Wakai Waian Healing has marked three years of service from Dr Ivy Trevallion, who continues to play a key leadership role from the organisation's Thursday Island office.

Aunty Ivy is a Senior Social Worker and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Counsellor.

Her work supports children, young people and families on Thursday Island and throughout Zenadth Kes.

She brings more than 30 years' experience to the role, with a career grounded in advocacy for Indigenous rights, social justice and community wellbeing.

A proud Torres Strait Islander woman from Dauan and Saibai Islands, Aunty Ivy studied at the Aboriginal Task Force at the South Australian Institute of Technology in 1977 before graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Queensland in 1986.

Her work has spanned medical services, education, government and advisory bodies guided by a strong commitment to culture and community.

In 2020, she played a key role in the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Act, which formally recognised a traditional Torres Strait Islander child rearing practice.

She continues to support this work as Chair of the Kupai Omasker Working Party.

At Wakai Waian Healing, Aunty Ivy helps embed Torres Strait Islander cultural authority into clinical and therapeutic practice and provides supervision and mentorship to junior staff, helping strengthen workforce retention and build future leaders.

Wakai Waian Healing CEO Ed Mosby said Aunty Ivy's presence was a source of cultural strength across the organisation.

"Aunty Ivy is cultural authority in action. Her presence grounds our work in Torres Strait Islander law, values, and responsibility," Mr Mosby said.

"She brings decades of lived experience and professional wisdom, and she holds us to account in the best possible way."

Her approach to care has helped deepen clinical practice, according to Occupational Therapist Jena Stephen.

"Aunty Ivy has an incredible ability to translate culture into practice in ways that strengthen our clinical work," Ms Stephen said.

"She reminds us that culture is not an add on. It is the foundation."

Social Worker Amanda Majid said the support she receives through mentorship had shaped her approach.

"Aunty Ivy doesn't just supervise your work. She teaches you how to carry yourself, how to listen properly, and how to hold people's stories with respect," Ms Majid said.

"She creates a safe space to learn and grow, and that is why people stay at Wakai Waian Healing."

Aunty Ivy also serves on the Board of the Healing Foundation and is President of the Torres Strait Islander Media Association.

In 2021, she was named a Queensland Great for her lifetime of service.

Her belief that children are sacred and belong to community continues to guide her work in mental health and family support.

Wakai Waian Healing says her three years of service reflect the power of valuing experience, culture, and community care.