Vanessa Cavanagh

Vanessa Cavanagh is a Bundjalung and Wonnarua Aboriginal woman from NSW, Australia. Focussing on enhancing the health of Country and people through Aboriginal-led approaches, Vanessa is a strong advocate for Aboriginal women in caring for Country. Vanessa's PhD explores Aboriginal women's engagement in cultural burning practices in NSW. Vanessa has wide-ranging experiences across the sector, from employment as a Field Officer in NPWS where she also participated in remote area fire-fighting where she was transported to the fire ground by helicopter, to appearing as an expert witness in the 2020 Royal Commission in National Natural Disaster Arrangements, and working towards strategic policy improvements within government. Vanessa is excited to participate in this year's Giiyong Festival in a session on Cultural Burning at the Aunty Alice Moore Stage (speakers program).