Our Team
MDWg is made up of a dedicated team of Language Workers, linguists, Elders, consultants, admin and management staff. We work in a multicultural environment and aim to increase the use of Miriwoong language wherever possible.
Scroll down to read a brief bio of the people that make up MDWg:
DAVID NEWRY
DIRECTOR
DAVID NEWRY has played a crucial role in establishing the work of Mirima Council since the 1990s and was the chair of the organisation for over two decades. He was instrumental in developing the work of the Kimberley Interpreting Service (Now AIWA) in 2000, after initiating a feasibility study regarding the need for interpreting in the health and justice sectors. David also helped found a range of further Aboriginal organisations now operating successfully in Kununurra. He is the Senior Language and Culture Consultant and main presenter of the cultural awareness program at MDWg. Among his many achievements in working with the Language Centre, David was a key figure in developing the Miriwoong Seasonal Calendar. This resource links Miriwoong language and culture with the land of past, present and future generations. In recognition of his skills as a language and cultural mentor for the community, he was recognised for his Outstanding Individual Contribution to Arts and Culture by the East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards in 2011.
AGNES ARMSTRONG
SENIOR LANGUAGE AND CULTURE CONSULTANT
AGNES ARMSTRONG is a renowned artist with the Waringarri Arts Centre as well as a major contributor to many of MDWg’s activities. She supports Miriwoong language revitalisation by functioning as a language consultant, attending field trips and conducting welcome addresses.
KNUT J. “KJ” OLAWSKY
CEO AND SENIOR LINGUIST
DAVID NEWRY has played a crucial role in establishing the work of Mirima Council since the 1990s and was the chair of the organisation for over two decades. He was instrumental in developing the work of the Kimberley Interpreting Service (Now AIWA) in 2000, after initiating a feasibility study regarding the need for interpreting in the health and justice sectors. David also helped found a range of further Aboriginal organisations now operating successfully in Kununurra. He is the Senior Language and Culture Consultant and main presenter of the cultural awareness program at MDWg. Among his many achievements in working with the Language Centre, David was a key figure in developing the Miriwoong Seasonal Calendar. This resource links Miriwoong language and culture with the land of past, present and future generations. In recognition of his skills as a language and cultural mentor for the community, he was recognised for his Outstanding Individual Contribution to Arts and Culture by the East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards in 2011.
TRACEY STRANGER
OFFICE MANAGER
AGNES ARMSTRONG is a renowned artist with the Waringarri Arts Centre as well as a major contributor to many of MDWg’s activities. She supports Miriwoong language revitalisation by functioning as a language consultant, attending field trips and conducting welcome addresses.
Indigo Gerrard
ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT OFFICER
INDIGO is a Miriwoong/Ngarinman woman who lives and was born on Miriwoong country. She has a lot of experience working in administration and front office.
Indigo recently joined MDWg to enter a career in administration and eventually management, as well as to develop new skills and understanding of Miriwoong language and culture.
Indigo says “I haven’t been taught the local language as a kid. I remember sitting around the fireplace with one of my elder, maybe he wanted to teach us younger ones, but such time was too short, he passed.”
“Not many people speak the language, but I am willing to learn and speak the local language fluently. I love going out on country, fishing and swimming”
Language Education Team
GLENNIS GALBAT NEWRY
Vice Chairperson & Senior Language Engagement Officer
GLENNIS GALBAT NEWRY is a Miriwoong woman who has been working with MDWg for many years. She first worked for MDWg in 1998 as a Language Worker, focusing on language transmission to following generations. Glennis is the author of two children’s books on Miriwoong animals, and was one of the key consultants for the development of the Miriwoong Seasonal Calendar. She strongly feels that her traditional language is a crucial element in looking after country.
As a language engagement officer, Glennis is constantly improving her skills in teaching her own endangered language to children and young adults and also teaches MDWg’s public language class.
SYLVIA SIMON
Language Engagement Officer
SYLVIA SIMON first worked at MDWg between 2016 and 2022.
After a break, she returned to MDWg to join the Early Years Development Program team. Sylvia believes teaching children language from a very early age is very important as it helps those kids to grow up with strong spirits and strong culture.
When Sylvia is at work, surrounded by her language and culture, she feels happy and proud, and it makes her want to share her language and culture with others.
Sylvia hopes that as she uses Miriwoong more and more, and teaches it to others, it will help her keep her language strong.
Che Kelly
Language Engagement Officer
CHE KELLY has been working at the Mirima Language and Culture Centre as a Miriwoong teacher since November of 2021.
Che loves practicing and teaching himself new Miriwoong words so he can become a fluent speaker like his Elders, as well as teaching others about Miriwoong Language so they can respect and communicate with the Miriwoong people around Kununurra. Che also loves teaching Language to kids, especially the next generation of Miriwoong kids, and has just started an Aboriginal Languages Teacher Training (ALTT) course so that he can teach kids in the best way possible!