Who We Are

Cassandra Gibbs

Cassandra “Cass” Gibbs is a proud Yuwalayaay, Yuwalaraay and Gamilaraay yinaar (Aboriginal woman) originally from the small Aboriginal community of Goodooga in far North West NSW.     She grew up on  Yuwalayaay  country and currently lives and works on Wiradjuri country in Dubbo in the Central West of NSW.Cass has spent a majority of her life being drawn to learn, connect, grow and understand as much as possible about Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing that intrinsically connect her to the three clan groups to which she belongs. Cass pays her deepest respect to her Walgan's (Aunty's), baawaa's (sister's) and her Old People, her Elders, who have all played a role in shaping her into the strong, proud yinnar that she is today.  We have the oldest, continuous, surviving, living cultures in the whole world, right here in Australia and Cass believes all Australians should have a vested interest in ensuring the survival of all Aboriginal cultures.     Prior to working with Mercy Works,  Cass was the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Wesley Mission Lifeforce Program in Dubbo. She has also held previous roles at Program Manager Girls Academy South Campus at Dubbo College, Australian Catholic University – Cultural Mentor, tutor and occasional guest lecturer; and Indigenous Education Officer at Edmund Rice Centre for Justice & Community Education. She leads our Indigenous programs throughout Australia, partnering with local Indigenous organisations to run programs that improve the quality of life of vulnerable Indigenous peoples and communities.