In this episode Caroline talks to Aboriginal, African American and Greek women, Yolanda Finnete. Yolanda is a consultant, facilitator and holistic life coach specialising in trauma informed coaching. She has over 25 years experience working in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector.

They talk about what it was like for Yolanda being a kid during  the political Aboriginal movement in the 70’s. The significance of the Cummeragunja walk off and Yolanda’s families role as many reflected on the 82nd anniversary, of this landmark moment in Australian history, last week.

They discuss the effects of burnout and the importance of expressing your capacity, boundaries and having daily nourishing practices. Finally they discuss the life changing benefits to trauma informed coaching.  

Yolanda is running a 'values and goal setting workshop' this Wednesday 10 February. Head over to www.yolandafinette.com to purchase tickets. One not to miss!

In this episode Caroline talks to Aboriginal, African American and Greek women, Yolanda Finnete. Yolanda is a consultant, facilitator and holistic life coach specialising in trauma informed coaching. She has over 25 years experience working in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector.They talk about what it was like for Yolanda being a kid during  the political Aboriginal movement in the 70’s. The significance of the Cummeragunja walk off and Yolanda’s families role as many reflected on the 82nd anniversary, of this landmark moment in Australian history, last week.They discuss the effects of burnout and the importance of expressing your capacity, boundaries and having daily nourishing practices. Finally they discuss the life changing benefits to trauma informed coaching.  Yolanda is running a &apos;values and goal setting workshop&apos; this Wednesday 10 February. Head over to www.yolandafinette.com to purchase tickets. One not to miss!

Yarning Up is hosted by the ever-inspiring Caroline Kell - Mbarbrum woman, visionary behind Blak Wattle Coaching and Consulting, and TedX Speaker. This show is helping to redefine the way listeners engage with First Nations people, stories, experiences and perspectives, offering a refreshing alternative to the mainstream narrative.  Through candid and heartfelt conversations, this platform opens doors to authentic learning and connection with First Nations people, issues, causes, and stories. Its purpose is truth telling and to help all Australians learn and unlearn Australia’s past, to work towards a better future.  

Yarning Up is hosted by the ever-inspiring Caroline Kell - Mbarbrum woman, visionary behind <a href="https://www.carolinekell.com.au/">Blak Wattle Coaching and Consulting</a>, and <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/caroline_kell_first_nations_burnout_the_cultural_collective_load">TedX Speaker.</a> This show is helping to redefine the way listeners engage with First Nations people, stories, experiences and perspectives, offering a refreshing alternative to the mainstream narrative.&nbsp; Through candid and heartfelt conversations, this platform opens doors to authentic learning and connection with First Nations people, issues, causes, and stories. Its purpose is truth telling and to help all Australians learn and unlearn Australia’s past, to work towards a better future. &nbsp;

Yarning Up First Nations Stories with Caroline Kell

Yolanda Finette - The Power of First Nations Healers, Coaches & Holistic Health

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/9aba2700-8382-424a-ba49-b0c001849e65/transcript

In this episode of Yarning Up, the first instalment of Season Five, I sat down with Meriki Onus, who shared their passion for standing for election to the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria—an independent, democratically elected body representing First Peoples in Treaty negotiations. The Assembly forms part of Gellung Warl, a new overarching body established under the Victorian Government’s Statewide Treaty Act 2025.

Meriki opened up about their family’s long history of political activism, reflecting on what it was like growing up on Lake Tyers Mission in Bung Yarnda. They spoke about listening to conversations around Aboriginal community control, Treaty, and sovereignty—shared by their Nan, Alma Thorpe, and Edna Brown—long before they had the language to fully understand them.

They also shared their vision as a member: “putting community at the heart of Gellung Warl,” and what it means to reimagine what’s possible in resetting our relationship with government—and with ourselves—on our own terms.

The Victorian Treaty Elections will take place from 21 March to 12 April 2026, with voting available online, in person, or by post. These elections determine representatives for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria—an independent, democratically elected body that plays a key role in Treaty negotiations. Voting is not compulsory, but it’s a powerful opportunity for community to have a say in shaping the future of Treaty in Victoria.

 

To learn more about the Treaty Elections happening in Victoria click HERE. To learn more about Meriki Onus candidacy click HERE. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review so we can elevate First Nations people and stories and don’t forget to follow the show! Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline HERE

 

We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was recorded. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past and present. And our future young generations.

