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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.