Renee Andrew nee Coulthard
I am a Proud Adnyamathanha/Kuyani woman from the Northern Flinders Ranges. My father was a Adnyamathanha/Kuyani man who grew up far north between Leigh creek and Copley. My mother is an English woman who came out to Australia from England, back then known as a ten pound pom.
At the age of 16 my mother found work as a governess on a station called Myrtle Springs station. Myrtle Springs Station is situated in between Copley and Leigh Creek. It was here that my Mother and Father met while my father worked as a Jackaroo/station hand. They shared a beautiful love story and had four children together.
In the late 1980’s my father became the first Aboriginal Correctional Officer in Australia and worked closely with community. He was my biggest role model growing up, and I knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I wanted to continue to be that voice and see positive change and impact for our First Nations people.
I am a mother of 6 beautiful children, and care for my two cultural grandsons through a Kinship placement. As well as raising a tribe of kids, I work within the South Australian Government for the Department for Child Protection. Within my work role as an Aboriginal Facilitator, I coordinate the Cultural Footprint Program, delivering cultural training across South Australia.
Before starting my career working in the South Australian Government, I spent 20 years working within non-government organisations, in Aboriginal specific roles. Throughout my time with the non-government organisations, I noticed there was a gap with services in regard to cultural understanding and engagement with First Nations people.For me, this is a gap that could easily be closed if services, organisations and businesses were willing to put in the work in creating a culturally safe environment and supporting the space for staff to grow their cultural capability.
I feel privileged and am grateful each day that I get to live, work and raise my children on Kaurna Land. After spending most of my life here in Adelaide I do make every opportunity to connect and return back to my ancestral lands. I want my children to have the same upbringing as myself and that is to grow up strong in culture. Going back home, back to country is a time where I know I can continue to teach my children the importance of healing, and connecting with our Yarta (land) family, Yura muda (Story book), & song lines.