My name is Luke Edmund; I am a proud descendant of the Darumbal People and an Australian South Sea Islander, born and raised in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. My heritage and community have profoundly shaped my journey, guiding me toward a passionate purpose: to contribute to the empowerment of my people.
As a child, I spent a significant amount of time with my father, uncles, siblings, cousins and extended family camping, fishing and exploring parts of Darumbal Land and Sea Country, from Joskeleigh up to Fresh Water Bay. These experiences were formative in maintaining a connection to my family, heritage and Country, and I would not be where I am today without the guidance and support of my family, especially my mother, father, wife and children.
My path has not always been straightforward; it has been a testament to resilience and determination. Leaving school before completion, I often felt adrift in a world that emphasised obstacles over opportunities. I explored various sectors—construction, mining, small business, and disability support—each time, searching for a more profound sense of fulfilment. The pivotal moment in my journey came in 2017 when I enrolled in the CQ University STEPS program. This opportunity opened the door to higher education, which had once felt like a distant dream.
In 2022, I proudly completed my Bachelor of Psychological Science at CQ University. Higher education was a privilege that I am grateful for, knowing that many who had come before me were denied the right and opportunity to engage in such an endeavour. Though I initially stepped away from academia, my passion drew me back into the Queensland Public Service, where I had the privilege of supporting Indigenous children and their families. This experience was the most difficult part of my early professional career, challenging my ethical, personal, and professional values daily. However, I witnessed firsthand the positive transformations in our most vulnerable community members, solidifying my commitment to pursue a career in psychology—an essential field for enhancing the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Reflecting on my journey, I realise that my desire to help others is deeply rooted in my experiences and lessons. Becoming a father at a young age and the loss of my own father and other significant family members were defining moments that illuminated the need for change—not just for myself but also for my children. I am determined to break the cycle of hardship and create a brighter future for them, filled with opportunities and hope.
Through my studies and work, I have cultivated a passion for understanding the complexities of mental health and the systemic barriers our mob faces. I envision a future where I can apply my knowledge at Wakai Waian Healing, guiding individuals toward improved psychological well-being. I aim to empower people, helping them discover their healing and fulfilment paths.
As I embark on my honours year and transition into becoming a provisional psychologist, my vision is clear: I aim to serve remote communities as a psychologist. This journey of study and full-time work is challenging for my family; my daughter is 17 and on the cusp of graduation, while my son is in Year 8. They understand my commitment to our communities. My wife supports me, knowing that my motivation extends beyond alleviating fears of dentists or elevators; it’s about making a genuine change in the lives of individuals and families who have endured so much.
However, enacting real change has its challenges. Those who genuinely work toward change encounter numerous barriers and frustrations that reveal the shortcomings of government and non-government systems meant to assist people. There is much work to be done, and sadly, many organisations exploit the intergenerational trauma of our people for profit.
It is troubling to consider that some of these organisations have sustained their existence through the systematic removal of children, domestic violence, substance use, and the resulting poor health and educational outcomes.
My focus is firmly on empowering individuals within my community through therapeutic practice that integrates and utilises traditional knowledge and contemporary evidence-based psychology. By fostering strength, autonomy, and self-determination, we can move beyond institutional interference in how we raise our children and navigate our lives. We possess the knowledge; it has been denied us for too long.
Focusing on individuals’ psychological and spiritual well-being and maintaining a strong connection to family and culture is essential to improving health, education and other social outcomes. Fostering autonomy and engagement in the workforce, financial independence and the acquisition of private property will evoke fear in those who have historically held power and attempted to exclude Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from society. This understanding drives my approach. I strive to identify and amplify our people’s strengths, shifting our focus from perceived flaws to the rich potential within each of us. It’s up to us to come up with the solutions and forge a future filled with hope, resilience, and empowerment, where our communities thrive, and our stories inspire future generations.