Getting to know our team with Ikeya

Ikeya brings kindness, authenticity, and lived experience to her work, showing young people what’s possible when they are supported, understood, and encouraged to be themselves.

A proud Dieri woman, Ikeya grew up in Broken Hill and moved to Dubbo four years ago in search of new opportunities.

Ikeya is never one to shy away from something different, always open to new ideas and endeavors.

She previously tried her hand at hospitality and Human Resources, before landing a job as a mentor here at Bamara in the Dubbo Opportunity Hub (DHUB) program.

The chance to work with First Nations kids, helping them re-engage with school, build confidence, and develop pathways into employment, captured her interest the most.

As a First Nations woman herself, Ikeya understands the power of early support and cultural connection. She was inspired knowing that young people today have access to spaces where culture is celebrated, learning is supported, and wellbeing is prioritised.

“When I was younger at school, we had nothing like this, we didn’t have these opportunities, so it’s awesome to give these kids something I’ve never had,” Ikeya said.

“Its very rewarding, you become sort of like a big sister to them.”

For 10 months, Ikeya was a caring mentor to kids from year 5 to 12, her approach taking shape to suit each kid she interacts with, taking the time to break the ice, build trust, and create connections at their pace.

It’s important to Ikeya to be someone the kids can look up to, creating a safe space for open conversations, and for kids to open up, be themselves, and feel heard.

“I’m not there to be an authority figure or teacher. I’m there to be your friend, your big sister,” Ikeya said.

Ikeya also recognises the importance of creating culturally safe spaces for First Nations people to talk openly about mental health, wellbeing, and self-care. In many ways, the impact of this work flows both ways.

“I’ll run a session with the kids on wellbeing, self-care tips, and talking positively about yourself, and I’ll think, ‘Maybe I needed that,’” Ikeya said.

“Sometimes you take things away from your own sessions.”

When the opportunity arose to step into the role of DHUB Program Manager, she stepped up with enthusiasm, carrying the passion she had built from her experience as a mentor through to a leadership position.

Today, Ikeya continues to pave new pathways for the young people she supports, carrying empathy, lived experience, and a deep commitment to guiding the next generation into a bright, positive future.

Connect with our DHUB team 

As part of the NSW Government’s OCHRE initiative (Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Empowerment), Bamara leads the work of the Dubbo Opportunity Hub (DHUB), a program for Aboriginal students in Dubbo and Wellington focusing on transitioning from education to careers and employment.