About the Aboriginal Justice Caucus

Ebony Hickey is a Gulidjan woman who’s been able to merge her passion and obligations around Country, Kin, Culture, Language , Art & Story into a career in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. In her daily roles she navigates and delivers supports and services bound in cultural strengthening as the manager of the Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place. Both her lived and professional experience gives Ebony a comprehensive understanding of social, physical, environmental, economic, and cultural strengths and challenges affecting not only Aboriginal peoples but service sectors of which the Barwon South West Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee landscape work in. Ebony’s spent many years in a Community Development advocating to ensure self-determined and place-based initiatives ensuring our Country and Community’s needs and assertions are heard. Ebony’s experience in the ACCO space working for Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, being on the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation Board, holding the RAJAC and Dhelk Dja Chairperson roles for the Barwon South West also lends her to maintaining relationships with Community and executive stakeholders from Aboriginal and Government Organisations at a Statewide level. Ebony’s a firm believer of nation building and that we need to proactively and consistently improve cultural understanding by resetting relationships/situations and way’s of communicating. The relationships that we have need to be bound in strength and reframing deficit, constantly checking our own privilege and bias so that we can have a solid process for dealing with complex intercultural and colonial challenges we face in the Aboriginal sector. Ebony’s practical community led ways of working ensure we’re all better placed to discuss and address the actual challenges our Barwon South West communities experience.

Lawrence is a proud Taungurung descendant born on Wamba Wamba Country in Swan Hill. Lawrence is a qualified Teacher and has undertaken a number of roles across Victorian State government from education, employment, justice, community capacity building, Corrections Victoria, land management, and Rail Projects Victoria. Lawrence was previously the Associate Director of Aboriginal Services at Victoria Legal Aid. He has undertaken CEO roles for Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations and NSW Lands Councils, bringing community together for Self Determination and Reconciliation working to Close the Gap. Lawrence has also undertaken the role of Responsible Person for a Registered Aboriginal Party under the Victorian Cultural Heritage Act overseeing many cultural heritage management plans and the protection of cultural values on country. Lawrence is the currently the Co-chair of the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce.

John Gorton is a descendent of the Wotjobaluk people. He sits on various boards and committees, locally, regionally and statewide, including the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, West Division Regional Governance Committee and two local Reconciliation Action Plan committees. He is also a member of the Horsham Rural City Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee. John has spent the past 20 years working for Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative in various roles including Chairman and is recognised as an emerging leader within the Aboriginal community in the Wimmera. He is also a member of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council.

Jemmes Handy is a proud Barkindji and Wiradjuri woman. She recently retired from her role as the Victoria Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO) in Mildura after 17 years of service. Jemmes has worked in various roles with the local Aboriginal community for over 30 years. Jemmes has worked in the education sector on both sides of the river. Jemmes is well known for her work in health and justice services in the region where she has helped to develop culturally appropriate health and justice services. She is deeply involved in a range of community programs including the Hope holiday program for Aboriginal primary-school children, Aboriginal Community Justice Panel, Koori Night Patrol, Koori Scouts and Cubs, Neighbourhood Watch and East End Community House. Jemmes is also a Board Member for Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS). In 2007, Jemmes received the Excellence in Policing Family Violence Leadership Award. This was the first time a public servant and not a police member received this award. In 2015, she was awarded the Public Service Medal in recognition of her outstanding work in supporting the Aboriginal community, particularly young people, in both health and policing. In the same year she was also awarded the Children and Youth Award at the statewide Aboriginal Justice Awards. In addition to serving as Chairperson of the Loddon Mallee Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, Jemmes is also Chairperson of the Mildura Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committee (LAJAC).

Linda Bamblett is a proud Bangerang/ Yorta Yorta/ Wiradjuri Elder. She is a long-standing leader in the Northern Metropolitan region. Linda is CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association (VACSAL). She has worked at Bert Williams Aboriginal Youth Services as well as VACSAL Family and Children’s Services. Linda is involved in many committees and groups. She is a founding member of Yappera Children’s Services, the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Community Elders Services (ACES), Secretary of the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association (VAEAI), Treasurer of the Aboriginal Community Elders Service, and sits on the Board of the Fitzroy Stars Football club.  Linda is also Co-Chairperson of the Northern Metropolitan Dhelk Dja Regional Action Group (formerly the Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group - IFVRAG). Linda has been a member of the Aboriginal Justice Forum since it first met in 2000. In 2023, Linda was inducted into the Aboriginal Honour Roll for her ongoing dedication to justice reform and systemic change.

