Send us a textWhen childhood friends Katie Kiss and Liza Fraser-Gooda-McGuire sit down to yarn, something magical happens. Their conversation weaves through shared memories of growing up Aboriginal in Rockhampton – the beef capital of Australia – where racism existed alongside a profound sense of community that shaped them both.Katie, now the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, lost her mother at six and was raised by her non-Indigenous father with the support of an entire community. "I had many mums looking out for us, many dads looking out for us," she shares, describing how elders ensured she maintained cultural connections despite her loss. Liza, a businesswoman and foundation director, grew up watching her grandmother and other community leaders advocate for change while creating safe spaces for children to gather.Their stories reveal the power of what they call "the village" – interconnected families who provided meals, beds, guidance, and love to all children within their community. This network enabled both women to overcome significant challenges. Katie candidly discusses becoming a mother at 17, balancing education, work, and parenting with the support of mother-in-laws who "treated me like their own daughter" regardless of relationships with their sons.The conversation takes a profound turn when discussing current challenges. Katie's nationwide consultations reveal widespread concerns about youth justice, housing crises, and especially the intensification of racism following the 2023 Voice Referendum. Katie shares her son's heartbreaking question after the referendum: "How do I walk into that space every day knowing they all voted against me....?"Despite these challenges, their message remains one of hope and determination. Both women feel guided by ancestors – "I feel that spirit all the time," Katie says, describing how elders reach out with support precisely when needed. Their advice centres on reclaiming resilience:“Your resilience is yours,” Katie says. “Use it fully to reach your goals.”Subscribe to hear more powerful conversations with women who are creating change and building stronger communities through connection, wisdom, and unwavering determination.Ember Connect Live is a free membership community for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women. It’s a living and breathing meeting place where we can gather, share stories and experiences, learn, and grow. Ember Connect Live also provides another space where non-Indigenous women (our Allies), can learn, grow and be part of meaningful conversations. Our platform is unique because we provide separate spaces for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and non-Indigenous women to connect and communicate but importantly, we provide a THIRD space where we can all learn and grow together. Join Ember Connect now, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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