News & Updates

Women Power

25 October 2010

While working in Perth and staying at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in 2008, I met with the most powerful woman in the world at the time, she was the Secretary of State for the USA, Condoleeza Rice! What an inspiration. She was down to earth, humble, athletic and a truly inspiring woman. We talked and I told her that she and Oprah were my idols and that one day I would love to meet her as well. I walked out of there on a cloud and in awe of an amazing woman.

Graduation Day

13 March 2006

After completing all units for Bachelor of economics, as one of nine I graduated. After three years of working toward qualifications in economics and finance the hard yards paid off. Thanks to my family and friends who had supported me along the way. As an Associate Member of Finsia, BIWA is now closer than ever to registering as an Australian Financial Service (AFS) with the completion of the PS146 Compliance course.

Go The Fremantle Dockers

dd,mm,2004

At an Inspirational Seminar on Goal Setting I had chance to meet with Fremantle Dockers Captain, Peter Bell. Peter shared stories of his determination during the earlier years of his career in the Australian Rules Football League. His story was truly amazing with a great sense of humour and plenty of laughs along the way. He was humble and through the talk he shared some great insight into his life as one of Australia's sporting leaders with us. I seized the opportunity after his talk with that handy digital camera to get a snap shot for the album.

Peter's story really inspired me. His story about embracing good fortune and having determination to keep going when the going gets tough had given me insight into what it takes to make it as a good leader in whatever field of choice. With the goal for Biwa in sight, I planned to spend every spare moment to work towards making my dream a reality.

Work Experience with Citibank

dd,mm 2003

While completing my Bachelor of Economics as a full-time internal student at Murdoch University, I began a double major adding Finance and was fortunate enough to gain work experience with Citibank. At a launch in Citibank's Perth Office, met the Captain of the Wallabies, George Gregan. It was one of the biggest thrill of my life and a chance to meet with great people and learn first hand about the finance industry and the services they provide. George was both honourable and humble and in my view one of our best leading Australian Sports person to play for our country. I love sports and rugby and had watched George on television and did not know he would be at the launch. But couldn't believe my eyes and when I saw him got my digital out as quick as a flash.

Work experience at Citibank made me realise the full potential of Biwa. I had the opportunity to participate in one of the world's largest corporate and financial management operation first hand. Biwa is one of Australia's fully Indigenous owned and operated Proprietor Limited Corporation.

Biwa is definitely maturing and is one of Australia's home grown.

Pinen Style-Hollywood in the Pilbara

dd,mm 2002

"Pinden" is a Ngarda word for red earth. Making the film 'Japanese Story' with Gecko Film Company, Actress Toni Collette visited the Pilbara to film on location near Petamulla Creek. Strapped with digital camera, the traditional owners of Nyamal country and myself had the privilege of meeting with Toni on film location. This was one of the greatest opportunities to take pictures of the natural film studio set up in the bush and meet with the film crew and cast.

Toni was down to earth and in my view one of the best Australian Actresses ever, whom I've had the chance to meet. I've watch all of the movies she's starred in and would never have imagined actually meeting with her. I really truly love her work, her acting ability and am happy for her success.

These experiences have taught me that nothing is impossible and if you work hard and build your knowledge your confidence will grow giving you the skills and capability to help you drive to success whatever you feel it may be.

Oweesta in Hawaii 2002

dd,mm 2002

Woohoo!! Hawaii here we come. Yes... the best venture ever yet. First Nations Financial Development Institute, each year sponsors an annual International Economic Development Training and Information Forum. In 2002, it was in Hawaii and thanks to ATSIC, BHP and Bank of Hawaii, was sponsored to attend. After almost 20 hours of air travel, we landed to see the night City lights of Honolulu. Courses and sessions attended included:

• Financial Literacy Trainer Training
• Philanthropic Activities and Networks
• Banking and Match Savings Programs
• Marketing and Research & Development

The report is about this experience as I witnessed such great work that other nations were involved in had inspired me to go on to further studies in the area of Economics. I enrolled in a Bachelor of Economics and began research & development into products for Biwa during studies on international systems and theory of business economics. The report is available for view.

Australian Indigenous Leadership 2001

dd,mm 2001

Out of 85 applicants, along with other successful candidates, I was was one of the 25 chosen to participated in the November 2001 intake. 25 Indigenous Australians travelled to Adelaide in South Australia to take part in the Australian Indigenous Leadership Program.

The intense 7 day program delivered learning session from Sunday to Saturday 9am to 8pm daily. We practiced group discussions and learnt about group dynamics, visited Santos's corporate board meeting room session on Corporate Governance, Networking, Business, Community Development and Leadership.

This experience taught me a lot about the meaning of leadership. After completing the course I knew that I wanted to learn more about business economics and corporate management. Although at this stage Biwa had begun the journey to further develop business systems and a corporate image, the opportunity to learn more about leadership at a national level had helped to build the confidence needed to pursue further opportunities to develop and expand Biwa.