Jodie Chatfield is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo, NSW, who has dedicated over 30 years to advancing justice outcomes for her community and Aboriginal people across Victoria. With a career spanning both government and community settings, Jodie has been a tireless advocate for the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal people involved in the justice system, particularly those detained in Victorian prisons. A recognised leader in justice reform, Jodie was the Project Manager behind the design, development, and implementation of the first Aboriginal Healing Unit for women at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in an Australian prison provides a culturally safe, trauma-informed space for Aboriginal women. Her pioneering work was acknowledged in 2024 with the Corrections Victoria Award, recognising her outstanding contribution and passion for systemic change. Jodie has lived in Melbourne’s western suburbs for many years, where she continues to support and advocate for her community. In 2025, she was honoured with the Western NAIDOC Ball Community Professional Award, celebrating her deep commitment to community empowerment and cultural leadership. She currently serves as the Manager of Community Justice Programs at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), overseeing the Family Engagement Program, the Aboriginal Family Visits Program, and the Continuity of Aboriginal Health Care program. In addition to this role, Jodie is also the Chairperson of the West Metro Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC), where she plays a critical role in driving regional justice initiatives and strengthening Aboriginal community voices in decision-making. Jodie’s leadership, lived experience, and unwavering dedication continue to shape a more culturally safe, just, and equitable systems for Aboriginal people across Victoria.

Darren Smith is a Palawa Trowerna man from the Pyemairrenner people in Tasmania. Darren has academic qualifications in law, engineering and public policy, with over 10 years’ experience working in a range of policy roles for the Victorian Government. He has worked in policy and program roles across the Aboriginal affairs, health, human services, planning and local infrastructure portfolios. Aboriginal Housing Victoria is a not-for-profit registered Housing Association and is the largest Aboriginal housing organisation in Australia. AHV’s mission statement is to see that Aboriginal Victorians secure appropriate, affordable housing as a pathway to better lives and stronger communities. Darren is a Board Member of the Council to Homeless Persons – an organisation in Victoria committed to ending homelessness.

Antoinette Braybrook AM is an Aboriginal woman who was born in Victoria on Wurundjeri country. Her grandfather and mother’s line is through the Kuku Yalanji, North Queensland. Antoinette was admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria in 2004 and has been the CEO of Djirra (formerly the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria – FVPLS Victoria) since the service was established in 2002. Djirra provides holistic, culturally safe and specialist legal and non-legal support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing family violence – predominantly women. In addition to Antoinette’s leadership in Victoria, she has held the elected position of National Convenor of the National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Forum (National FVPLS Forum) since 2012.  She is also a member of the Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum and Ministerial Advisory Panel on Family Violence, and Co-Chair of Change the Record, Australia’s only national First Nations led justice coalition of legal, health and family violence prevention experts. Antoinette is also a member of the Aboriginal Executive Council. Among other awards, Antoinette received the 2015 Law Institute of Victoria: Access to Justice/Pro Bono Award, and was inducted into the Gender Justice Legacy Wall launched at the UN New York in 2017. In 2020, she was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women; was awarded Melburnian of the Year in 2022; was awarded the Member Order of Australia medal in 2023; and in 2024, was awarded a Deakin University Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding commitment to social justice, advocacy and service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples over two decades, and her vision in establishing Djirra.

Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett Hon DLitt SW AO is a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung Elder who has been the CEO of VACCA since 1999. She was also Chairperson of SNAICC, the peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family services nationally, from 1998-2008. Muriel is active in over 30 advisory groups concerning the Aboriginal community, including the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group; Coalition of Peaks Joint Council on Closing the Gap; Aboriginal Family Violence Steering Committee; Victorian Children's Council; Aboriginal Justice Forum; and the Aboriginal Community Elders Service, to name just a few. Muriel has received numerous awards for her work including the Order of Australia; Centenary of Federation Medal; Robin Clark Memorial Award for Inspirational Leadership in the Field of Child and Family Welfare; Women’s Electoral Lobby Inaugural Vida Goldstein Award; and Victorian Honour Roll of Women. In 2009, she was made an Adjunct Professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy La Trobe University. In 2017, Muriel was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in Social Work by the University of Sydney in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Aboriginal child and family welfare. In 2019, Muriel received Australian Honours for her work in transforming and advocating for Aboriginal child welfare in Victoria and Australia. Muriel was elected as a member of the First People’s Assembly in 2019. In 2024, Muriel was honoured with the Person of the Year NAIDOC award.

