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Brad Jarro
Brad is a Bidjara and Ghungalu man from Central QLD and has been the Centre Manager of Ngutana-Lui since October 2022. He has worked with Catholic Education (Brisbane and Rockhampton) since 2006 as a secondary school teacher and leader, and at a system level supporting schools and systems in all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education. Brad says he “enjoys witnessing people of all ages and backgrounds visit Ngutana-Lui and leave with more of an authentic understanding and appreciation about us and our cultures, histories and spiritualities."
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Linda Greenhalgh – Centre Administrative Support Officer
Linda has worked at Ngutana-Lui and Brisbane Catholic Education, since April 2013, when she commenced as a temporary relief worker in the role.
The role of Administrative Support Assistant is to support the Centre Manager, and the Cultural Tutors, in their day-to-day roles, to receive and action all incoming calls and emails regarding bookings for schools, and other parties, to utilise the Centre and its programs. Linda acts as a liaison between the Centre and the Brisbane Catholic Education Office regarding maintenance, repairs and ordering necessary consumables.
Linda's favourite part of the role is the team she work with, who have become a second family. She is the only non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander team member and feels very privileged to work with the Cultural Tutors and to learn something new about Culture each day. Linda also loves the relationships she have built with schools and teachers over the years.
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Brian Whap
Brian is a Cultural Tutor at Ngutana – Lui Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Cultural Studies Centre. His role requires him to teach and share Torres Strait Island culture with school groups and community stakeholders.
As a Torres Strait Island Tutor, Brian is responsible for the delivery of Torres Strait Island Spirituality presentations which supports the cultural learning components of Brisbane Catholic Education's Reconciliation Action Plan.
Brian also teaches weaving throughout his many lessons and activities. He enjoys cooking as a hobby and is often called upon if needed for catering through work or by community groups.
Brian motivates himself knowing that within his role, he represents his people on his homeland of Mabuyag (Mabuiag Is) and Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait).
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Corey Simpson
Corey Simpson, known by his Aboriginal name Dhurion Djagin Diagin, is a Buyiburra Man from the Wakka Wakka people and the Worawa clan. With nearly 35 years of experience, Corey passionately shares his rich cultural heritage through song, dance, and storytelling. He is well reognised as a Yidaki people, a traditional Aboriginal wind instrument, and creates boomerangs, weapons, and various forms of art.
Corey deeply values his family and the transformative journey he has experienced through ceremonial practices. His commitment to preserving and promoting his culture is evident in his genuine and dedicated approach to sharing Aboriginal traditions. Through his performances and artistic work, Corey bridges cultural gaps and fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal heritage. His efforts highlight the importance of cultural preservation and the power of storytelling in connecting communities and promoting mutual respect.
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Marlon Riley
Marlon Riley, a descendant of the Western Yalanji and Gangulu peoples through his Mother's Father's people, and the Jarowair and Kunja peoples through his Mother's Mother's people, has dedicated over 20 years as a Cultural Tutor with Brisbane Catholic Education at Ngutana Lui. He has also been deeply involved in Brisbane's Murri Ministry for over 30 years. Marlon's work has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2006 QLD & NATSICC National Youth Ambassador for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Catholic Ministry, the 2017 Centacare Award for Service Commitment, the 2018 TUH Award for excellence in supporting learning, and a 2022 Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Charter Leadership Award nomination.
His passion for Aboriginal culture has led to international representation at events such as the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop in Rome (2010), the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education in Hawaii (2014), and various cultural presentations across Europe, the USA, and New Zealand. Marlon also mentors Aboriginal dance and yarning groups at local schools and is committed to promoting cultural preservation and reconciliation through education and his Catholic faith, fostering unity and understanding across diverse communities.
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Robert Duncan
Robert, a proud descendant of the Gungarri and Birir peoples, has been a dedicated Cultural Tutor at Ngutana-Lui since 1998. His passion for teaching and sharing his rich cultural heritage has greatly enhanced the experiences of all those who have visited Ngutana-Lui during Robert's time. Through his engaging lessons and storytelling, Robert provides invaluable insights into the traditions, history, and customs of his ancestors, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal culture.
Robert's commitment to preserving and celebrating his cultural identity is evident in every session he conducts, making a significant impact on all who visit Ngutana-Lui. He recognises that this vital work could not continue without the steadfast support and understanding of Brisbane Catholic Education, which enables him to continue his important role as a cultural educator. This partnership is crucial in ensuring that his cultural knowledge and heritage reach and resonate with a wider audience, keeping the traditions of the Gungarri and Birir people alive for future generations.
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