he is passionate about enhancing access to quality services for Mob.
Ionah Warrior
Hello, I'm Ionah, a Narungga woman, born in Wallaroo. I grew up on Narungga lands until age 9, when I moved to Kangaroo Island (Karta Pintingka - the island of the spirits). I've been back in Adelaide since the beginning of 2024 after spending a couple years back on the island working as a roustabout and park ranger. I'm excited for this opportunity and to work with other amazing young leaders who have passion and drive.
Merinda Johnson
My name is Merinda Johnson, I am a Wangkumara and Kamilaroi woman from both Queensland and NSW. I am currently residing and working in a small community called Derby, which is in the Kimberley region. I have been working with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island mobs for the past 7 years. I started at Headspace when I was 17 and have been in similar roles since then. I am very passionate about helping mob and growing strong and healthy minds for our emerging leaders.
Alana Dooley
Alana Dooley is a proud Kaurna Narungga woman born and raised on Whadjuk Nyoongar Boodja (Boorloo/Perth), where she lives today. Currently, she is completing a Double Degree in Science & Arts and works as a science communicator, communicating science to diverse audiences and the general public. Alana is very excited to be a member of the YARN and is very passionate about what the YARN do.
Ben Williams
Ben Williams (Jangala) is a proud central desert, Warlpiri man. He was born and raised in South Australia, currently residing on Awabakal land in Newcastle. Ben is an enthusiastic contemporary Indigenous artist, working as both a creative artist and illustrator. His art is driven by his passion for animals and connection to the land, while also sharing insight on personal growth, his personal experiences in life and his expression of his queer identity. Ben is hoping he can share his experiences through his creative lenses within the YARN
Shane Cook
Shane Cook is a proud Wulli Wulli and Guwa (Koa) descendant from Queensland. Shane has been adopted by, and was named Mankitya (translates to "the scarred one"), by the local Aboriginal Kaurna community in Adelaide, SA. He's been mentored by Jack Buckskin of Kuma Kaaru, who Shane has had the opportunity to dance internationally with.
Tameka Baxter
My name is Tameka and I am a Pitjantjatjara Adnyamathanha women living in Adelaide SA. I work as an Aboriginal Community Education Officer (ACEO) at Clovelly Park Primary. I am passionate about being involved in YARN because helping my community is what I wanted to have a career based around. And helping shape YARN to be the most beneficial for the Aboriginal community is one of the best ways to show my passion.
Clinton Bennell
Clinton Bennell is a proud Noongar and Wiradjuri man, living on Kaurna Country (Adelaide). Working to support, nurture and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander communities to heal, grow and thrive is Clinton’s passion. Experienced across Community Services, AOD, Health, Education and now Correctional Services, Clinton brings a holistic approach, with a wide perspective of how and where impact can be made.
Tameeka Ieremia
Tameeka is an Arabana woman working and living on Kaurna Yerta. She is an Associate Research Fellow with Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity at SAHMRI and brings lived experience to her role in the YARN, contributing valuable insights from her work in research and Aboriginal health.
A quote from Tameeka:
Joel Matysek
Joel Matysek is a proud Meuram man from Erub (Darnley Island, Torres Strait), with connections extending to Ngāti Awa (Māori tribe) and Czech Republic.
Joel believes in innovation, keeping with the changing times, and enabling positive transformations. Joel believes this framework has been carefully orchestrated to enable positive transformation to best support our young people – our future.
Joel has worked in various fields including in education, health promotion, case management, fitness, and currently in project management.
Jaiden McGregor
Jaiden McGregor, born and bred in Darwin on Larrakia country and family belonging to the Nyikina people in northern WA. A young man who holds a strong passion for youth affairs and improving the livelihoods of future generations. His work for Canteen aligns with many of the other working groups and career pathways Jaiden is involved in. He's currently studying a Masters in Emergency Disaster Management while working for multiple organisations focusing on youth and Indigenous affairs.
A quote from Jaiden:
Darci Fish
Yamma, my name is Darci Fish, I’m a proud Kamilaroi woman from Gunnedah, I was born on Wiradjuri land in Bathurst, and I currently reside on Awabakal land in Newcastle. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Human Services, and looking into changing into a law degree in the future. At the moment I am doing an internship with NSW Parliament, working in and alongside the Human Resource department, the Education department and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer. I am also a Canteen Youth Ambassador and YARN member.
Gemma Trueman
Palya my name is Gemma Trueman I’m a Aṉangu and Pitjantjatjara women my Aṉangu name is Katatjuku. I grew up on the far west coast of South Australia in Ceduna and now I live in Adelaide (tarntanya) on Kaurna Yerta. I’ve worked in the educational system for 3 yrs I work as an Aboriginal community education officer (ACEO) and an Indigenous community liaison officer at a boarding school. I am a member of Canteen YARN.