James is currently employed as the CEO of the Aboriginal Community Elders Service. James has previously been employed as the Director, Strategy and Development, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, CEO of the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and as Acting Executive Director, Inclusive Education Professional Practice Branch, Manger, Social Inclusion Implementation Unit with the Department of Education and Training. James holds over 30 years’ experience across a range of Aboriginal services and government departments. Including experience in various Senior Executive leadership roles within the Victorian Public Sector. James has an academic background in Business, Public and Policy management, James has learnt a great deal from his Elders, his parents, and the broader community in ensuring the preservation of our culture, language, and customs. James’s commitment to his community, its regeneration and continued advancement to meet the agreed long-term sustainable goals for his people. James’s wealth of organisational experience is further consolidated through the various Boards he has served on at a state and national level. James was also one of the founding members of the first Victorian Aboriginal Youth Advisory Committee.

A proud Ngarrindjeri woman, Nicola grew up in Swan Hill on Wamba Wemba country however currently resides on Dja Dja Wurrung country in Bendigo . Throughout her career, Nicola has dedicated her time to Aboriginal Education, Aboriginal Justice and Community Development. Nicola works at VACCHO as Director, Social Emotional & Wellbeing Team for the Balit Durn Durn Centre, she has previously worked for Department of Premier & Cabinet as an Aboriginal Community Development Broker and Community Programs Manager and for Department of Justice & Community Safety as a LAJAC Project Officer and RAJAC Executive Officer. Nicola is the current Board Chairperson at Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative and has held this position for the past 3 years. She holds key leadership positions in community as Co-chair of the Bendigo Reconciliation Committee, and Vice-chair of the Bendigo Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (LAECG). She has significant experience working and volunteering on community committees such as NAIDOC committees in Swan Hill and Bendigo, Aboriginal Community Justice Panel and Dhelk Dja Partnership Forums.

Merle Miller is a strong and proud Yorta Yorta woman. She is a well-respected Elder and has worked as a teacher, educator, community development officer, emotional and spiritual wellbeing support worker, and writer. Merle is currently working as the Marrung team leader at Victorian Aboriginal Educational Association Incorporated and has become part of the Victorian Multicultural Commission Greater City of Shepparton Roundtable that focuses on inclusion. Merle helped establish the Dunguludja Dana Youth Group in Shepparton and was nominated as president. She is currently on the Save the Children’s HIPPY Advisory Group. Merle worked as the Yorta Yorta Language project officer at Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, where she researched language, assisted with reviving traditional language and with language requests, consulted with community and agencies, created resources and taught language. She has written a book called ‘Auslan and Yorta Yorta Language’ to educate community members on the importance of learning cultural and to encourage others to learn Auslan. Merle has also volunteered her time and sat on various committees and boards including local sports clubs, Dungala Kaiela Writing Awards, Dungala Kaiela First Peoples Curriculum, River Connect Implementation Advisory Committee, and River Connect Education Advisory Committee. In 2022, she was inducted into the Victorian honour roll of women in the category of Local Champion.

Lloyd Hood is a Kurnai elder who was born at Lake Tyers. He has been involved in many community and justice programs on Gunai Kurnai Country. He is an Elder and Respected Person on the Koori Court in Morwell and has been involved since the County Koori Court began operating in the Latrobe Valley in 2008. Lloyd plays a significant role as an elder, mentor and provider of cultural support to participants of Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place. Presently, he is working as the Water Team Leader for Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. Lloyd became the Chairperson of the Gippsland RAJAC in 2020. He is also Chairperson for Latrobe Valley Men’s Place Aboriginal Corporation, a charity which launched in 2023.

