The origins of First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) can be traced back to a national gathering in Alice Springs in 1999. At this gathering, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability united under a shared purpose for the first time to highlight the social inequity faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and advocate for change.
Gumbaynggirr Dunghutti woman June Riemer is the Deputy CEO of First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN). She’s worked in the sector for over 40 years, leading and inspiring her team as they navigate the changes in the national disability sector.
June has led multiple national conferences and training workshops. Her goal is to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people don’t get left behind and have culturally appropriate access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
She’s also an adviser to multiple boards and reference groups where she ensures the rights and culture of her people are represented, respected and protected. June has been a representative at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva.
An accomplished speaker, June is respected for telling it like it is. She shares real insights based on her extensive work and travel within Australia’s Aboriginal communities, particularly in rural and remote areas.
June Reimer is talking with CAAMA broadcaster Jenni Hubert.
Listen here :