My name is Zachery Kaur, and I am proud to be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descendant. My roots trace back to the Ghungalu and Iman peoples on my aboriginal side. I am still tracing back my Torres Strait Islander Heritage and am lucky to have connections to the Torres Strait through Wakai Waian Healing. Born and raised in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, I acknowledge the Dharumbal people, the traditional custodians of this land, and cherish my connections to my family and heritage.
My childhood with my grandparents was a treasure trove of wisdom and stories. Despite not engaging in many traditional practices, I was immersed in their teachings. I remember gathering honey from bees and dancing at gatherings at Blackdown Tablelands, which filled me with warm nostalgia. These moments, though fleeting, have left an indelible mark on my identity. As my grandparents aged and the traditions faded, I longed to reconnect with my culture.
A significant influence in my life has been my mother, who battles schizophrenia. Her journey has profoundly shaped my perspective on disability services and Mental Health. Now living in Sydney, she receives support through the NDIS, a beacon of hope that has allowed her to thrive away from the influences of Rockhampton. Witnessing the transformative changes in her life, thanks to the NDIS, inspired me to pursue a career in Disability. I was determined to make a difference for others facing similar challenges.
I worked at Carers Queensland, where I began aiming for leadership roles but faced challenges despite my passion and experience. Instead of succumbing to frustration, I reflected and grew, taking each setback as an opportunity to learn. A pivotal moment for me was attending a 30th-anniversary dinner for Juwarki Kapu-Lug, where I represented my grandfather Darrell Kaur as a founding member. Hearing stories of his contributions filled me with pride and ignited a desire to impact my community meaningfully. It became clear that my role was to uplift my people and ensure that First Nations voices were heard in spaces where they often weren’t, particularly with disabilities.
When the NDIS lead role became available, I realised it was my chance to merge my passion for disability advocacy with my commitment to my heritage. Today, as an Operations Manager, I leverage my knowledge to bridge the gap between Indigenous communities and broader stakeholders. I embrace the responsibility of ensuring that the valuable work of our communities is communicated effectively, fostering understanding and collaboration.
Working alongside and receiving guidance from leaders like Ed Mosby, who share a vision for positive change, has shown me the impact we can have when we unite our strengths. My experiences have taught me that responsibility is crucial for personal and professional growth. As I continue my journey, I remain steadfast in my commitment to learning from my elders, reclaiming my cultural heritage, and ensuring that my children inherit a world where they can thrive without the struggles I face. I am resolute in my determination to be a voice for my community through my work at Wakai Waian Healing.