Melissa Wurramarrba was the first person in her community to graduate from university in 36 years when she attained her Bachelor of Arts (Education) degree from Macquarie University in 2023.
A trailblazing Alawa woman, Melissa defied the odds. And through her work for the Child and Family Services section of the Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation, she’s now working tirelessly to give other young people the same opportunity.
In addition to passionately advocating for education, health and cultural preservation, Melissa is striving to address the root causes of low school attendance. Knowing the transformative power of education firsthand, Melissa’s aspiration is for Ngukurr School to achieve 95 per cent attendance.
A natural leader, Melissa also serves on the Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation Board and energetically captains the Ngukurr Bulldogs Women’s Australian Football League team.
In role modelling resilience and showing what’s possible, Melissa offers guidance and inspires hope for Indigenous youth.