Custodianship in action: Meet Meyalah
“I am a mother, a sister and a daughter.”
That is what grounds everything Meyalah, a Gurang, Nywaigi and Munburra woman, does.
Her work caring for Country is not separate from her life – it is woven through it. It is about honouring what has been carried for generations, and protecting what must continue for generations to come. Her son is part of that future. Ensuring he has real connection to Country, can see it, feel it, swim in its freshwater places, and grow up knowing the stories and history held within it — that is what sustainability truly means to her.
Outside of work, you’ll find Meyalah on Country. Spending time with her son. Sitting with family. Creating art. Being home. Being on Country gives her a sense of place, a sense of longing, and a deep responsibility to care for what nourishes her spirit.
“This is about custodianship. Not ownership.”
To Meyalah, custodianship means caring for what has been given, maintaining it with respect, and ensuring it remains strong and alive so future generations can continue the responsibility.
Her role walks alongside community, alongside women, families and Traditional Owners, strengthening cultural authority and creating space for knowledge to be shared, responsibilities carried forward, and leadership grown across generations.
“When we collectively look after Country, we are collectively healing Country. And when we do that, we are healing each other.”
This is the future Meyalah works toward every day:
Healthy Country.
Healthy People.
Strong families.
And a future her son – and many generations after him – can stand proudly within.