 

In this episode of Yarning Up, the first instalment of Season Five, I sat down with Meriki Onus, who shared their passion for standing for election to the First Peoples&rsquo; Assembly of Victoria&mdash;an independent, democratically elected body representing First Peoples in Treaty negotiations. The Assembly forms part of Gellung Warl, a new overarching body established under the Victorian Government&rsquo;s Statewide Treaty Act 2025.
Meriki opened up about their family&rsquo;s long history of political activism, reflecting on what it was like growing up on Lake Tyers Mission in Bung Yarnda. They spoke about listening to conversations around Aboriginal community control, Treaty, and sovereignty&mdash;shared by their Nan, Alma Thorpe, and Edna Brown&mdash;long before they had the language to fully understand them.
They also shared their vision as a member: &ldquo;putting community at the heart of Gellung Warl,&rdquo; and what it means to reimagine what&rsquo;s possible in resetting our relationship with government&mdash;and with ourselves&mdash;on our own terms.
The Victorian Treaty Elections will take place from 21 March to 12 April 2026, with voting available online, in person, or by post. These elections determine representatives for the First Peoples&rsquo; Assembly of Victoria&mdash;an independent, democratically elected body that plays a key role in Treaty negotiations. Voting is not compulsory, but it&rsquo;s a powerful opportunity for community to have a say in shaping the future of Treaty in Victoria.
&nbsp;
To learn more about the Treaty Elections happening in Victoria click <a href="https://www.treatyelections.org/">HERE</a>. To learn more about Meriki Onus candidacy click <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vote1_meriki_onus/">HERE.</a>&nbsp;
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review so we can elevate First Nations people and stories and don&rsquo;t forget to follow the show! Follow Caroline on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/blak_wattle_coaching/"> @blak_wattle_coaching</a> and learn more about working with Caroline<a href="https://www.carolinekell.com.au/"> HERE</a>
&nbsp;
We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia&rsquo;s First Peoples&rsquo; who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was recorded. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past and present. And our future young generations.
&nbsp;

 Meriki Onus - Historic Treaty Elections (Gellung Warl)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/a0832162-1f46-4b55-b997-b4110027fbd5/transcript

In this heartfelt episode of Yarning Up, host Caroline Kell sits down for a rich and inspiring yarn with Megan Waters—media presenter, host of Yokayi, Nike ambassador, and proud Warumungu and Yawuru woman. Megan is also a passionate community advocate, deeply committed to amplifying First Nations voices and supporting community wellbeing.

Together, they explore what true wellness looks like from a First Nations perspective—mind, body, and spirit all connected. Megan reflects on her childhood growing up on Larrakia Country, the powerful influence of her family and cultural roots, and how these foundations have shaped her path in media, movement, and healing.

From navigating grief and personal challenges to embracing breathwork, self-connection, and movement, Megan shares how she's been able to reclaim wellness through a decolonised and culturally grounded lens.

Whether you're mob or an ally, this is a conversation that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and tune into your inner knowing. Full of wisdom, honesty, and hope, it’s a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from healing within and building community along the way.

To learn more about Megan Waters, follow her  journey here:

https://www.instagram.com/megzyy_/?hl=en

https://open.spotify.com/show/3DECofSwJVsvAAIBZM1UTt

Follow Caroline on Instagram:
@blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here.

We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where this podcast was taped, and pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present, and emerging across Australia.

This podcast is brought to you by On Track Studio.
www.ontrackstudio.com.au
@on.track.studio

For advertising opportunities, please email: hello@ontrackstudio.com.au

In this heartfelt episode of Yarning Up, host Caroline Kell sits down for a rich and inspiring yarn with Megan Waters&mdash;media presenter, host of Yokayi, Nike ambassador, and proud Warumungu and Yawuru woman. Megan is also a passionate community advocate, deeply committed to amplifying First Nations voices and supporting community wellbeing.
Together, they explore what true wellness looks like from a First Nations perspective&mdash;mind, body, and spirit all connected. Megan reflects on her childhood growing up on Larrakia Country, the powerful influence of her family and cultural roots, and how these foundations have shaped her path in media, movement, and healing.
From navigating grief and personal challenges to embracing breathwork, self-connection, and movement, Megan shares how she's been able to reclaim wellness through a decolonised and culturally grounded lens.
Whether you're mob or an ally, this is a conversation that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and tune into your inner knowing. Full of wisdom, honesty, and hope, it&rsquo;s a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from healing within and building community along the way.
To learn more about Megan Waters, follow her&nbsp; journey here:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/megzyy_/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/megzyy_/?hl=en</a>
https://open.spotify.com/show/3DECofSwJVsvAAIBZM1UTt
Follow Caroline on Instagram: @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline<a href="http://www.carolinekao.com"> here</a>.
We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where this podcast was taped, and pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present, and emerging across Australia.
This podcast is brought to you by On Track Studio. <a href="http://www.ontrackstudio.com.au">www.ontrackstudio.com.au </a>@on.track.studio
For advertising opportunities, please email: hello@ontrackstudio.com.au

