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.