CLIENT
TESTIMONIALS

Oxfam Australia has been working to advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights for more than 40 years. Oxfam has had the privilege of working with Michelle Deshong for over a decade through the Straight Talk women’s political engagement program. Oxfam has been able to witness a truly comprehensive view of politics spanning over ten years.

Michelle has politically activated more than 800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women into the Australian political sphere and changed the face of politics.

Michelle has been effective in making a difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, both personally and professionally, building women’s alliances and networks across Australia, and increasing women’s participation in leadership positions.

Michelle’s achievements have been an important marker of women’s progress in local and state political representation. Michelle has provided Oxfam with valuable insights into encouraging women, now and in the future, to make a contribution to the democratic arena.

Michelle is recognised globally for her efforts in the gender justice space transforming gender power relations and norms through her efforts. Michelle has remained alert to women’s vast and growing achievements, and to women’s progress towards equal participation in society.

Through the Straight Talk program, Michelle has worked with women, nationwide and globally, to raise their voices as active citizens in their own communities, step into leadership roles, and understand how leadership can create sustainable change that promotes women’s rights and gender equality.

Michelle is among a new generation of Indigenous leaders pushing the boundaries to overcome the hurdles that have long beset Indigenous communities. Through politics and enabling environments, Michelle has forced a new way of thinking and collaboratively working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to find pathways to politics.

The opportunity to work with Michelle is always worth seizing. Her passion and commitment for supporting individuals to bring their best selves is evident. She is an engaging, energetic and a thought- provoking facilitator, committed to the development of leadership for First Nations Peoples and the opportunity that this presents for all.

Michelle is an alumnus of the Foundation and an Associate. She continues to be a valuable and active contributor to many of our leadership development programs with key roles in Milparanga and the Torres Strait Women’s Leadership Program. Michelle brings significant experience, networks, knowledge and wisdom. Her personable wit wins the respect of a group as she elicits contributions from individuals – the comfortable and the uncomfortable.

Speciality in gender, governance, community leadership, political science, engaging in difficult conversations and straight out facilitation.

Philippa Woodhill