Emily Mbitjana, an Anmatjere grandmother from Central Australia, found herself raising four children alone after nursing her partner though a long illness until his passing.
Seeking to provide better support for her family, Emily joined Saltbush Indigenous Employment Programs and over the years move through from pre-employment to becoming a qualified cook and finalist in the Northern Territory Training Awards through the Saltbush Accelerated Aboriginal Cooks of Excellence Program.
Emily worked at Parliament House in Darwin and was a key supervisor during the pandemic when Karen Sheldon Group delivered the Howard Springs Quarantine Village catering contract where she was a role model for the many Aboriginal kitchen staff.
An accomplished artist and now a Director with Saltbush, Emily’s journey epitomizes the resilience and resourcefulness of her people. Now caring for her grandson, as well as supporting her youngest son through high school, and through telling her story, Emily continues to inspire and advocate for social change, education, and employment opportunities for her people
