CIAF AMBASSADORS
The CIAF Brand Ambassador Pilot Program is a new initiative launched in partnership with Mob Made Media & Communications Agency and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF).
This pilot program unites five trailblazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives and communicators from across Queensland, whose impact is felt not only in local communities, but also at state, national, and international levels.
While traditional investments often focus on elevating a single high-profile influencer or figure, we believe there is transformative power in investing instead in a collective of five grassroots ambassadors - each deeply embedded in community, already leading powerful work on the ground, and now collectively building a statewide and global presence.
This is not just about a media campaign. This is about cultural leadership, community storytelling, and economic empowerment. Read more about the CIAF '25 Ambassadors below.
Talicia Minniecon
CIAF Ambassador Lead
Kabi Kabi | Gooreng Gooreng | Kemer Kemer Meriam | Maluligal | Pacifica
Talicia is a proud Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng, Kemer Kemer Meriam and Maluligal woman, with strong Pacifica ancestry, and a powerhouse of vision, values, and voice. As the Founder and CEO of Mob Made Media & Communications and TTPOPP – Tidda Talz Creates Progress Over Perfection Pieces, Talicia is a leader, creative entrepreneur, and strategist whose impact spans on local, state, national and international landscapes.
A homeschooling mother of three, Talicia is also the co-founder of the Gimuy First Nations Homeschool Co-op, championing education that is led by culture, community, and First Nations sovereignty. Her work as a social media strategist, digital storyteller, artist, and keynote speaker is deeply rooted in purpose — amplifying Blak voices, connecting community through creativity, and decolonising digital platforms with authenticity and cultural integrity.
As a climate justice advocate, Talicia is a passionate member of the Our Islands Our Home – Ailan Pawa movement, centering the voices of Torres Strait Islanders in climate action. She has represented First Nations Australia on the international stage, including as the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegate selected for the ABC International Pacific Climate Media & Traditional Knowledge Mobile Journalism Program in Vanuatu—a historic exchange funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Talicia is also a co-founder of Blaktivation, a First Nations grassroots movement based in Gimuy, creating powerful community-led spaces for truth-telling, cultural pride, and youth leadership. Her deep commitment to advocacy extends to her role as the First Nations Cohort Leader for the Pacific Australia Emerging Leaders Summit (PAELS)—a dynamic regional initiative that brings together young leaders across the Pacific, diaspora communities, and First Nations peoples to envision and build a more just, connected, and sustainable Blue Pacific future.
In every facet of her work, Talicia embodies what it means to lead with community, connect through culture, and create with purpose. As the CIAF 2025 Brand Ambassador and Mentor, she brings years of experience in strategic communication, grassroots organising, youth mentorship, and creative storytelling to help uplift and guide the next generation of changemakers. Her mentorship within the Brand Ambassador Pilot Program is grounded in relational advocacy—supporting others to walk strong in who they are, while holding space for growth, learning, and legacy.
“Our stories are not just content—they are medicine, memory, and movement. Through platforms like CIAF, we share not only our art but our ancestors, our advocacy, and our future.”
Samara Barlow-Fukofuka
Brand Ambassador
Bundabarra Yidinji | Pacifica
Samara is a proud Bundabarra Yidinji and Pacifica woman, creative artist, youth advocate, and frontline health worker whose work is grounded in cultural care, community connection, and ancestral knowledge. As a remote area nurse and youth worker, Samara works for a 100% First Nations and Pacifica-owned youth service, delivering culturally safe health advocacy and support to some of the most remote and underserved communities in the country. Her presence is not only professional—it is personal, relational, and deeply rooted in the wellbeing of her people.
As a storyteller, Samara uses social media and video content to document her journey—whether it’s makeup tutorials, the process of gathering weaving materials, or capturing the making of her pieces. Her videos are authentic, empowering, and showcase the beauty of creative expression as healing, resistance, and celebration.
With experience designing jewellery and garments, Samara dreams of one day seeing her creations on the fashion runway, telling stories through threads, texture, and design. Through the CIAF Brand Ambassador Pilot Program, she is excited to learn how a fashion and arts event like CIAF operates from the inside—observing artists, gaining insight into production and curation, and building pathways toward her future as a creative showcasing her own work.
Samara brings to this program a powerful blend of creative brilliance, cultural integrity, and health-sector frontline experience. Her ability to walk between worlds—traditional and modern, creative and clinical, grassroots and professional—makes her a powerful voice in the CIAF '25 cohort.
Shennae Neal
Brand Ambassador
Yidinji | Djabugay | Kuku Djungan | Gunggandji Gurubana
Proudly walking in the footsteps of her ancestors, Shennae is a powerhouse community leader, business owner, and cultural connector grounded in the rich lineages of Yidinji and Djabugay (through her mother) and Kuku Djungan and Gunggandji Gurubana from Yarrabah (through her father). Her life’s work reflects a deep dedication to service, community empowerment, and cultural integrity.
With over a decade of frontline experience at Services Australia, Shennae has consistently centred her community in everything she does—whether it’s coordinating care for families or building new pathways for economic and cultural self-determination.
Currently serving as a Senior Care Coordinator at YETI Youth, Shennae is a steady presence and role model for many, supporting young people through culturally safe, trauma-informed, and empowering practices.
Her leadership also extends into business and grassroots initiatives, where she proudly wears multiple hats:
- Founder and Owner of GILPUL Catering, known for delivering delicious, culturally inspired food across community events and celebrations.
- Owner of Tribe Academy, a venture built on culture, resilience, and business excellence.
