Tracey-Lee Edwards
Tracey-Lee Edwards is a young Koori woman with family ties to Bourke and surrounding areas in NSW, but was born and raised in Perth, WA.
Holding a Diploma of Public Relations at Central TAFE, Tracey-Lee began her professional working career with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) as a receptionist, subsequently working her way to the role as the WA Information Officer.
Tracey-Lee has an extensive background in public relations and event management and has been directly involved with the promotion and delivery of many public information campaigns such as Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week in her local community.
During her time within Australian Government, Tracey-Lee was a founding member, including a period as Chairperson, of the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) Indigenous Employment Strategy Team, which aimed to develop a range of services, activities and products to help the Australian Public Service attract, recruit, develop and retain Indigenous employees.
Tracey-Lee has also worked with the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services (FACS), getting involved in promoting activities such as the Croc Festival, the Rock Eisteddfod and National Youth Week, before securing her current role at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.
In her present role as the Communications Officer for the Kulunga Research Network, the Indigenous Research arm of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Tracey-Lee has become deeply involved in the health and welfare of Indigenous people across Western Australia.
In addition to her professional work, Tracey-Lee has extensive volunteer involvements that include:
- The Down Syndrome Association of WA;
- UWA Perth International Arts Festival;
- The WA Dr Charles Perkins National Football and Netball Carnival Committee;
- Annual Telethon Weekend Fundraiser.
In May 2006, she was appointed as a Director to the Board of the Foundation for Young Australians and a member of the Foundation's Indigenous Small Grants Committee.
In January 2007, she was appointed to Central TAFE's Governing Council to represent the student body and is currently studying part time toward a Diploma of Event Management.
Tracey-Lee is a well liked and respected member of her local community and has established many professional and productive working relationships with various members of the Aboriginal and wider community, at both formal and informal engagements.
What does a reconciled Australia look like to me?
To me, a reconciled Australia is one that has significantly changed the misconceptions of and attitudes towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and history.
First and foremost, a reconciled Australia gives acknowledgement to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the land upon which we all live.
It also acknowledges the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their communities, cultural beliefs, practices and traditions.
Secondly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history prior to, during and after European colonisation would be considered as Australia's 'real' history and taught in all educational curriculums from primary school through to universities.
It is through this 'real' history that the Australian community can fully comprehend the life circumstances, disparity and the on-going fight for justice and equality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
A reconciled Australia celebrates the uniqueness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, its cultures and traditions and the valuable contribution they have made in shaping Australia's identity and developing Australia's future.
It is by acknowledging the past; we understand the present and can walk together in the future.
This is what a reconciled Australia looks like to me.
Tracey-Lee Edwards
