Indigenous Mana was founded on the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive no matter their background or circumstances. Acknowledging the systemic barriers and intergenerational challenges faced by many Indigenous youth, we’ve created a culturally safe space where identity, heritage, and community come together to spark meaningful and lasting change.
Rooted in lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, our work is driven by a vision of self-determination and healing. We aim to uplift youth through mentorship, leadership development, and connection to culture guiding them away from cycles of disadvantage and the criminal justice system, and toward pathways of purpose, strength, and opportunity.
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and Pacific Islander peoples are significantly overrepresented in the Australian criminal justice system. This reflects deep-rooted systemic issues, including historical injustice, cultural disconnection, and a lack of culturally safe services.
Indigenous Mana exists to bridge these gaps—by fostering open education, sharing Indigenous knowledge, and encouraging meaningful cultural exchange between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
We recognise the urgent need for culturally competent, inclusive services that can effectively support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals. Our work is grounded in the belief that cultural understanding is essential for creating equitable outcomes and lasting change.
"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
