Terrie & Laurie Spotlight Guest: Michelle Steele

Terrie and Laurie: Spotlight Kathy D. Wright

Welcome back to another riveting episode of *T & L WTD Let's Talk About It*.

This week, Terrie and Laurie dive deep into a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and impactful. Joining them is a remarkable guest, Michelle, an Indigenous Australian hailing from the Kamilaroi people, whose illustrious career path has been marked by a steadfast dedication to uplifting the outcomes of Indigenous Australians. Michelle's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From spearheading the COVID-19 response and vaccine implementation for Indigenous communities during the pandemic to pioneering a flexible aged care program tailored for older Indigenous Australians, her contributions to public service are both diverse and invaluable. Now, as the Chief First Nations Officer with the Paul Ramsay Foundation, she continues to champion the cause of philanthropy with fervor. An alumna of the esteemed Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program, Michelle's commitment to systemic change is palpable. It was here that she crossed paths with Fernando, Laurie, & Terrie attending 'Walking the Talk for Dementia' conference in 2023. Michelle's involvement in this sphere is deeply personal; her experiences, combined with her extensive professional background and an unwavering passion for equity, have propelled her into becoming an Ambassador and collaborator for 'Walking the Talk for Dementia'. Michelle's academic credentials further amplify her expertise. She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration (International Leadership) from QUT and a Bachelor of Management from Macquarie University, underlining her proficiency in navigating complex socio-cultural landscapes. Central to today's discussion is Michelle's keen interest in dementia care, particularly its disproportionate impact on Indigenous Australians. The statistics are staggering: Indigenous Australians exhibit prevalence rates 3-5 times higher than their non-Indigenous counterparts, with those in remote communities facing some of the world's highest rates. Alarmingly, dementia strikes Indigenous Australians at younger ages, highlighting an urgent need for targeted interventions and support. So, tune in as Terrie, Laurie, and Michelle delve into this critical topic, shedding light on the challenges, sharing insights, and fostering a dialogue that's both timely and essential.

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