OUR STAFF

Deb is a Gurindji Woman from the Northern Territory who grew up on Larrakeyah land (Darwin). She Learnt culture and cultural protocol from her Grandmother and eventually moved to the Mornington Peninsula some 25 years ago. With over 30 years managerial experience including:
Senior Social Planner, Aboriginal Cultural and Community Development,
Other Board Memberships – Peter Mac Aboriginal Advisory Board – Nairm Marr Djambana
Volunteer – Community Liaison Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
– Breast screen Australia Ambassador
– Key role in establishing  Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association.

I was born in Fiji and my parents migrated to Melbourne in 1970. I grew up in the Eastern Suburbs, my parents moved to Mornington Peninsula 22 years ago, and two of my siblings now live in the Peninsula.

I enjoy exercising, music festivals, and catching up with family, and friends for any reason, very close to my cuzzies.  Regularly attend my son’s sporting and musical activities – Cricket/Football/Baseball and musical performances.

I have four loving siblings… two older brothers Alex & Mara and two sisters (Gillian & Maree). My identical twin sister (Maree) is the youngest by 5 minutes.

My job as an Outreach role gives me the opportunity to engage with the local community. The Elders are so engaging! I get so much pleasure from hearing their yarns and about their extraordinary and fascinating past. I am blessed and fortunate to be part of a hardworking and dedicated team at Nairm Marr Djambana!

I was born on Kaurna country in Adelaide as the daughter of immigrants from Greece, and the granddaughter of refugees from Asia Minor on my mother’s side. My husband and I moved to Melbourne in 1997, and we currently live near the sea on beautiful Bunurong/Boon Wurrung country.

I bring with me over 30 years of experience working in community and public health settings in South Australia and Victoria serving diverse communities as a health professional and team leader/manager. My dual passions of working with people to support their health and wellbeing and the creative arts also led to me gaining a Masters qualification in Arts Therapy; for 10 years I was privileged to be able to offer this way of healing to individuals and groups requiring mental health support.

I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to work alongside the awesomely dedicated team and with the beautiful community of Nairm Marr Djambana. I am committed to listening deeply to our community and understanding what will meet community needs, and look forward to my ongoing learning from First Nations culture.

My name is Keira Reijn, a Proud Gunditjmara woman. After dedicating valuable time to nurturing and raising my two bubups, I return with a renewed commitment to contribute meaningfully to Nairm Marr Djambana.

During my hiatus, I remained an active member of the community, fostering connections within the broader Aboriginal community and engaging in initiatives that resonate with the values I hold dear. Now, equipped with over 5 years of experience in operations management, I am eager to leverage my skills and knowledge in new and exciting ways.

Driven by a passion for cultural enrichment and a dedication to relationship-building, I am firm in my mission to deepen my understanding of heritage, forge strong bonds within our community, and cultivate an environment that is both positive and safe for all.

I am honoured to stand with you all today, ready to contribute, learn, and grow alongside each of you.

With gratitude and anticipation,
Keira Reijn

I was born In Hobart Tasmania, Nipaluna. I started my career as a cook at 15 yrs old, I also tried my hand at Waiting tables and behind the bar, before realising my passion was in the Kitchen.

I Moved to North QLD at 22 years old, started work as a kitchen hand at a Fine Dinning Seafood restaurant. I soon got offered an apprenticeship which I completed in N.QLD, before moving back to Tasmania. I took My first roll as a executive Chef at a hotel on the Tasman Peninsula. I worked at many other restaurants over the years where I have held the position as restaurant manager, sous chef and head chef.

I moved to Victoria two years ago and took the Position of Executive Sous Chef at the Dinning room at Lindenderry Red Hill, where we were awarded 2 hats. I then started work at Djambana Catering where I can bring my broad experience of Native and classical flavors together to create a memorable eating experience.

In my spare time I work with Chefs in the online world as a support coach for the Real Chefs Movement which is an online program for industry people. Giving chefs the opportunity to change the stigma and become the best versions of themselves.

I am the proud farther of my first baby, Isabelle Ruby. I Love working at Djambana and interacting with the community and staff. It is a great opportunity for me to learn about our First Nation’s Culture.

I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman, I am lucky enough to live and learn on Bunurong Country with my amazing family of five, who have supported me on my cultural journey.

My passion is my Community. I am lucky to have the opportunity to work with the beautiful Nairm Marr Djambana staff and Community. Another passion of mine is getting Youth involved with programs Nairm Marr Djambana provides, and programs running in Community which involves our Youth stepping into leadership opportunities.

My role as the Youth engagement officer is important as our Youth are the emerging leaders, story tellers and Elders for our community. This role provides me the chance to learn and share my own achievements. I hope to inspire Youth to keep them engaged in cultural activities and leadership opportunities.

I’m a proud Giya woman from the Birri Gubba Nation in North Queensland and honour my Greek heritage.

I recently moved to the Peninsula with my young family however, I was born and raised in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne, where I completed Certificate III in Business Administration and Certificate IV in Community Services. In my professional career I have been fortunate to gain experience in local and state government as well as local community health centres and Aboriginal Organisations.

I am passionate about supporting my community to make positive changes to their health and wellbeing. I look forward to connecting, learning with the local community to strive for positive changes.