Training Support Unit - HETI - Yarning Up Health: Aboriginal Culture and Collaborative Care Connections Forum

Shirley Bramfield

Shirley Bramfield (previously Young) is an Aboriginal woman from the Nukunu people of South Australia, with more than 28 years’ experience across portfolios such as child protection, child and adolescent mental health, out‑-of‑-home care, and community services. She is the Director of Two Worlds Consultancy, an Aboriginal-owned and led practice providing high-level cultural and clinical consultancy, therapeutic services, corporate training, supervision, and resource development to government, non-government, and community organisations across South Australia. Shirley has consulted and contributed to major sector resources, sector workforce supervision and support and serves on multiple high-level advisory groups regarding the social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal children, families and communities. 

Keira Edwards

Keira is a Gamilaraay, Gia Ngaro and Birri Gubba Woman from Northern NSW and the Central Coast of QLD, with strong ties to country, community, culture and people.

An experienced educator, lecturer, and practitioner with approximately 18 years of expertise working across government, non-government, and community sectors.

Keira has dedicated her career to advancing Indigenous education, health, and community well-being through teaching, research, trauma integrated and culturally informed practice.

Currently serving as Associate Lecturer at the University of Wollongong within the Graduate School of Medicine and Cultural Educator at the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council (AHMRC).

Keira is also a business owner of Koala Hub Disability Services, and Banksia Healing where she delivers Culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Workshops through the sovereign business model for We Al-Li.

Notwithstanding her professional credentials, Keira is a mother of 5 children and has demonstrated dedication and passion for her family and community to create space for healing.

Claire Horton

Claire Horton has practiced as a Registered Nurse and Midwife for over 15 years and is currently working as the District Safestart Coordinator for Violence, Abuse and Neglect with Hunter New England Local Health District. She also holds roles as Pregnancy Connect Midwifery Manager (New England North West) and Pregnancy Family Conferencing Manager. Claire has based both her career and her life in regional NSW on Aniwan land in the New England District.

Claire brings extensive experience across maternity, child and family violence, and early intervention systems, with practice grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. She is passionate and deeply committed to advocating for vulnerable women and children, and to working alongside Aboriginal communities and services in meaningful partnership.

Janaya Lewis

Janaya is a proud Aboriginal woman and midwife, born and raised on Biripi Country.

Her identify and work are shaped by the strong women in her life including her grandmother, who was born on Awabakal Country in Cooranbong and spent most of her adult life on Bundjalung Country.

Janaya brings over 13 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and 8 years as a Midwife including 3 years working with AMIHS in Newcastle (Birra li).  She has spent the last 3 years in the position of CMC First Nations, HNELHD.

She is a passionate and committed advocate for improving experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal women, bubs, and families in the maternal health space.

Lisa Newman

Lisa Newman is a proud Yuin woman and a committed, community focused Aboriginal Health Worker with Binji and Boori in the Illawarra. She is passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities to achieve improved health and wellbeing outcomes through culturally safe and respectful care.

With a strong background in childcare and family support, Lisa works closely with families to support access to health and community services, coordinate appointments, and act as a trusted link with health professionals. She has experience supporting Personal Health Record (My Health Record) clinics and values collaboration, early intervention and holistic, strengths-based practice that supports continuity of care and community connection.

Vanessa Koder

Vanessa Koder is a Child and Family Health Nurse with over 15 years’ experience working with Binji & Boori Child and Family Health at Port Kembla Hospital on Dharawal Country. She is deeply committed to supporting children and families during the early years of life and has built strong, trusted relationships with families and the wider community.

In her role, Vanessa provides health assessments, growth and development monitoring, and guidance around infant feeding, sleep, parenting and early childhood development. She values family centred, culturally safe care and works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community services to support early intervention, coordinated care and strong foundations for lifelong health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in the Illawarra.