Tom Kirk
Tom is an Aboriginal man of the Gurreng-Gurreng (Western Burnett River District - Qld) and the Birri Gubba peoples (Burdekin River District - Qld). He also affiliates with the Northern Gamilaroy peoples and the Bindal people. Historically, as children, his Grandparents were moved to Cherbourg, Taroom and Woorabinda, resulting in his parents being born at Cherbourg and Woorabinda. Tom grew up around these reserves/settlements and at the country town of Duaringa in Qld.
Tom provides professional consultancy services to Direct Care Resources in the areas of cross- cultural communication and training, having delivered programs across Australia since 1993 to both private and public sector organizations. He is also involved in the development and implementation of plans and programs to ensure DCR's indigenous clients have the opportunity to maintain and enhance their connection with their cultural background.
Tom is accredited as an Indigenous Cultural Awareness Facilitator: Cross Cultural Communications and as a Mediator by the Dispute Resolutions Centres ACT 1990. In 2008, Tom was the recipient of a “Highly Commended Established Business Award” at the Premier’s Reconciliation Awards for Business.
Tom can be contacted at tom.kirk@bigpond.com
Joan Bennett, BA, Grad Dip Teach, Grad Dip Ed (Teacher-Librarianship)
Joan is the Executive Coordinator of our MPower, MPower Kids and MPloy Lifestyle Programs. She is a registered senior teacher with 25 years experience. Joan has taught across all levels of primary schooling and has worked for many years as a Teacher-Librarian in a large school in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. She also is an experienced Tutor in adult literacy. Joan has a particular interest in developing literacy at all levels.
Joan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology and history, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and a Graduate Diploma in Education (Teacher-Librarianship). She is also a Registered Civil Celebrant.
Joan can be contacted at jb_celeb@bigpond.com