MERINDI SCHRIEBER: FOUNDER/CREATIVE PRODUCER

Merindi Schrieber is a Kuku Yalanji Kubirri, Julay and Buru Jalbu (woman) whose work is grounded in culture, connection, and community. Her journery as a singer-songwriter touring with the Briscoe Sisters and early workshop experience on her homelands of Kubirri (Mossman) in 2005 planted the seed for the work she continues today.

Drawn to creating spaces of connection, Merindi has organically grown Creative Bama Connections from a simple storytime session into a platform for multi-generational learning and creative expression. She brings together artists, cultural practitioners, and Elders, each sharing their knowledge in respectful, culturally grounded ways—creating spaces where stories, song, and culture are lived and carried forward.

DAPHNE NADEN: ELDER IN RESIDENCE

Daphne Naden, born in Mossman, North Queensland, is a respected Kuku Yalanji Elder with connections to the Kubirri, Julay, and Buru clans. In her role as Elder-in-Residence, she brings her deep cultural and language knowledge directly into creative and learning spaces, guiding projects with wisdom, care, and cultural integrity. Daphne is a strong advocate for environments where stories, language, culture, and history are shared, celebrated, and actively lived, ensuring that each experience is rooted in connection to Country and community.

CREATIVE COLLABORATORS

Creative Bama Connections is enriched by a collective of artists and cultural practitioners who share their knowledge and stories across generations. Naurita Briscoe blends artistry and song; Nikki Doll brings rhythm and soul from her PNG roots; Samoan harpist Natalia Mann offers a calm presence through harp and song; and Gunggandji/Yidinji artist Elverina Johnson shares deep knowledge with generosity. We’ve also been honoured to have Luois Enoch-Tranby bring his knowledge and expertise to the space and featured award-winning childrens author and cultural leader Victor Steffensen share story and song —together creating spaces where culture and imagination thrive.

OUR PARTNERS
We recognise the importance of building strong, respectful partnerships to support this work. Across our programs, we’ve collaborated with local, state, national, and internationally recognised organisations including QPAC, the Australian Ballet Education & Outreach team, Wuchopperen Health Services, Benevolent Society Early Years Centre, and Boopa Werem Kindergarten—with many more exciting collaborations to come.