Community Impact Award

It’s a project that is close to her heart for many reasons. Her own family has been affected by the intergenerational trauma of Aboriginal child removal and she wants to help other families avoid the same painful experience.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are over ten times more likely to be removed than non-indigenous children, even in this day and age,” says Evie. “If we can stop even one of those cases happening by connecting mums with better support, it’s worth it.”

The idea for Coolamon Community came about when Evie was a new mother herself. A chance conversation with fellow graduate and entrepreneur Pam Brook, as well as the contribution and support from her mother saw the idea take flight.

The beautiful woven cribs contain a safe sleeping space, essential items, cultural celebration, and breastfeeding support, with the ultimate goal of encouraging new mums to connect with Aboriginal Health Services.

"The benefit of Aboriginal Health Services is that they are a holistic healthcare service. Because of our complex history with removal in this country and the Stolen Generations, there is still a lot of apprehension among mothers engaging with health services, this is why cultural safety is so important.”

“We know there are such significantly better outcomes for First Nations mothers when they engage with Aboriginal Health Services.”

Coolamon community has delivered over 400 cribs in an area that stretches from Tweed to Coffs Harbour and in toward Casino, and soon beyond.

Now working part-time at a law firm in Murwillumbah, Evie hopes to pursue a career that aligns with her strong social impact values.

“Going back to study law many years after my initial attempt, and with a three-month-old baby, it was like a reawakening for me.”

“I saw its place, and I saw the importance of learning law, not because you necessarily agree with it, but because if you don't understand how it functions, how can you possibly see how you can deliver your idea of justice within that system?”