Send us a text

Milisont Siai Rose Sailor is a proud First Nations Torres Strait Islander woman, descended from the Erubam Le and Meriam Le peoples of Zenadh Kes, with a rich cultural heritage that also includes strong Celtic and Polish roots. A multi-talented artist and freelance model, Milisont has been captivating audiences and clients with her versatility and passion since the age of 13. Her career began with a landmark opportunity, modelling at the 2011 Deadly Awards at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Beyond modelling, Milisont is a creative force with a love for dancing, singing, playing guitar, writing, and content creation. She brings her unique perspective and vibrant cultural identity into everything she does, blending storytelling with artistry. Milisont continues to celebrate her heritage and inspire others to embrace their own identity with pride and authenticity.

In this episode, Milisont shares her inspiring journey of reconnecting with her Torres Strait Islander culture. She discussed the challenges of navigating her identity and the taboos around women's business in her community. Millie speaks passionately about her efforts to uncover and revive traditional women's practices, as well as her plans to study her mother tongue to preserve the language. She emphasised the importance of celebrating and empowering women in cultural spaces, and creating resources to bridge traditional knowledge with modern freedom. Throughout the conversation, Millie highlights the need for community healing, ancestral wisdom, and passing on a strong cultural foundation to the next generation. Her authenticity and determination to honour her roots while evolving with the times is truly inspiring.

*Content warning some explicit language and sensitive topics of a mature nature discussed. Listener discretion advised*

Thank you to Shannan Bishop, a proud Gunggari Artist and Graphic Designer, who also has connections to Wakka Wakka and Kabi Kabi, for designing The Dreaming Collective's Podcast Artwork. Shannan's art depicts our host, Carly Forrest's journey of bringing the podcast to life and shows the coming together of freshwater and saltwater ~ red dirt and sand with the sharing of our storylines connecting us all and preserving these yarns for future generations.

This season of the podcast has been funded by has been funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency as a National NAIDOC Week Activity.

Send us a text

Holly Johnson is a proud Gooreng Gooreng woman, a Mother, Nan and world traveller. Holly commenced her career journey working in Indigenous community-controlled organisations and has since worked across the higher education, not for profit and corporate sectors. Holly has held both state based and national roles across recruitment, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous affairs. Holly has completed a Bachelor of Business (HRM & Marketing) from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Holly has been instrumental in developing and implementing workplace policies that foster culturally safe and inclusive environments. Her leadership in initiatives such as the development of reconciliation action plans highlights her ability to drive meaningful change. She is passionate about empowering workplaces to better support Indigenous employees and create pathways for engagement, stating that simple steps towards understanding Indigenous culture can lead to a more empathetic and informed workforce.

In this episode, Holly Johnson shares her personal journey, including a pivotal moment in her life when she decided to return to university at age 30, which marked a significant shift in her career. Holly emphasises the importance of recognising the roots of significant cultural milestones such as NAIDOC Week, reminding us that while it is a time for joy and pride, it is also a call to action for ongoing progress. Holly’s dedication to uniting people through education and cultural awareness reflects her vision for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Throughout the discussion, Holly's resilience, drive and unwavering Black, loud and proud spirit shine through, serving as an inspiration for listeners.

Thank you to Shannan Bishop, a proud Gunggari Artist and Graphic Designer, who also has connections to Wakka Wakka and Kabi Kabi, for designing The Dreaming Collective's Podcast Artwork. Shannan's art depicts our host, Carly Forrest's journey of bringing the podcast to life and shows the coming together of freshwater and saltwater ~ red dirt and sand with the sharing of our storylines connecting us all and preserving these yarns for future generations.

This season of the podcast has been funded by has been funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency as a National NAIDOC Week Activity.

Send us a text

Uncle Gordon Browning is a proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander saltwater man with deep cultural connections to the Fingal Heads, Coodjinburra clan, part of the Bundjalung Yugembeh Nation. His heritage also ties him to the South Sea Islands, specifically Malatia, Tanna, and Epi Islands, reflecting a rich and diverse cultural identity.

With over 25 years of experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions, Gordon has established himself as a leader in cultural engagement and reconciliation. His work focuses on fostering meaningful relationships, advancing cultural understanding, and ensuring health programs are culturally safe and responsive to community needs.

As a cultural knowledge holder and advocate, Gordon’s dedication extends beyond his professional contributions. He is deeply involved in the Gympie community, sharing his wisdom, supporting families, and inspiring others through his leadership. His passion for community-driven health initiatives and his commitment to reconciliation exemplify his vision for a healthier, more equitable future for First Nations peoples.

Gordon’s role as a father, grandfather, and strong community leader enriches his approach to creating positive change, blending traditional and contemporary knowledge to benefit future generations.

In the episode, Uncle Gordon discusses his life, heritage, and contributions to the community, from leaving school and working on the travelling sideshow rides through to pursuing a career in health care. He emphasises the importance of cultural identity, storytelling, and the NAIDOC theme "Keep the fire burning, black, loud and proud." Gordon highlights the significance of passing down cultural knowledge to the next generation and the resilience needed to overcome challenges. He also discusses the impact of traditional practices and the role of community involvement in preserving cultural heritage.

Thank you to Shannan Bishop, a proud Gunggari Artist and Graphic Designer, who also has connections to Wakka Wakka and Kabi Kabi, for designing The Dreaming Collective's Podcast Artwork. Shannan's art depicts our host, Carly Forrest's journey of bringing the podcast to life and shows the coming together of freshwater and saltwater ~ red dirt and sand with the sharing of our storylines connecting us all and preserving these yarns for future generations.

This season of the podcast has been funded by has been funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency as a National NAIDOC Week Activity.