pacific woman
This work is designed to introduce girls and women from the diverse Pacific region. To share a moment in time from their daily lives and help express what it is to be a woman of the Pacific in our time. Environmental portraits are coupled with intimate text written by each female.
Her story. Her voice.
If you would like to be featured in this collaborative project or know a Pacific Woman with a story to tell, we’d love to meet you.
Get in touch today
“My name is Jessie Courtney, I’m 21-years-old. I’m the middle child of 5 and I’m both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. I am a descendent from the Butchulla Tribe on Fraser Island and Mer and Erub Island in the Torres Straits. I lived in a few places along the east coast of Australia before returning to my home in Townsville.
When I was young I always had a quiet and shy nature. However, I've been told that I was a curious child, asking questions 24/7. I stayed that way throughout school, where I was recognised as a quiet achiever. It wasn’t until the last year of high school that I became more confident.
I was the Senior Student Council Indigenous Leader and the first in my family to graduate from high school and to study at university. I’ve spoken at the Queensland (QLD) Reconciliation Awards and the Sustainable Development Goals Australia Conference. I’ve been involved in the programs; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Marine Science and Reef Check, collecting imperative data on the Great Barrier Reef and sharing this knowledge. It’s created my passion for marine science, ocean life, climate and conservation.
Recently, I have also been involved in the QLD Indigenous Youth Leadership program. We support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to work together to develop community project proposals that drive change. I met ministers, MPs and young indigenous leaders from all over QLD. Since then I have been more determined to become a leader within my community and to advocate for the environment and indigenous rights.”
- Jessie Courtney 2019