Living Languages Team

Language & Cultural Facilitator - Richard Powell

Richard “Uncle Riki” Powell is an Aboriginal Elder with strong connections to Language, culture and song.  He is a descendant of the Wailwan people of the Castlereagh River region in Central West New South Wales, particularly around Gulargambone, through his mother and her mother’s Country.

His maternal grandfather’s Country traces back to Cherbourg in Queensland. Wiradjuri from the Macquarie River around Narromine, with further family connections to the Bogan River, including Bulgrandramine Mission and Albert.

Riki’s great-great-grandmother, Lucy Naranga, was a descendant of the Naranga clan in and around Bathurst. Her eldest son, Jimmy Naranga—great-grandfather’s brother—was a well-known Aboriginal tracker who tracked Jimmy Governor around the turn of the 20th century.

For more than 30 years, Riki has worked across education, the justice system and community development. Through his own business and foundation, he has been dedicated to strengthening communities, supporting cultural knowledge, and advocating for Aboriginal people through education, cultural leadership and community-driven projects.

Language Project Worker - Ebony Joachim

Ebony is a Yorta Yorta woman and a dedicated language worker, trainer, and community project organiser based in Shepparton, Victoria. She is passionate about the reclamation, revival, and maintenance of her own language and all Australian Aboriginal languages, through community-based training and education. 

Ebony began her journey with language work in 2010, working as a language support worker in a language documentation project in her community. She values the profound connection between language, culture, and Country, and this is what drives her passion in language work.

Ebony currently works as the Strategic Project Coordinator at Kaiela Arts, a Yorta Yorta language advisor and teacher within her community, as well as supporting project to help upskill and support others in their language work and journeys.

CEO – Paul Beaupark

Paul's dedication to supporting First Nations communities is rooted in his Ngugi heritage and deep connection to Mulgumpin of Quandamooka. His diverse professional background has equipped him with a wealth of skills, which he aims to utilize in empowering indigenous populations. Recognizing the limitations of Western business and legal frameworks for First Nations people, Paul focuses on integrating traditional lore with contemporary strategies. This approach not only respects the cultural values and practices of First Nations but also offers a tailored pathway to self-determination and prosperity. Paul's work exemplifies a commitment to cultural sensitivity and innovation in community development.

Paul’s favourite quote was said by his mother Esme Dalton, when addressing the Appeal Tribunal while fighting to save Australia Hall, the site of the 1937 Day of Mourning meeting:

“Pride in a people’s history is part of mental health”.

Our history spans more than 50,000 years. Paul believes that language provides the portal to 50,000 years of connection.

People & Performance Manager - Jennifer Weatherstone

Jennifer lives and works on Cabrogal Country of the Darug Nation in Sydney’s south west. With a background in Primary Health, Aboriginal Health, and the Disability sector, she has built extensive experience as a senior administrator supporting organisations that focus on improving community health and wellbeing.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has been committed to strengthening services that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities across Australia.

Jennifer will provide the administrative backbone through our virtual office, ensuring programs run smoothly and effectively.