Our Purpose
The Cultural Committee leads the way in embedding cultural safety, integrity, and respect across our organisation. As an Aboriginal organisation, we are committed to creating a culturally safe space for our people, community, and staff, ensuring Aboriginal culture and ways of knowing, being, and doing are at the centre of everything we do.
Our Objectives
- Promote and uphold cultural safety across all SWAMS services and programs.
- Provide cultural advice on strategic initiatives, policies, and procedures.
- Support the development and implementation of culturally appropriate practices and training.
- Identify and raise cultural risks and opportunities.
- Support Aboriginal staff members to feel empowered and culturally safe and connected in the workplace.
- Provide cultural insight to the Senior Leadership Team on a regular basis.
- Provide a clear point of contact for non-Aboriginal staff seeking cultural guidance.
- Represent cultural perspectives at Manager/Coordinator meetings.
- Provide cultural advice and support for funding applications and program development.
- Assist in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction to ensure cultural safety is prioritised.
- Plan and lead cultural events, activities, and community engagement opportunities.
- Champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, decision-making, and self-determination in all aspects of the organisation’s work.
- Provide Cultural Capability Toolkit training to all staff.
Salena Linforth-Milham – Primary Health Manager
(Cultural Committee Chairperson)
Background
I am a Noongar woman with strong family and community ties across the South West and have lived on Noongar boodja all my life. My background is in primary health and leadership, focusing on culturally safe care and better health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Highlights/Achievements:
Supporting the Primary Health team to deliver culturally safe care, contributing to service development at SWAMS, and working with community and colleagues to strengthen Aboriginal health outcomes.
Fun fact about yourself:
I enjoy bringing people together and learning through shared stories, culture, and connection.
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
I joined the Cultural Committee to help strengthen cultural safety across SWAMS. It provides space to listen, learn, and ensure Aboriginal culture and perspectives are respected in our workplace and services. Being involved lets me support culturally appropriate practices that benefit staff and community.
Fiona Carpanoni – Transport Coordinator
Background
My family are originally from Narrogin, Ninyette and Davis family, grew up in Manjimup
Highlights/Achievements:
Getting to transport coordinator role
Fun fact about yourself:
Love a good laugh, love helping people
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
To learn more about Aboriginal people to advocate for them plus learn more for myself.
Wade Garwood – Acting Director Business Services
Background
I was born in Perth, but lived in Bunbury nearly my whole life. My mob is Wardandi, mainly on my Bennell side. I Also have ties to Miriuwung Gajerrong land on my Grandmother’s side.
Highlights/Achievements:
I was the inaugural Youth Director on the Board of the Aboriginal Health Council of WA.
Fun fact about yourself:
My Grandfather was instrumental in the establishment of SWAMS.
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
To support my Indigenous peers to be successful and culturally safe here at SWAMS.
Maitland Humphries – Community Connector
Background
I am a proud Noongar Wardandi Ballardong man connected to Bunbury, Kellerberrin and Pingelly, descending from the Humphries, Jetta, Bennell, Hill, Yappo and Abrahams families.
Highlights/Achievements:
As a Community Connector, I support Community to access NDIS services and guide them through each step until they have a plan. I also helped start Free Dress Fridays, working with staff, watching it grow, and seeing everyone express their personalities.
Fun fact about yourself:
I like to listen to all kinds of genres in music, read young fiction, crime and dystopian books and as well as Korean Drama shows.
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
I chose to be on the Committee because I have a strong connection to my elders and emerging elders and want to maintain that. As a younger person, I hope to make a positive impact within SWAMS for both current and future generations.
Jodi Hayden – Acting Executive Assistant
Background
I was born and raised in Bunbury; my mum was a Calgaret. I have two sons and four grandchildren. My grandfather is from Wardandi Country and my grandmother is from Ngadju Country near Norseman. I’ve lived mainly in Bunbury, with time in Albany and Derby, and spent most of my career in government roles before moving to SWAMS. I’m grateful for the change and the role we play in supporting community.
Highlights/Achievements:
I’ve had many work highlights, but my biggest achievement is my family. Seeing the people you love living strong, happy lives is the greatest reward.
Fun fact about yourself:
I love to read but must finish every book I start, even if I don’t like it.
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
I am highly driven and passionate about Aboriginal people and our voice. I want to ensure that we contribute to our workplace and influence the Culture at SWAMS. I want to work with the committee to help with Cultural safety in the organisation and to support our Aboriginal employees.
Keely Wallam – Data Analyst Co-ordinator
Background
Born and raised in Bunbury, I was brought up alongside the Noongar community with strong family values and a commitment to community.
Highlights/Achievements:
Becoming a mother has been my biggest achievement, shaping my values, priorities, and resilience.
Fun fact about yourself:
I enjoy spending time by the ocean/rivers and just being able to switch off.
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
I chose to join the Cultural Committee to help amplify the voices of our Indigenous staff and support their growth and opportunities here at SWAMS
Codie Garlett – Acting Aged Care Coordinator
Background
I’m a proud Noongar Wilman Whadjuk woman, born in Collie and now living in Bunbury since I was six. I come from the Garlett, Ugle, Mears and Northover families and my people are the freshwater people.
Highlights/Achievements:
My greatest achievement is my beautiful son. In my role, a major highlight has been supporting our Elders to access the help they need to stay safe in their homes. I truly love connecting with our Elders. I’m also proud of stepping into the Coordinator role, something I once never imagined but am grateful to have achieved.
Fun fact about yourself:
I can’t eat oranges without adding salt! I love family time, Country music and watching Law & Order: SVU
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
I joined to celebrate culture, strengthen community and help uplift our Elders’ knowledge and stories.
Krystal Liddell – Assets Officer
Background
I was born in the remote community of Tennant creek Warramunga tribe on Warumungu country. I moved to Bunbury in 2020 and love the community and relationships I am continuing to build and feel connected to calling Bunbury home.
Highlights/Achievements:
Workwise I hold a Certificate III in business administration and have worked in various remote communities across Australia and Africa. Although my most rewarding achievement is becoming a mother as family connection is very important to me.
Fun fact about yourself:
In summer I live at the beach, I want to study immunology.
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
To learn and to represent the voices of our Aboriginal staff and members.
Elsie Penny – Cultural Practice Leader (Kwaba Bidi Program)
Background
I am a Noongar Goreng woman from Gnowangerup in the Great Southern. I have lived in Bunbury for over 30 years now and it feels like home. I descend from the Penny, Woods, Brown and Wynne families. I am married with 5 children and 8 grandchildren.
Highlights/Achievements:
Completing my Bachelor of Nursing Degree and receiving an OAM for my work in Indigenous Community Health for over 30 years.
Fun fact about yourself:
I enjoy reading romance books, doing regular yoga/meditation and spending time with my family.
Why You chose to be on the Cultural Committee?
To be a voice for our people and to ensure that Cultural safety and practice is embedded in all areas of our organisation. Also to support our motto of “Our health our way” to honour those that have been instrumental in starting up SWAMS.
