Natasha is a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and a Family Practitioner at Centacare. Through the Po:lar Ka:ngkun Tainkuwalun Journey to Learning program, she helps ready children for school. Reflecting on female role models in her life as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, Natasha says her biggest inspirations are close to home.

The third eldest of seven children, Natasha spent her early childhood at Raukkan before her family moved to Adelaide, and later to Murray Bridge.

From a young age, she marvelled at her mother’s knack for running an efficient household.

“She had four boys and three girls, so we are a very big family.

“Mum used to amaze me how she’d do everything. The washing was always done and with seven kids, there was a lot!

“She has overcome a lot in her life and is very strong, and she is still very much the backbone of our family.’’

Natasha is still learning about her cultural roots and today turns to her eight-year-old daughter, Corina, for wisdom.

“I think my daughter knows more language than me because they are teaching it back to our kids now.

“It’s because of her that I work hard, continue to thrive and why I am the woman I am today. She might be young but she is very wise. She has a heart of gold and is passionate about her Ngarrdinjeri culture and her people.’’

Corina is named after Natasha’s older sister whom she also credits as a major influence in life, along with her young sister, Melissa.

“ They’ve both had a big impact on me and have always helped me out when I needed.’’

Natasha holds the memory of her two grandmothers, Hester and Grace, close to her heart.

“I think it’s amazing how they didn’t let the things that happened to them in their lives reflect on who they were as people.

“The majority of Aboriginal women are very, very strong.’’

Natasha hopes NAIDOC Week will encourage the wider community to think about the influence and contribution of all women in their lives.

“There are a lot of women making a difference that I find inspirational, and they’re not all Aboriginal.’’