SALTWATER PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE & PAY OUR RESPECTS TO THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE AS THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LANDS AND SEAS WHERE WE LIVE, LEARN AND WORK.
Saltwater People engage a team of professional creatives, project managers, strategists and storytellers to advance cross cultural approaches that bridge shared understanding and impact.
Bianca Barling-Seden brings cross-cultural communications and engagement expertise supporting agencies to work best with First Nations people and their communities. Bianca holds a Masters of Visual Art (by research) and has experience in project management, leadership, government and community engagement. Bianca has lived and worked with Indigenous communities on the Thai Burma border, in Arnhem Land and FNQ, including the Torres Strait. Bianca is of German, English and Irish Settler heritage and identifies as non-Indigenous Australian.
Richard Seden provides high-level cultural and community engagement advice on health communications projects. Richard has worked in Indigenous Health across Central Australia, Cape York and North East Arnhem Land for 25 years. Richard has family connections to the Torres Strait (Kaurareg /Dhoeybaw) – and the Coen (Kaanju) and Shelbourne Bay (Wuthati) communities of Cape York. As well as providing strategic advice on cultural engagement, Richard is the Director of Saltwater People.
Lauren Seden is our Communications Associate in her final year of a Batchelor of Communications at QUT. Lauren graduated Year 12 in 2015 as the highest achieving Indigenous student from the NT.
Lauren has family connections to the Torres Strait (Kaurareg / Dhoeybaw) –and the Coen (Kaanju) and Shelbourne Bay (Wuthati) communities of Cape York. Lauren also works with Menzies Health Research Institute.
Kate FitZgerald brings a wealth of project management, communication and coordination expertise and has worked across the media industry, including Channel Seven’s creative studio in Sydney. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts Media and Cultural Studies from Macquarie University. Kate keeps the wheels turning, providing quality assurance and operational oversight.
Aaron Smith is an award-winning cross-platform journalist and writer, specialising in Indigenous Affairs and the environment. Aaron is a regular contributor to NITV, ABC, SBS, The Guardian, Australian Geographic and Koori Mail. Aaron has a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. Aaron is also the author of several books including The Rock.
Ty Waigana is a professional illustrator and animator with a Bachelor of Arts from Curtin University. Ty is a proud Noongar and Saibaigal (Torres Strait) man. Ty has worked with us on projects for Australian National University and Queensland Child and Family Commission. Ty is the NAIDOC poster artist for 2020.
Dylan Mooney’s practice includes painting, drawing and digital illustration, inspired by history, culture and identity. Dylan has learnt professional application of cultural protocols in his Batchelor study with the prestigious Contemporary Australian Art Program at Griffith University. Dylan is a Yuibera man, a Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander.
Talei Elu has spent the last six years working with the federal government in a variety of roles including as an Advisor for Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the National Indigenous Australians Agency and more recently with AIATSIS. Talei is now returning home to Seisia, Cape York to strengthen her work with the community and as a Digital Storyteller.
Hon Boeuy brings extensive experience with over 10 years working as a graphic designer, manager and art director. He has worked in Sydney’s arts sector and produced visual marketing material from ideation through to finished art, and publishing. Hon has worked with both small and national clients and teaches design at Sydney University. In 2017, Hon founded Dialogic Studios, an agency that specialises in visual communications.
SALTWATER PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE & PAY OUR RESPECTS TO THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE AS THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LANDS AND SEAS WHERE WE LIVE, LEARN AND WORK.