I yarn with proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman Larissa Baldwin-Roberts — a lifelong community organiser, strategist, and changemaker. From growing up in Lismore surrounded by stories of resistance and survival, to leading major campaigns on climate, justice, and rights, Larissa shares how her family’s legacy shaped her political thinking and commitment to grassroots action.

We explore the aftermath of the Voice referendum, the threats facing Treaty processes, and the urgent need to reframe how we organise, persuade, and protect First Nations rights on our own terms. Larissa reflects on the lessons passed down from her father and community Elders, the role of strategic activism, and why self-determination doesn’t need government permission.

With deep insights into the political moment we’re in, this episode also shines a light on Indigenous-led leadership, featuring reflections on the work of Aunty Mary Graham and the power of Aboriginal logic and philosophy.

🖤💛❤️

Resources & Links

The BlackCard – Cultural Education and Training
Founded by Aunty Mary Graham and Dr Lilla Watson.

• https://www.theblackcard.com.au/

Passing the Message Stick
A research project led by First Nations campaigners, including Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, focused on how to shift public attitudes toward First Nations justice.

• https://passingthemessagestick.org.au/

GetUp!
A progressive movement Larissa previously led — involved in campaigns on justice, climate, and Aboriginal rights.

• https://www.getup.org.au/

Voice Referendum – Resources and Reflections

• The Guardian – Referendum coverage and analysis:
  https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/voice-to-parliament

• Australian Human Rights Commission – Statement on the Voice:
  https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/voice-parliament

Yoorrook Justice Commission (VIC)
Victoria’s Truth-Telling Commission

• https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/

Truth and Treaty Processes (QLD & NT)

• Queensland Truth-Telling and Treaty:
  https://statementfromtheheart.com/treaty/qld/

• Northern Territory Treaty Process:
  https://www.treaty.nt.gov.au/

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities. Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do.

If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode, Mundanara sits down with Walters Nkemfack, a proud Cameroonian-Australian father, cultural educator, and social justice advocate living on Kabi Kabi Country. Walters shares his deeply personal journey from Cameroon to Germany and finally to the Sunshine Coast—where the racism his young son experienced in kindergarten sparked a lifelong commitment to community-building and anti-racism work.

From his grassroots “leaf experiment” in a classroom to becoming an ambassador for the Shine a Light on Racism campaign, Walters’ story is a testament to turning pain into purpose. He talks candidly about the realities of systemic discrimination in workplaces and schools, the exhaustion of starting over in each new setting, and the courage it takes to speak out when silence feels safer.

This yarn is a reminder that inclusion is more than diversity—it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels like they truly belong.

Resources & Links

Anti-Racism Campaigns & Education

• Shine a Light on Racism (Sunshine Coast Council)
  https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/community-support/shine-a-light-on-racism

• Shine a Light Educational Resources
  https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/shinealightonracism/educate

• Shine a Light: Make a Pledge
  https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/community-support/shine-a-light-on-racism/pledge

• Racism. It Stops With Me (Australian Human Rights Commission)
  https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/

• Racism. It Stops With Me – Resource Hub
  https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/resourcehub

• Racism. It Stops With Me – Support Services
  https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/take-action/support-services

Reporting Racism

• Racism Register
  https://racismregister.org/

• Racism Register – About
  https://racismregister.org/pages/about

• Call It Out (First Nations Racism Register)
  https://callitout.com.au/

Mental Health & Crisis Support

• 13YARN (Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples)
  https://www.13yarn.org.au/

• Lifeline Australia (24/7 crisis support)
  https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Mental Health Care Access

• Mental Health Treatment Plans (via your GP)
  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan

Workplace Support

• AccessEAP (Employee Assistance Program provider)
  https://www.accesseap.com.au/

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities. Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do.

If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proudly supported by NRMA Insurance.

In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down on beautiful Gimuy (Cairns) Country with Juan Walker—founder of Walkabout Cultural Adventures and proud Kuku Yalanji man.

Juan shared with me his journey from being a shy young fulla to running one of the most respected cultural tourism businesses in the country. His tours don’t just take you across land—they connect you deeply to story, culture, and the responsibilities we carry. From mud-crabbing with the kids to learning about his family's history on Country, this yarn was filled with so many gems about what it means to be grounded in who you are while running your own business.

Juan’s passion for culture, education, and empowerment is infectious. Whether he's teaching tourists, schoolkids, or mentoring other mob, he's walking the walk—literally and figuratively. This episode is all about that connection to Country, the power of lived experience, and why culture is our biggest asset.

Proudly supported by NRMA Insurance, this episode highlights the power of Blak business, community, and leadership. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Want to learn more about Juan and his work?
🌐 Website: https://walkaboutadventures.com.au
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkaboutculturaladventures

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities. Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do.

If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.