About Maria
I am a Koori woman of the Wiradyuri people.
I am a proud Koori woman of the Wiradyuri people, dedicated to positively influencing people’s attitudes and raising awareness of First Nations peoples and diverse cultures. With over 30 years of experience in community and stakeholder engagement, I am a First Nations Strategic Advisor and passionate Aboriginal artist.
Throughout my career, I have successfully guided national organisations in developing their cultural capability by creating and implementing strategic frameworks, Reconciliation Action Plans, and various programs and initiatives aimed at engaging First Nations peoples and communities. I bring a First Nations perspective and lived experience to each project, complemented by my qualifications, including a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science (majoring in Community Welfare and Human Services).
As a self-taught artist, I work primarily with acrylics to create artworks that express my deep connections to my Aboriginal culture through contemporary expressions. My passion lies in sharing the rich heritage and stories of the Wiradyuri people, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for First Nations cultures.
My logo
My logo is a symbolised representation of my skills and service offering as an Independent First Nations Consultant and professional Artist.
The Three concentric circles represent the complex layers of First Nations cultures and histories – symbolising my cultural intelligence and deep understanding of the impacts of colonisation.
The Four U shapes represent four aspects of my work:
• Building culturally aligned and inclusive organisations
• Sharing my culture and stories via my artwork
• Building cultural capacity and knowledge via Artist Talks & Workshops
• Collaborating and partnering on diverse and meaningful projects