As a well-respected Traditional Owner of the Koinjmal tribe, Samarla Deshong was appointed as the first Indigenous board member for Reef Catchments Ltd. She has been involved with the organisation for 19 years; her involvement in the Traditional Knowledge Recording Project (TKRP) put the Reef Catchments TORG on the map, fueling her passion to help pave the way for Indigenous youth to be inspired to be at the decision-making end of conservation and the protection of their respective Country.
Now, Samarla provides a Traditional Owner voice to several advisory groups and boards throughout Australia. Her voice directly impacts decision-making surrounding the protection of the Great Barrier Reef, lands and waters, and the investment in Aboriginal culture, Lore, and her peoples’ need to return to the Country and look after it.