Advocating for Aboriginal children

Narang Bir-rong Aboriginal Corporation
Strong. Dedicated. Caring

Advocate and activist Heidi Bradshaw is committed to empowering and supporting vulnerable Aboriginal children, speaking up for them when they can’t speak up for themselves.

For 16 years, Heidi has worked determinedly to protect Aboriginal children in and out of foster care. As the Chief Executive Officer of Narang Bir-rong Aboriginal Corporation, she works with disadvantaged Aboriginal families to reduce child protection concerns and prevent children from needing to go into care.

Heidi’s own family suffered a history of child protection issues, which motivates her to continue her relentless hard work. “As an Aboriginal woman, I am passionate about making a definitive change where we can all see and feel a difference,” she says.

Heidi’s team also support young people already in care to achieve their goals and have a positive future. In addition, they educate non-Aboriginal organisations so that they can work together and achieve more positive and empowering outcomes.

Heidi feels honoured that her community nominated her as a Westfield Local Hero. “I feel privileged that people acknowledge something that I am involved in and recognise the work that Narang Bir-rong Aboriginal Corporation does.

Being part of this organisation inspires me every day. I hope we can circulate that inspiration out to the wider community.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Narang Bir-rong Aboriginal Corporation will use its funds to support purchasing devices, internet and educational support for our kids within the organisation so they can better access schooling and close the ever increasing gap in educational outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here