This month marks a powerful milestone for Shanna Mosby, who is celebrating her one-year anniversary as Team Leader at Wakai Waian Healing on Thursday Island. Over the past 12 months, Shanna has emerged as a cultural force, a community anchor, and a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, strength, and deep cultural responsibility.
Raised on Waiben in the Torres Strait, with proud ties to Masig, Stephen Island, Ugar Sam-Sep, Murray Island, and Aboriginal roots from the Girrimay and Kuku Yalanji peoples, Shanna brings a powerful dual heritage that deeply connects her to communities across Far North Queensland. She describes this connection as a “rich tapestry” — one that guides her commitment to culturally safe, community-led healing.
After beginning her journey with Wakai Waian Healing as a Cultural and Community Advocate, Shanna quickly rose through the ranks. In just one year as Team Leader, she has:
- Designed the innovative 4 Anchors Program, embedding cultural safety into daily service delivery
- Led the coordination of WWH’s 10th Anniversary celebrations on Thursday Island, a major milestone for the organisation
- Helped deliver the WWH logo refresh, ensuring the brand continues to reflect cultural identity and pride
- Designed and implemented Dapar Mabaigal, another culturally grounded community program
- And most recently, applied for the Westpac Social Change Fellowship, a testament to her commitment to continued growth and impact
“We are like the Lighthouse Keepers,” Shanna says. “When life gets rough for our people, we’re here to offer a safe place to rest, talk, and heal.”
Shanna’s leadership is built on deep listening, calm presence, and clinical excellence. With a background in health sciences and nursing, and a passion for mental health that began in her teenage years, she sees her work not just as a job, but as a calling.
As a leader, she balances administrative oversight with hands-on counselling support, staff mentoring, and cultural advocacy. Her future goals include pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology in Neuroscience, furthering her ability to serve community with compassion and evidence-based practice.
But it’s her vision for her team — and for the region — that truly defines her leadership.
“I want our staff to become field masters. I want them to be the go-to people in community — shining lights for those in need. Wakai Waian Healing is here for our people, by our people.”
Shanna’s dream is to shift the narrative around mental health in the Torres Strait. She wants to break stigma, build resilience, and grow a culturally grounded workforce of First Nations professionals.
“We are 100% Torres Strait Islander owned and have an Office on Thursday Island. Our Waiben staff are from here. That matters.”
As she looks ahead to 2025 and beyond, Shanna’s light continues to grow. In every program she designs, every yarn she shares, and every life she helps change, she stands as a true Lighthouse Keeper — steady, strong, and rooted in culture.
