Local Aboriginal Women Honoured on International Women’s Day

In the lead up to International Women’s Day, Coffs Harbour First Nations Media Platform OneMob is acknowledging women within community who are smashing it.  

The series aims to showcase local Aboriginal Women who go above and beyond. The OneMob Radio crew want to thank them for their ongoing commitment to mob.

Here are just a few of the amazing women they’re profiling. Check out the full series on the OneMob Instagram page!

Aunty Sue Hoskins

Aunty Sue Hoskins is a proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr woman who grew up in Coffs Harbour. Over many years of employment Aunty Sue has worked in Health, Education, as Coffs Harbour City Council Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer and a teacher in Brewarrina. Aunty Sue has also sat on a lot of boards including CHLALC, ABCARE, Yandaarra. Since retiring from the workforce, she’s been looking after and supporting her kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

“My passion is for our People to have access to better opportunities as I think that’s how we learn and grow,” Aunty Sue explains. “I have worked in several different areas and love when our women, men and youth have access to pathways that better their lives and their families.”

“Being on boards has also given me an opportunity to have a Community voice for Our People and Our Culture and it’s paving the way for the younger generations”.

Jennifer Skinner

Jennifer Skinner (Aunty Jenny) is a proud Gumbaynggirr Elder from Coffs Harbour. She has been in education for 30 years. Aunty Jenny is the current AEO at Narranga Public School and Host of OneMob Radio’s Wake Up with Aunty Jenny.

“I have worked and volunteered in Coffs Harbour area for many, many years,” she explains. “My journey of being in these roles in Community have been highlights of my life and a way of giving back to our People and Community.”

On International Women’s Day, Jenny has this message: “To our Beautiful Women: support one another, care for one another, love one another. Cherish your families and your beautiful jarjums and don’t be afraid to ask for help as we are here to support and guide you.”

Marley Morgan

Marley Morgan is a proud Yuwaalaraay/Wiradjuri woman from Lightning Ridge. She’s a photographer and founder of Barefoot Wandering Photography.

“I aim to uplift and empower our Aboriginal people through building relationships with communities,” Marley says. “I want to provide opportunities for greater exposure to showcase our beautiful modern culture and business to a wider mainstream audience.”

Terri Bird

Terri Bird is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman from Nambucca. She’s the Aboriginal Services and Supports Program Manager at CASPA Services Ltd.

“I want to help, support and protect the most vulnerable in our society, our children and young people”.

Fiona Lugnan

Fiona Lugnan (nee Webb) is a proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung women. She’s in the Senior Education Officer role as a 7-12 Advisor in the Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships Directorate with NSW Department of Education. Fiona also holds a substantive position as a HSIE/English/Learning Support teacher at Coffs Harbour High School, coordinating Aboriginal programs.

“I’m passionate about revitalising language and culture,” she says. “I want to inspire and encourage Goori young people to surround themselves in community and culture.

“I’m also passionate about decolonizing education and imbedding our Goori ways of knowing.”

Narina Ferguson

Narina Ferguson is a proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundalung woman from Coffs Harbour. She’s a Land and Sea Ranger for the Darrunda Wajaarr.

“My passion is to teach young ones about the bush and to care and look after our mother Earth as our Elders once did.”

Read more about OneMob Radio.