Proud Jarowair, Wakka Wakka and Turrbal woman Larissa Chambers has taken on a new role as development officer at Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ).

Ms Chambers, who grew up in the Ipswich region, brings more than a decade of experience in Indigenous health and a lifelong connection to athletics.

She has worked with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and was previously an ambassador and staff member for Deadly Choices.

Ms Chambers told National Indigenous Times she is excited to unite her cultural identity and sporting background in a role that supports community participation.

"It's very exciting to have two worlds collide for me - my Indigenous background and my love of track and field," she said.

Ms Chambers began her athletic career with Goodna Little Athletics at the age of nine.

Despite early challenges with leg strength, she was determined to improve.

"Mum got advice that I might need leg braces, but instead she put me in Little Athletics," she said.

"Running helped build that strength."

What followed was a national and international sprinting career.

She represented Australia at the 2014 World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, competing in the 100 metres and anchoring the 4x100m relay team.

Her personal bests include 11.69 seconds in the 100 metres, 24.23 seconds in the 200 metres, and 55.67 seconds in the 400 metres.

Ms Chambers said her journey was shaped by both triumph and hardship, including her father's stroke in 2014, which pushed her to step back from athletics and take up a role with Deadly Choices.

"Being a full-time athlete and having to work full-time to support yourself is tough," she said.

"But the experience made me stronger, and now I'm back and building towards competition again."

In her new role at LAQ, Ms Chambers will lead programs focused on community engagement, growth and athlete development.

She is currently designing a NAIDOC-themed school holiday event - something she says has never been done before by LAQ.

"I didn't see many kids like me doing athletics growing up," she said.

"Creating this event brings together sport and culture.

"Running, throwing, jumping - these are all things our mob have done naturally for generations."

She said the event will aim to create a culturally safe and welcoming space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to explore athletics.

"I want to open up a doorway for our community to get involved," she said.

Ms Chambers said her hope is for young people to be inspired after seeing someone who looks like them in leadership.

"Just seeing the excitement from young Indigenous kids when I visit schools is so special," she said.

"If I can inspire even one person through this role, I know I've done my job."

Having trained under the same coach, Vic Pascoe, for two decades, she values long-term relationships in sport and sees athletics as a lifelong journey.

"I'm 30 this year and I'm not slowing down," she said.

"If you're passionate, you keep going."

Ms Chambers plans to return to competition in Townsville and is aiming to qualify for future state and national championships.

As she settles into her new position, she says the focus remains clear - creating better opportunities for young mob in athletics.

"With support, mentorship, and proper access, our kids can go far and I want to be a part of making that happen," she said.