Megan 'Megzy' Waters: Reconnecting First Nations Mind, Body and Country

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/6d0900ce-ca0c-4d09-91eb-b2b9017d4d9c/transcript

With less than a week until the 48th Federal Election, I had the privilege of sitting down with Yamatji-Noongar woman and the first Indigenous woman to represent Western Australia in the Senate, Senator Dorinda Cox.

This election feels like a turning point—First Nations justice, climate, housing, and international solidarity are all on the ballot. In this candid episode, I explore Dorinda Cox’s personal journey and unprecedented path into politics, unpacking the challenges and lessons she gained from her time as a police officer. We discuss critical issues facing our mobs, from the cost of living and affordable housing to the government's lack of action on First Nations sovereignty and truth. We also delve into global solidarity with Indigenous communities and Palestine, tackling important conversations on colonisation, structural change, and the Greens' grassroots approach to these pressing matters and their election promises!

It’s important to note that I was not compensated for this taping, nor any other Yarning Up taping. Our team reached out to all Senators, including Senator Jana Stewart, Senator Malindiri McCarthy, and Senator Jacinta Price, but received no response, and in Senator Stewart’s case, a decline. It was our intention to ask the tough questions on behalf of our mob while maintaining political neutrality. We are grateful to Senator Cox for allowing us to do that.

To learn more about Senator Dorinda Cox click HERE. To learn more about what the Greens party is proposing in their election platform click HERE.

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review so we can elevate First Nations people and stories and don’t forget to follow the show! Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline HERE

 

We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was recorded. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past and present. And our future young generations.

 

This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio.

www.ontrackstudio.com.au

@on.track.studio

For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au

With less than a week until the 48th Federal Election, I had the privilege of sitting down with Yamatji-Noongar woman and the first Indigenous woman to represent Western Australia in the Senate, Senator Dorinda Cox.
This election feels like a turning point&mdash;First Nations justice, climate, housing, and international solidarity are all on the ballot. In this candid episode, I explore Dorinda Cox&rsquo;s personal journey and unprecedented path into politics, unpacking the challenges and lessons she gained from her time as a police officer. We discuss critical issues facing our mobs, from the cost of living and affordable housing to the government's lack of action on First Nations sovereignty and truth. We also delve into global solidarity with Indigenous communities and Palestine, tackling important conversations on colonisation, structural change, and the Greens' grassroots approach to these pressing matters and their election promises!
It&rsquo;s important to note that I was not compensated for this taping, nor any other Yarning Up taping. Our team reached out to all Senators, including Senator Jana Stewart, Senator Malindiri McCarthy, and Senator Jacinta Price, but received no response, and in Senator Stewart&rsquo;s case, a decline. It was our intention to ask the tough questions on behalf of our mob while maintaining political neutrality. We are grateful to Senator Cox for allowing us to do that.
To learn more about Senator Dorinda Cox click <a href="https://greens.org.au/wa/person/dorinda-cox">HERE</a>. To learn more about what the Greens party is proposing in their election platform click <a href="https://greens.org.au/platform">HERE.</a>
&nbsp;
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review so we can elevate First Nations people and stories and don&rsquo;t forget to follow the show! Follow Caroline on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/blak_wattle_coaching/"> @blak_wattle_coaching</a> and learn more about working with Caroline <a href="https://www.carolinekell.com.au/">HERE</a>
&nbsp;
We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia&rsquo;s First Peoples&rsquo; who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was recorded. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past and present. And our future young generations.
&nbsp;
This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio.
<a href="https://www.ontrackstudio.com.au/">www.ontrackstudio.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/on.track.studio/">@on.track.studio</a>
For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au

Election Insights: Yarning with Senator Dorinda Cox on the 48th Federal Australian Election

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/585d2258-6f57-4ecc-b2ce-b2cd004a67d0/transcript

Yolanda Finette - The Power of First Nations Healers, Coaches & Holistic Health

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