All About Emma Murphy

Theresa Milkirrinydji, Emma Murphy and Angela Gaykamangu (from the language team).

Emma Murphy just can’t stay away from ARDS.

After stints in 2011 and 2016, Emma is back working with us as Capability Coordinator to ensure ARDS staff have the right training and support to work effectively in our important cross-cultural space.

Emma says she grew up in country Victoria but decided at a young age that she wanted to work with Aboriginal people to support them on their journeys towards self-determination and strong communities.

“So I moved to Central Australia and I’ve been working with Aboriginal people in the Top End and central desert regions all my working life,” Emma said.

Emma’s earlier work at ARDS was as a cross cultural facilitator, and in 2016 she teamed with longtime ARDS staffer Joy Bulkanhawuy to make Milly, an acclaimed health film for young Aboriginal women. Emma returned to Victoria to work with the organisation Living Languages, supporting Indigenous people to revitalise and sustain their own languages, including working on ARDS’ Minjilang Language and Culture project.

But the lure of the Territory was too much.

“I moved back to the Territory because it feels like home,” Emma said.

“When I left I knew I would be back.”

Back at ARDS Emma is looking to use her skills to help us build capacity through supporting Yolŋu and Balanda staff in their training needs, so that their work, in turn, contributes to building capacity and empowerment in Aboriginal communities.

Welcome back, Emma.