My name is Sally Smith; I am one of the new Project Officers. I consider it a great opportunity to work with the Indigenous Professional Support Unit for the Heart of our children and our people - this is their childhood and our life too- living life now -in the present – and valuing being with children and workers.

I come from South East Queensland including near the Mary, Macintyre, Brisbane and Nerang and Logan Rivers. Very recently I have completed a Bachelor of Human Services in Child and Family Studies.  I have an Early Years Centre Practicum experience where I met and learned and worked with some Indigenous Early Childhood Workers/Educators.

I have ten years previous nursing experience; recent studies and practicum; and community volunteer work experience including reading, family support, and play for children in hospital. Previously, I completed a Bachelor of Nursing (Post Registration) after securing Hospital Certificates as a Registered Nurse and Midwife. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

May Kabay – Service Communication and Professional Support

May's background is PNG and Malayan Aboriginal of the tribe of Warrgaymay. Born in Ingham , Queensland , May's work history consists of Office Administration, Sales, Acting and Community Liaison.

Her passion is for the youth of today and her goal as Project Officer is to assist in the promotion of positive outcome for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander children and their families.

Lyn is from the Iman tribe, Taroom , Queensland . After living in Rockhampton for 28 years this mother of 5 and grandmother to 8 girls came to Townsville where she now resides with her family.

In September 2003 Lyn played a very important role as a volunteer, establishing herself very much as a team player. Having remained with us Lyn is currently employed as the Admin Officer of the unit.

After 12 years of being employed as a Director of a Townsville based Child Care Centre, Kim has taken up the opportunity to fill the position of IPSU Project Co-ordinator.

She has extensive experience in the Child Care Industry and is excited to share her skills and knowledge to all of our services throughout Queensland .

Katharin is a Koori Woman from NSW who recently relocated to Townsville.  She has a teaching background with over ten years experience working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and the Community Services Sector.  Katharin looks forward to being part of the IPSU team were she hopes to learn and grow with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Services that we support.

I grew up in South Australia with red dirt and salt bush and loved every minute of it!  After I married, we moved to Townsville with the kids.  That was 22 years ago and we don't look like going anywhere.  I am passionate about working for kids in regional and remote areas and with staff at our deadly services.  I am happy sharing knowledge and experience of 15 years in the childcare profession combined with my creative and artistic skills.

I am fascinated with and respect other cultures and consider it a privilege to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care Services.  Kids are our future and if we all work together with the kids in mind and work with heart, I don't think we can go wrong.

Peter comes to the IPSU with over 23 years of experience in the Early Years Sector. Peter spent over 17 years working in a Community based child care centre in Townsville ,he held various roles including Director and Preschool Teacher  and holds a  Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood).

Over the last 5 years Peter has been a Project Officer with the Professional Support Coordinator Queensland  supporting  Children services educators  in the North West Queensland,  North Queensland, Mackay and Far   North Queensland regions.

Peter looks forward to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators throughout the Queensland.