Vanessa is proud Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, advocate, lawyer, writer and researcher at Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous education and research, and the Law faculty at the University of Technology dedicating her work to transforming the forced removal practices of First Nations child removal and empowering Indigenous self-determination and Justice for First Nations people and children both in Australia and globally. She is an inspiring force reshaping the world through her remarkable journey. Vanessa is a survivor of the Out of Home Care System (OOHC) where she was forcibly removed at the age of 10. Vanessa’s motivation for studying law was driven by the disproportionate impact of the law in her very own community.
Her leadership and advocacy are changing the way Australia’s child protection system intervenes and surveillances the lives of Indigenous people. She is transforming models of care, and ensuring that First Nations families are self-determined, whilst addressing the fundamental harms of intergenerational trauma.
Vanessa continues to be a driving force for Indigenous rights, and in particular First Nations Children and young people and their voices. Honoured with the Australian Human Rights Medal, she is recognised as one of 10 Changemakers and a member of the Power Generation of emerging Indigenous leaders. Vanessa's forthcoming book, "Long Yarn Shot," enlightens and unites people in the history and shared learning experience of Australia. Vanessa continues to create impact through her advocacy and uses both her personal, professional and digital world towards this change and believes we must continue to work together to re-imagine a better world for community, for our children, for our future.