Graphic: Josie Alec RFDS WA
RFDS WA is proud to announce Kuruma Marthudunera (KM) traditional owner and business identity Josie Alec has joined its Board of Directors.
RFDS WA is proud to announce Kuruma Marthudunera (KM) traditional owner and business identity Josie Alec has joined its Board of Directors.
Ms Alec has described the RFDS as one of the most important services in our vast state.
“A lot of our mob live on Country, so it’s so important to have access to healthcare,” said Ms Alec.
“The Flying Doctor has been a saviour for a lot of my family and a lot of people I know – it’s very close to my heart.”
Ms Alec is the is founder of two Pilbara-based businesses. Indijiarts Cultural Creativeness focuses on cultural demonstrations and consultation, enhancing community connections, inspirational speaking and Indigenous artwork. The Jummi Factory utilises centuries of traditional plant knowledge to create skin care and cosmetics. The daughter of a traditional healer, Ms Alec had been taught from an early age about the traditional uses of native plants and their benefits. She was the first Pilbara resident to take traditional bush medicine into the commercial world.
Ms Alec is also the First Nations Lead for the Australian Conservation Foundation and sits on the board of her land group, Kuruma Marthudunera Aboriginal Corporation.
“Bringing (Aboriginal) culture and corporate together in decision-making processes and making it come alive, that’s where the magic happens,” she said.
“Sharing my family’s experiences and how we can enhance the cultural aspect of what RFDS does is amazing. RFDS needs to keep expanding with the ever-changing needs of people.”
Ms Alec describes herself as having walked in two worlds, after being part of the stolen generation, then raised by a supportive foster family and later returning to her biological family and traditional culture.
Ms Alec is a graduate of Curtin University, obtaining a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Directorship.
Ms Alec is also a highly respected actor, singer, songwriter and artist. She was cast in the film Red Dog 2 alongside Bryan Brown and has sung and collaborated with musical artists including Wendy Mathews, Lucky Oceans, Archie Roach and Bernard Fanning.
