An executive producer, an Aboriginal Health Practitioner and an education scholar/researcher have been named the recipients of Ember Connect's second round of Game Changer Grants for 2025.
Ember Connect received more than 230 applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women seeking financial support across a variety of professional, cultural and personal enrichment activities.
Azra Coombe, 41, from Adelaide; Darinka Ondrovcik, 32, from the Sunshine Coast; and Nikyah Hutchings, 24, from Sydney have been announced as the R2 recipients, sharing $9,000 in funding between them.
Ms Coombe, a Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna, Narungga woman, will use her grant to help her attend the World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education 2025 in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) to share her PhD research and amplify the voices of Indigenous teachers who navigate and resist the ontological violence embedded in educational institutions.
"As I approach the final stages of my PhD, presenting my work—Refusing the Margins—will allow me to amplify the voices of Indigenous teachers who navigate and resist the ontological violence embedded in educational institutions," she said.
"My research explores Indigenous ways of Elun (being), Enun (doing), and Nglelun (knowing) as acts of survivance and refusal. By mapping pathways for action, I aim to challenge dominant narratives and advocate for Indigenous research methodologies that honour and sustain our ways of knowing. WIPCE is the ideal space to share this work, as it brings together Indigenous educators, scholars, and leaders from around the world to drive systemic change.
"This is more than just a conference presentation—it is an opportunity to contribute to a movement that reclaims Indigenous intellectual sovereignty and transforms education. By attending, I will not only strengthen my own scholarship but also help inspire and inform practices that centre Indigenous voices and knowledge systems."
For Ms Ondrovcik, a Kamilaroi woman, the grant will support the development and publication of a pregnancy book and a child development book specifically designed to reflect the cultural values, traditions, and experiences of Indigenous communities.
Ms Ondrovcik is an experienced Aboriginal Health Practitioner, and founded The Awakening Journey – a business committed to supporting and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families.
"My game changing opportunity is bringing culturally appropriate resources to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through my new business. I have developed a pregnancy book and a child development book specifically designed to reflect the cultural values, traditions, and experiences of Indigenous communities," she said.
"These resources fill a critical gap by providing information in a way that is culturally safe, accessible, and empowering. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, these books help strengthen community connections and promote better health and developmental outcomes for children.
"Seeing these books in the hands of parents, knowing they feel seen and supported, is what drives me. It's a game-changing step toward greater representation, equity, and self-determination for our communities."
Ms Hutchings a Wonnarua-Gringai woma, will be supported to yake part in the "Influential Women" course by NIDA Corporate to enhance communication skills, confidence, and gravitas. As a multidisciplinary creative and Executive Producer of Commercial and Sponsored Content at NITV, she is eager to amplify her leadership skills and empower other women in her community.
"By undertaking this course, I aim to become a more impactful leader, inspiring and mentoring other First Nations women in media and creative industries," she said.
"This opportunity is a Game Changer for me because it aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and personal growth goals.
"As a First Nations woman in a leadership role at NITV, I recognise the importance of effective communication in driving change and promoting cultural representation. This grant will not only support my personal development but also amplify my ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It represents a crucial step towards realizing my vision of a more diverse and inclusive media industry."
Ember Connect General Manager Narelle Henry said the number of applications for Game Changer Grants is growing each round, and some specific trends are emerging.
"We're seeing a high number of grant applications for laptops to assist with studies, as well as many requests from people eager to attend or be involved in national and international conferences," Ms Henry said.
"Thanks to the support of BHP, we've been able to grant tens of thousands of dollars to Ember Connect members to support them in opportunities that are real game changers for not only them, but the broader community.
"The support requested has been diverse – from community projects to those with international ramifications, which is reflected in the final recipients."
Round 3 of Game Changer Grants 2025 will support Ember Connect members in the establishment of a new business or side hustle.
Applications for Round 3 will open on 30 June 2025, and information will be available at emberconnect.com.au/game-changer-grant.
Ember Connect provides a unique online platform where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women can network, share stories, learn, and make genuine connections with other women. Membership is free and Ember Connect has a fast-growing membership base of more than 5,000 First Nations women and allies.
