About Us
Who are we?
Thanbarran (Than-barr-an) means connections or path in Gamilaraay Language—once the routes between sacred sites, and now the relationships we build between people, communities, and systems in need of change.
We are an Aboriginal-owned and operated consultancy grounded in lived experience, cultural authority, and deep professional expertise. Based in Queensland and working nationally, we partner with organisations and communities across urban, regional, and remote Australia.
Our work focuses on transforming structures—not just adding programs. We bring a sharp understanding of how colonisation continues to shape systems today, and we work to design pathways that centre self-determination, cultural safety, and justice.
We guide with care, challenge with integrity, and invite others to do the work alongside us—with respect, humility, and accountability.
Our Approach
At Thanbarran, we don’t offer quick fixes or surface-level inclusion. Our approach is grounded, honest, and built on the understanding that systems must shift—not just the people within them.
We lead with cultural authority and bring the right expertise to drive structural, lasting change. Our work is informed by lived experience, underpinned by evidence, and shaped through trusted relationships with community.
We focus on:
Transforming from the inside out — helping organisations embed cultural safety and Indigenous leadership into their core structures, policies, and practices.
Designing for those most affected — grounding all work in the realities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly those from communities most impacted by systemic harm.
Working relationally, not transactionally — building respectful partnerships that centre accountability, learning, and long-term change over short-term optics.
Embedding truth-telling and trauma-informed practice — acknowledging history and harm while creating conditions for safety, dignity, and strength.
Rooted in place and people — respecting and honouring both our cultural heritage and the diverse histories, values, and needs of the communities we work with. Our place-based approach means we adapt our methods and strategies to align with local contexts, ensuring relevance and meaningful impact.
We don’t position ourselves as ‘helpers.’ We work as change-makers, drawing on deep cultural and community knowledge to shift systems so they serve—not harm—our people.
Our Engagement Principles
Our work is relational, not transactional. We are guided by clear and culturally grounded principles in every engagement.
Cultural Authority Leads: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, leadership, and priorities shape the way we work.
Commitment to Deep Change: We ask our partners to come with openness—to listen, unlearn, and take meaningful action toward cultural safety and equity.
Integrity Over Optics: We engage with organisations ready to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to accountable, long-term transformation.
Clear and Transparent Communication: We maintain honest, direct, and respectful dialogue to build trust and clarity throughout the process.
Context-Driven Practice: We tailor our approaches to meet the needs of each organisation and the communities they serve—never a one-size-fits-all model.
Strengths-Based Lens: We recognise and build on the strengths, capabilities, and cultural resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ethical and Trauma-Informed Practice: We prioritise cultural safety, wellbeing, and ethical engagement across all levels of our work..
Our Values
Cultural Responsibility: We centre Indigenous knowledge and leadership to guide all our work.
Truth and Courage: We embrace honest conversations and bold action to drive real change.
Respect and Humility: We listen deeply and learn continuously, valuing diverse voices and experiences.
Cultural Safety: We prioritise environments that protect wellbeing, dignity, and cultural integrity.
Place-Based Commitment: We honour our roots and adapt our approach to the unique needs of each community we serve.
Our Team
At Thanbarran, our strength lies in the lived experience, cultural knowledge, and professional expertise of our team members. Many of our team come from regional towns and family groups among Australia’s most disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, grounding our work in grassroots perspectives to create lasting systemic change for all.
Our team brings a diverse range of skills spanning:
Organisational capability, Indigenous employment strategies, and cultural leadership to transform systems, policies, and leadership structures
Cultural capability training and trauma-informed approaches to deepen understanding and embed cultural safety
Research, evaluation, and policy design that centres Indigenous voices and drives evidence-based change
Program design, implementation, and community engagement focused on practical, healing-informed solutions for children, young people, and families
Organisational transformation to support long-term, meaningful change
Together, we combine cultural authority with technical know-how to deliver tailored services that help organisations move beyond surface-level commitments and create lasting impact. Every team member is committed to walking the talk — building pathways to self-determination, equity, and real structural change.
Why Thanbarran?
At Thanbarran, we are more than consultants — we are cultural conduits, bridging knowledge, lived experience, and practical expertise to create meaningful and lasting change. Because we don’t just follow — we lead the way. We clear paths, remove barriers, and build the foundations for organisations to genuinely partner with and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in achieving their goals. We bring both cultural insight and technical expertise, ensuring our solutions are practical, respectful, and transformative.
When you work with Thanbarran, you get:
Credible, community-grounded insight informed by lived experience
Tailored strategies that go beyond surface-level inclusion to shift systems
A trauma-informed and culturally safe approach to all engagement
A team dedicated to walking the talk — with humility, courage, and accountability
Choose Thanbarran to lead your organisation’s journey toward real, measurable impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the organisations that serve them.