Our Team

At Jipungwayi, our dedicated team consists entirely of First Nations individuals who serve as strong role models within their communities. Each member brings a wealth of cultural knowledge, using their cultural identity as a powerful tool to overcome hardship and guide youth through challenging experiences.

We fully support our staff as knowledge holders and empower them with the capability to work with and manage difficult situations. Our team draws on their deep connection to family and country, using this as a key resource to address and navigate intergenerational trauma.

While our employees may not hold Western educational qualifications, we are committed to providing opportunities for upskilling, particularly in areas related to trauma-informed care and working with youth. We recognize the strength of lived experience and ensure that our staff are continuously supported in their growth and development.

Michael Coombes

Michael is the co - founder of Jipungwayi. He is a Tiwi Iwadja and Luritja Lore man. Michael’s family is the Traditional Owners of Coburg and he sits on the board as a representative for his family. In his professional life Michael’s experiences have always centred around helping First Nations people from classroom support to leadership positions with in the patrol team at Larrakia.

Cultural Knowledge:

Micheal is highly respected within his community and beyond as someone who is strong in culture and deeply committed to passing it on. After spending his younger years chasing his footy dreams across Australia, he dedicated the past four years to reconnecting with his Country, his Elders, and his language. Through this journey, he has experienced firsthand the healing power of knowing his songs, stories, and cultural identity.

Micheal is passionate about sharing this strength with First Nations youth, showing them that culture is not just a connection to the past but a powerful tool for overcoming hardship. He believes that when young people understand their kinship ties and cultural roots, they gain a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and purpose—helping them navigate both their immediate communities and wider society with confidence.

In the 18 months since founding Jipungwayi, Micheal has worked with many young people, placing culture at the heart of his programs. By teaching kinship connections, language, and traditional knowledge, he empowers youth to reclaim their identity, build resilience, and see culture as a source of strength in their lives.

Gabbie Field

Gabbie is the co - founder of Jipungwayi and a Wanaruah woman from the Hunter Valley NSW. She is passionate about uplifting First Nations voices and supporting youth to realise their full potential. In her professional life she has worked with youth for over 10 years, with the last 8 of those being in education in various roles including leadership.

Cultural Knowledge:

Gabbie has always known her identity as a First Nations woman. Due to colonization, her family’s cultural practices and language were disrupted, and they were displaced from their country over 150 years ago. Her great - great Grandfather was a Biripi Man who was born along the Manning River in the mid north coast of NSW. Gabbie’s grandfather ensured she understood her story and heritage, instilling in her a deep sense of pride and responsibility. This connection drives Gabbie’s passion for ensuring all children have access to First Nations role models and opportunities to learn, practice, and share culture, fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging.

  • Rashaun Winunguji

    Youth Support Worker

    Rashuan is a proud Tiwi, Iwaidja and Yolŋu man, deeply connected to his culture and country. A keen hunter and a deadly spear maker, his skills have been carefully honed and passed down through generations of his family. Each spear he crafts carries the knowledge, patience, and respect for tradition that has shaped him from a young age.

    When the opportunity arose to join Jipungwayi, Shauny didn’t hesitate. He was eager to share his cultural knowledge, practical skills, and lived experience with young people, helping to strengthen their own connections to culture and community. From the moment he came on board, he’s proven himself to be an incredible asset to our team — dependable, skilled, and always ready to lend a hand.

    With a warm, easy-going personality, Shauny has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Whether he’s out on country teaching traditional hunting techniques, sharing stories, or simply having a yarn, he creates a space where people feel welcomed, respected, and inspired. We’re lucky to have him as part of the Jipungwayi family.

  • Joseph Bourke

    Sport and Recreation Assistant

    JoJo is a proud Tiwi man from Pirlangimpi, deeply committed to his community and the wellbeing of its young people. With a lifelong passion for sport, he now leads Jipungwayi’s Sport and Recreation program in Pirlangimpi, running regular activities that give local kids a safe, positive and engaging space to connect, have fun, and stay active.

    JoJo’s dedication goes far beyond the hours listed in his role. He’s often found opening the recreation hall on his own time, making sure young people have a place to gather, play and learn new skills. His commitment stems from a genuine belief in the power of sport and community connection to shape strong futures.

    Outside of work, JoJo treasures time with his young family, and he’s a familiar face around the Tiwi Islands Football League (TIFL) during footy season. You’ll often spot him proudly cheering for the Imalu Tigers, showing the same enthusiasm on the sidelines as he does when running programs for the kids.

    With his gentle approach and natural enthusiasm, JoJo has built strong relationships with the young people he works with. They respond to his energy, his kindness, and his willingness to get involved in every game and activity. Whether he’s on the basketball court, at the rec hall, or out in the community, JoJo brings people together and creates opportunities for connection, learning and fun. We’re incredibly lucky to have him as part of the Jipungwayi team.