- Yarrabah Music Festival 2023 Stalls Coordinator, championing local entrepreneurs and creatives.
- Former owner/operator of a takeaway shop and school canteen, serving community with heart for over four years.
- Five years of catering experience, providing nourishment that connects people to story, land, and each other.
Shennae is also a passionate advocate for sport and women’s empowerment. In 2016, she founded the Yarrabah Nighthawks Netball Team, nurturing athleticism, sisterhood, and confidence in young Blak women. Her contributions have extended through her involvement with Netball Queensland, ensuring that First Nations players and voices are part of the future of sport.
Through her dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to culture and community, Shennae brings a unique and vital perspective to the CIAF Brand Ambassador Pilot Program. She is deeply connected to Yarrabah, Gimuy, and the surrounding Nations—grounded in kinship, culture, and care. Her journey reflects the spirit of true advocacy and community-led excellence, and her presence on this pilot program is not only inspiring but transformational.
Manny Williams
Brand Ambassador
Kalkadoon & Pitta Pitta | Mayi-Thakurti & Bundjalung | Thai
Manny Williams, a proud Kalkadoon and Pitta Pitta man with deep connections to Mayi-Thakurti and Bundjalung Countries, and Thai heritage through his family line. Born and raised in Mount Isa, he now lives and works on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Country, where he’s spent the past four years contributing to community, advocacy, and cultural truth-telling.
He hopes to spotlight the depth, diversity, and brilliance of our creative mob from all across Far North Queensland. Having attended CIAF in the past, he knows first-hand how powerful this gathering is—not just as a celebration of art, but as a collective storytelling experience that showcases our truth, resistance, and beauty. I’m passionate about learning the stories behind each piece, understanding the artists’ processes, and amplifying the vibrancy of Blak creativity to wider audiences.
He currently works remotely with Culture is Life, an Aboriginal-led organisation based in Victoria, where he serves as a Program Officer co-designing and delivering the national Fullaship program—a leadership platform that elevates the voices and stories of young First Nations people across the continent. He also continues his learning journey through a Graduate Diploma in Land and Sea Country Management, walking a path grounded in custodianship, sustainability, and intergenerational knowledge.
As a co-founder of Blaktivation, a First Nations Advocacy Collective in Gimuy, he’s helped create and facilitate powerful community spaces rooted in truth-telling, healing, leadership, and cultural pride—from rallies and vigils to educational events and youth-led forums. He is also a co-founder of Yoora Maltha, a First Nations-led organisation using international frameworks like UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) to support community-led accountability and system change.
His work lives across many platforms—from social media storytelling to on-the-ground facilitation. Some of his highlights include:
- A clothing collaboration with Clothing the Gaps, where he created a one-off statement piece that featured at the Indigenous Runway during Australian Fashion Week.
- Creating cultural content while on Country, capturing the connection to land, kinship, and ancestral knowledge.
- Sharing stories and amplifying youth voices through my his work with Culture is Life, including campaigns, workshops, and conferences.
- Speaking and presenting at summits, vigils, truth-telling events, and rallies, advocating for justice, sovereignty, and community empowerment.
As a CIAF Brand Ambassador, Manny walks in with lived experience, a love for community, and a deep respect for cultural expression. He believes that showcasing our art is a form of resistance, renewal, and revival—and he’s here to help move those messages across platforms, generations, and borders.
Georgia McGrath
Brand Ambassador
Bidjara | Papua New Guinea | Scotish | Irish
Georgia McGrath Georgia is a proud Bidjara woman with rich ancestral ties to Papua New Guinea, Scotland, and Ireland. Her vibrant cultural background informs a multifaceted career built on education, creativity, advocacy, and digital storytelling—all anchored in a deep commitment to amplifying First Nations voices and truths.
With over five years of experience as a First Nations Education Officer, Georgia has dedicated herself to supporting young people through culturally safe learning environments that foster pride, identity, and self-determination. She is also a qualified beauty therapist, combining care, confidence, and cultural expression through her craft.
Georgia’s journey into justice advocacy has grown rapidly since joining Blaktivation, a First Nations-led grassroots collective in Gimuy (Cairns), in 2024. Through this platform, she’s worked alongside community to coordinate events, facilitate truth-telling spaces, and co-manage digital storytelling through social media. Her work with Blaktivation reflects her passion for collective action, cultural integrity, and building visibility for the next generation of community leaders.
Georgia also holds key roles in some of the region’s most important cultural events. In 2024, she worked with the Cairns NAIDOC Committee as part of the social media team, conducting vox pops at “Friday in the Park” to capture community reflections and pride. In 2025, she steps into a lead role—heading the Cairns NAIDOC social media and communications team, where she is overseeing strategy, content, and community engagement.
Currently, Georgia also works full-time with the Literacy for Life Foundation, managing their social media account and elevating the importance of literacy as a tool for justice, empowerment, and cultural continuity. She is actively engaging in freelance user-generated content (UGC) creation, expanding her digital footprint and honing her skills as a Blak creative storyteller.
As a CIAF 2025 Brand Ambassador, Georgia brings her full self: a community connector, cultural content creator, educator, and digital media strategist. She describes CIAF as one of the most renowned First Nations art events in the country—a place where emerging and established creators alike are given the spotlight they deserve. Through this ambassador role, Georgia is committed to amplifying the incredible talent of First Nations artists via social media, giving their stories the coverage, care, and celebration they’ve earned.
Follow Georgia on Instagram & TikTok.