
Aunty Lauraine Barlow
Cultural Advisor
Where non-Indigenous people are involved in the leadership of research, it is important that they engage with trusted cultural advisors. In this project, cultural stewardship is provided by Aunty Lauraine Barlow. Aunty Lauraine is a descendant of Mandingalpa Clan, Yidiny tribe and Kulla Kulla Clan, Lama Lama tribe in North Queensland. Her Aboriginal name is Jana-n Mandingalbay / Jigiddirri Jigiddirri, which means “standout willy wagtail”. Recently, she was honoured with a third name, Buligud, which means Grandmother. Lauraine has managed serious chronic illnesses and disabilities all her life. Two of her children have been impacted by disability and she cares for many other children with high support needs. She is a respected member of the community and has been a community researcher since 2003 focused on improving opportunities for First Peoples.