Saturday, 03 April 2021
Mr. Troy Williamson
Koori Family Engagement Coordinator, Court Services of Victoria
65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank VIC 3006
Dear Mr. Williamson,
Re: Koori Family Engagement Officer Position (CS065)
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country throughout Victoria. I pay my
respects to Elders, both past, present and emerging and continue to recognise and embrace the fact
that Aboriginal People are connected to the oldest, continuous history.
I wish to apply for the Koori Family Engagement Officer position within the Coroners Support Unit.
I am a proud Bidjara woman from a small remote town called Augathella in south-west Queensland.
I was born in Alice Springs and lived in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory. Over the past 50 years, my
extended family have lived in Tennant Creek and I was very fortunate to be embraced by the
Warumungu People. My extended family are well respected and our strong cultural connection goes
back to my family being initiated (LORE) in the 1960s by the Warumungu tribe. In 1994, I moved with
my immediate family to Victoria.
My grandparents were proud Bidjara People. They married traditionally on Bidjara Country. My
Grandfather’s totem is ‘dhangurd’ meaning Possum and My Grandmother’s totem is ‘Gaulbayi’
meaning Emu. Growing up my grandmother, mother and aunties often sat around the campfire at
the Augathella Yumba talking Womens Business speaking in their Bidjara language. My family
instilled in me the importance of Women’s Business and I continue to appreciate the cultural values
that my family have passed down.
I have a good understanding of the importance of two-way communication which builds community
trust and confidence. I have a deep cultural understanding on how to inform and influence selfdetermination to ensure community voices are heard and actioned.
Since 2020, I am employed at Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation. My current position is
Administration Receptionist which is the ‘first point of contact’ for all customer enquiries. I am
responsible for providing high quality customer service to Aboriginal clients and stakeholders.
The Koori Family Engagement Officer role is a unique opportunity to build on the capability to
respond to community needs through community engagement and stakeholder partnerships. Critical
to this, is the ability to empower, influence and drive positive outcomes by working collaboratively
with community, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Government departments.
If my application merits an interview please contact me on mobile 0433 982 842 and by email
eillennedrf@outlook.com
Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
Kind Regards,
Dennellie Ricardo-Fraser