Meet some of our Partner Traditional Owners
Sammy DoddCentral Australia Sammy lives just outside of Mimili on a homeland in the centre of the APY Lands. He learned English later in life and prefers to speak in Pitjantjatjara, the traditional language of the area. Having worked as a stockman on cattle stations in Mimili for most of his life, he is a well known local character. These days enjoys a fairly Traditional life on the land, telling people who venture out about his life and culture. |
Lois FraserCentral Australia Lois is the daughter of Donald Fraser OAM, one of the original architects of the APY lands. She lives on a homeland there, where her children and many of her nieces and nephews are currently studying at primary school. She loves spending her weekends on Country, sharing Songline stories, hunting for Maku (witchetty grub) & kangaroo, and enjoying a yarn by the fire. Lois is proud of her culture and her family’s story, and wants to share it with generations to come. |
Margaret NabulwadTop End Along with her sisters Molly, Janice & Dorene, Margaret is a Traditional Owner in a homeland in Rock Country, West Arnhem Land. As a senior Elder, she is consulted on all matters concerning her community. She loves sharing her culture and traditions, especially around Skin Names – what this means, and how it works. Margaret, spends most of her time with family, working together to hunt, gather, weave, and enjoy bush tucker delicacies – including File Snake!
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Samuel NayinggulTop End Samuel spends much of his time caring for country in and beyond his homeland west of Maningrida. He works to manage weeds, fire control, environmental changes and sacred sites across Arnhem Land. A very talented spear maker, Samuel is a proud traditional custodian of the land to which he welcomes the rare guests that make it that deep into Arnhem Land. |
Kathleen WalkerCape York Kathleen is passionate about sharing her culture with local kids and visiting groups alike, as she is keenly aware of how culture and stories are being lost over time. As an Elder of the Kuku Yalanji nation, she is actively involved in a lot of education and youth initiatives in the Cape York peninsula, and the next generation are paramount to keeping the traditions of her people alive. |
Peter WallaceCape York Peter lives in a remote homeland in the Daintree Rainforest. He is driven to support his Homeland to grow and modernise, straddling the traditional and modern worlds. Having spent much of his life watching the Homeland change over the years and the seasons, he is extremely knowledgeable about local flora and fauna. Peter loves sharing a story and damper with visitors who come to learn about his land. |
Meet our Leadership Team
Arthur AllaFounder and Director Arthur founded Red Earth in 2011 after spending 9 months volunteering in Cape York and being blown away by the beauty of the region, the people and culture. He is passionate about creating opportunities for Traditional Owners and students to connect and be agents for change in their communities. |
Stuart GreggGeneral Manager With an extensive background in logistics and management, Stuart joined the Red Earth team to support its ongoing growth. In his role, he merges his diverse skillset with a passion for reconciliation. He can often be found cycling very long distances for fun (we’re still unsure why). |
Nick Brown-GrahamHead of Operations Nick oversees the delivery team, working closely with Heads of Region and Staffing to ensure the best immersions possible. After 6 years with Red Earth, he is as committed as ever to providing Traditional Owners the opportunity to host student groups on country on their own terms. Zoomy runner. |
Rob HutchinsonStaffing Manager Rob is responsible for leader recruitment and development, knowing the importance of having a supportive and passionate workplace culture in order to deliver impactful immersions. With a background in outdoor education, his favourite place is anywhere with a good view of a clear night sky. |
Neece CarriganSchool Partnerships Neece works with schools, students and families during the early stages of immersion planning, providing an overview of the experience and the immense value it can bring. Knowing that we ‘go this way but once’, she loves working as part of a team with a strong mission focus. A runner, but not zoomy. |
Nicky HendersonHead of Region – Cape York Nicky leads the operations and programming teams in the Cape York region. She has a double major in Human Geography and International Relations and is committed to equitable social engagement. When not in the office she loves heading out to experience the great outdoors through hiking or swimming. |
Harry CreedOperations Manager – Top End Harry takes care of the nuts and bolts of immersions in the Top End, where he has connections with Traditional Owners and their families across the region. As a keen mountain bike rider, outside of work he’s (usually) avoiding injury sailing down steep trails in nearby National Parks. |
Penny AndersonProgram Manager – Cape York Penny has come on board at Red Earth to help ensure all immersions to Cape York are planned out meticulously. She brings with her over 25 years of experience across travel operations, recently working for Supply Nation to connect Indigenous businesses with corporate and government procurement departments. |
Michael AutonOperations Manager – Cape York Michael joined us with an extensive background in Outdoor Education. At Red Earth, he is across our Cape York operations and works closely with communities to deliver great immersions. He’s a keen fisherman, and loves bringing home a catch to enjoy a nice dinner with the fam! |
Sarah SukrooHead of Region – Central Australia and Lake Mungo Sarah leads the delivery of all immersions heading to Central Australia and Lake Mungo. Previously based in APY lands working with Traditional Owners to develop cultural tours and workshops, she is passionate about creating opportunities for more people to connect with First Nations cultures. |
Leigh KittoHead of Region – Top End Leigh oversees the preparation and smooth delivery of all immersion experiences headed to the Top End. |
Sophie BagheriProgram Manager – Top End Soph is the Program Manager for immersions heading to the Top End. |