Biography
‘’As an Author, Educator and Advocate for anti-violence, anti-racism and Aboriginal women , my drive and purpose lie in working towards changing the narrative and impact around violence and racism in all its forms, through a preventative process in a holistic an inspiring way. By using my own experiences, It is my hope that I can help empower all people to work towards ending violence in all its forms. "Everyone has the right to be and feel SAFE.’’
Ashlee has lived and actively worked in Sydney for the Aboriginal community for over 20 years notably Gadigal Information Service – Koori Radio 93.7FM and Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Corporation, where she developed programs for young people and women.
A published author with her memoir titled ‘Because I love him’ a personal account of love, motherhood, domestic violence and survival.
Ashlee supported the adaptation and contextualisation of an international Intimate Partner Violence curriculum for the Australian Nurse Family Partnership Program (ANFPP) education to optimise the understanding of Domestic and Family violence for ANFPP staff working in the Indigenous community/ primary health area.
Ashlee was the lead writer for the National Rugby League (NRL) ‘Voice against Violence’ Domestic Violence Education resource kit designed to create accessible information, conversation and education for men, players, families and supporters within the NRL family around domestic violence and the impacts on society, as well as a curriculum writer, facilitator and trainer on the award winning ‘Tackling Violence’ Program.
Ashlee is also the co-creator of the only Aboriginal women’s sexual assault network in Australia ‘Hey Sis’ we’ve got your back, in partnership with Rape & Domestic Violence services Australia.
As well as her extensive advocacy work, Ashlee completed her Master of Education from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), won the UTS Human Rights Reconciliation Award, and served as a Director of Community Education for the undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education and Community Management.
Ashlee has attended and made presentations around the anti-violence message at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City on several occassions.
Ashlee was featured as one of one hundred people in the ‘Positively Remarkable People’ Ending Violence against women exhibition, a collection of photographic portraits and stories of individuals and groups based in Sydney. As well as being one of ten Indigenous women featured in Amnesty International Australia Day Blog – ‘Celebrating Indigenous Mums’.
Ashlee has also provided media commentary for various outlets, writing for Indigenous X, Mamamia, The Guardian, The Mandarine and on television appearing on the ABC,The Drum, NITV and The Point. And recently featured on Google as part of celebrating First Nations Peoples in a new campaign via the Guardian.
Ashlee sits City of Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel and DV NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.