My English name is Jean and my tribal name is Gaarkamunda. This means Bush Fire Hawk.

I was born at home in Mapoon where I was delivered by women elders. My Education was fourfold prior to embarking on a career in Nursing. Teaching was by my elders, the  wives of the different Missionary’s and Primary correspondence school. A short part of this was at the Thursday island State School at the age of twelve. I am passionate about Community Development processes and the value of facilitation as I believe this allows all individuals to learn to own their contents and processes and ultimately their own lives.