Bobby Nicholls is a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadjabalok Elder who has been actively involved in community initiatives for most of his life. He has worked within government areas of justice, health and human services for over 20 years. Bobby is on the board of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. He leads Wotha Daborra, a collective of Aboriginal organisations seeking to establish culturally informed holistic support services for Aboriginal Communities to live drug and alcohol free. Bobby was President of the Aborigines Advancement League, and a member of the Aboriginal Housing Board of Victoria. He served as a Director on the board of the Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency (VACCA) for 10 years, and is now a life member. Bobby is the co-ordinator for the Hume Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group. He is currently also an Independent Prison Visitor, part of the Yawal Mugadjina Elders Mentoring Program and continues to advocate for and work with Department of Health to establish a residential alcohol and drug detox centre for Aboriginal people in the Hume region. Bobby spreads community awareness through art and media. He was one of the founding members of Yarnin’ Pictures, which trains Aboriginal youth in the art of filmmaking while documenting Elders stories. He was also an Elder Advisor and promotor of the award winning First Nations walking tour app, Yalinguth. Bobby is currently President of Kaiela Arts.

Bonnie Dukakis is a proud Gunditjmara woman, born and raised on Gunai Kurnai country and now residing and working on Wurundjeri country. She is driven by influencing change in current systems that impact young Aboriginal people. In 2015, Bonnie recognised through the Statewide Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee Award for Employment and Career Development. It is her goal to provide a platform to elevate the voices of those who may not have the strength or opportunity by listening to their stories and supporting them to be heard. Bonnie was part of setting up a residential program for Aboriginal men at risk of using violence and setting up support for the affected family members while the men were in the program. A senior advisor to the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People (CCYP) and the setting up of the CCYP Our Youth Our Way inquiry, looking at overrepresentation of young mob in the criminal justice system. From there to work directly in YJ custodial centres leading the Aboriginal Education Program and supporting young people transitioning from custody back to community around Education and employment pathways. Bonnie first became involved with Koorie Youth Council as a youth participant at the 2015 Koorie Youth Summit, and as of 2022, is now their Chief Executive Officer.

Zeta Thomson is a descendent of the Ulupna (of the Yorta Yorta) and Wurrundjeri Willum Clans, and a highly respected Elder who has been a tireless campaigner and advocate for her people all her life. Zeta is a renowned artist, a storyteller, cultural advisor, and advocate. She was the first Victorian Aboriginal painter to have work exhibited at Melbourne Museum's Bunjilaka Gallery, at a time when the Yorta Yorta land rights claim was going through the courts. Zeta was also a cultural advisor on the internationally renowned movie, The Sapphires.  Zeta has a lifetime of involvement in Aboriginal affairs at community level and travels throughout Victoria to deliver cultural teaching. She has been appointed as an Independent Prison Visitor for over 15 years and is also heavily involved in other cultural and healing programs and initiatives for Aboriginal adults and young people in the justice system, including as a cultural teacher at Worawa Aboriginal College and a member of the Worawa Aboriginal College Elders’ Council. She currently sits on both the Aboriginal Justice Forum as the IPV representative and the Aboriginal Advisory Committee for the IPV Scheme Zeta is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Eastern Metro RAJAC. In 2019, Zeta was inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll for her ongoing advocacy for the rights of Aboriginal Victorians. Zeta’s support for Aboriginal youth in influencing the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement, Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja, is testament to her ongoing support to her community.

Nerita Waight is a proud Yorta Yorta and Narrandjeri woman with Taungurung connections. She is CEO of VALS, and is an experienced solicitor with a demonstrated history of working in the legal and community services industry. Prior to becoming CEO, Nerita had experience across several teams in the organisation including family and children’s law, as well as policy and advocacy. In 2017, Nerita established Balit Ngulu, a specialist legal service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peoples. VALS was established to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal legal system and maintains a strong client service focus over 50 years later. As CEO, Nerita has overseen the establishment of our dedicated youth legal practice Balit Ngulu and our Wirraway Police and Prison Accountability Practice which has supported clients on several high-profile Coronial Inquests, alongside the strengthening of VALS’ advocacy. Nerita is also Deputy Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS), elected member of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria for Metropolitan Melbourne, Treaty Negotiator and Treaty Co-Convenor. She is an independent member of the Justice Policy Partnership (established under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap) and Victorian Representative on the Joint Council. She has served on the boards of several organisations including Elizabeth Morgan House, Bubup Wilam, and the Australia Community Support Organisation.