Marcella Ketchell – Advocating for financial inclusion in the Torres Strait

Marcella Ketchell is from the Kaanju clan in Cape York, with connections to Waanyi on her mother’s side, and the Wakaid tribe from Badu and Zagareb tribe from Mer on her father’s side.

Her early years were spent growing up on Thursday Island, before moving to Cairns where she’s still based now. Marcella is passionate about supporting remote communities in Far North Queensland and has worked in government and non-government positions across health, employment and training; and government coordination. She’s now with the GBK Torres Strait Sea and Land Council in a community partnerships and development role.

In this episode we yarn about the economic disadvantages people living in the Torres Strait Islands face, the importance of financial literacy and stability, credit file reports, building discipline around financial goals, and taking advantage of the opportunities our older generations were locked out of.

Rich Blak Women is a podcast from national Indigenous not-for-profit First Nations Foundation, following stories of culture, strength, challenge, and resilience from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – rich in culture, value, and mindset.

Conversations aim to deepen awareness about the unique economic inequities’ First Nations women face, investigate success and connection to culture, empower financial wellbeing through shared experiences and learnings, and build community and allies.

The First Nations line-up of guests in the new season include Guyala Bayles (model, actor, activist), Gill Mailman (telecommunications leader), Senator Dorinda Cox (WA Greens), Marcella Ketchell (GBH Torres Strait Sea & Land Council), Shantelle Thompson OAM (Kiilalaana Foundation founder and Jiu Jitsu world champion), Shanell Dargan (boxer and singer), Donnell Wallam (Australian netballer), Celeste Carnegie, (Community Programs & Engagement at Indigitek), and Nornie Bero (Mabu Mabu restaurant owner).

Host, Larisha Jerome, is a proud Jarowair, Wakka Wakka & Wulli Wulli woman who grew up on Darug Country in Western Sydney and has an extensive background in banking, women’s health, government, and community services. She leads the Foundation’s Women’s Financial Wellness work addressing the economic injustice First Nations people face and empowering women to achieve full financial wellness and independence.

Rich Blak Women will be available on most podcast platforms and can be streamed from First Nations Foundation directly. For more information, please visit tomorrowmoney.co/women/rbw

For more information on the Foundation’s Women’s Financial Wellness initiative, please visit firstnationsfoundation.org.au/indigenous-womens-financial-wellness

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