Indigenous Mana respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and meet, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and further acknowledges all Indigenous cultures and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their culture and to their Elders past and present. We thank them for their contributions so that our youth, our future leaders may continue to pave the way for future generations. May all races and cultures respectfully merge, evolve and grow.
Together we will form strong connections with each other towards unity. Let us all walk together in strengthening our connection to community, by empowering each other as we all move through the flow of life.
Indigenous Mana, though newly established, is already actively empowering Indigenous communities and youth. Through culture-based programs, leadership development, and community engagement, it fosters pride, resilience, and opportunity laying the groundwork for lasting, meaningful, and self-determined impact.
"The Cultural Reconnection Workshops gave me a real sense of belonging. Learning traditional songs and stories reminded me of where I come from."
Tania Beckett
I am Tania, I am Māori, and I am Tainui. I was born in Queensland and raised in a rural town in the South Burnett community, in Wakka Wakka country. Being raised by my Māori mother and put in sports from a very young age embedded my cultural identity and values, further strengthened by sports which built a solid foundation of lifelong healthy habits, resilience, leadership, discipline, focus with a strong psycho-social wellbeing and a self-belief that I could achieve anything.
I bring over 14 years of experience advocating for and working directly with vulnerable cohorts in the criminal justice system, addressing gaps and barriers whilst supporting behaviour change, as every person no matter their circumstance deserves to thrive. I have a strong commitment to providing impactful support to our communities and my passion comes through in everything I do, bringing to life my Indigenous Mana. The overrepresentation of Indigenous cultures in the criminal justice system is not just statistics – they represent lives and futures. Our aim is to transform these realities by addressing the root causes of disadvantage and guiding youth toward opportunities for growth and success.
I strongly believe cultural re-connection will empower our youths, our future leaders and guide them towards making positive and sustained long-term changes to their life. By uniting and working together, we can continue to make our communities better places to live for everyone.
Leroy Holley
My name is Leroy Holley and I am a proud Aboriginal man, my traditional lands are in North Queensland in Birriah country, Collinsville and Ewamian, Georgetown. I also have connections to mobs all over Queensland including Bidjara, South East Queensland and Wakka Wakka country, Cherbourg.
I have worked in a wide range of roles from in an abattoir, solar farms, and mining to saving lives as a Paramedic and most recently in detention centres and youth work.
I have excelled in sports, including rugby league at an elite level and have been thoroughly involved in Community Awareness Programs in schools and a key contributor in cultural awareness in my local community.
I have a deep spiritual connection to my ancestors and connection to country and am proud to be an Aboriginal, the world’s oldest living culture. I am passionate about cultural and spiritual education and see myself as a mentor inspiring our youth towards future pathways that will create positive outcomes.
Liam
