Welcome new members of the First Nations Community Access to Archives team

The First Nations Community Access to Archives team welcomes three First Nations staff to the Collections space.

After undergoing their orientation to Western Sydney Records Centre, the archives staff will be working hard over the next four months in the search and delivery phase of the First Nations Community Access to Archives project, unearthing language and cultural materials.

Beth Thornber

Beth Thornber was born in Corowa, a small town on the banks of the Milawa/Murray River in NSW. A First Nations curator, educator and artist of the Wiradjuri people, she is currently based in Sydney on Gadigal land. Her multidisciplinary practice uses colour and a visual alphabet of animal, plant and human motifs to question themes of impact: historical, environmental and human impact in so-called Australia. Her work considers existing structures cemented in everyday life and applies this lens to reimagine ideas of sacredness, boundaries, common ownership and shared responsibility.

As the new Project Assistant in the team, Beth brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will really lend itself to the truth-telling aspects of the First Nations Community Access to Archives project.

Alinta Trindall

Alinta Trindall is a proud Thungutti and Gamilaroi woman and is the Access Advisor for the First Nations Community Access to Archives team. Alinta is an advocate for truth-telling and its interconnectedness with healing. In her previous work as a researcher, she was committed to decolonising research and found a passion for the translation of Indigenous knowledge through a two-way learning lens. She’s worked on several community-led research projects and has used Indigenous research methodologies to conduct research that would be used to advocate for community priorities. Alinta has previously worked with the archives of the Aborigines Protection Board and the Aborigines Welfare Board through the Family Records Service with Aboriginal Affairs NSW and developed a deep love and appreciation for historical records. Alinta hopes that providing community with access to archival material and historical records will revitalise culture, reclaim our languages, provide educational tools for truth-telling, and ultimately contribute to healing.

James Varga

James Varga is a proud Wiradjuri and Gangalidda man and the new Administrative Assistant in the First Nations Community Access to Archives team. James has worked extensively in both the tertiary education and government sectors, delivering events and functions and supporting learning, with significant experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander targeted spaces. He hopes to use his experience and knowledge to influence positive outcomes for First Nations communities.

The team is very excited to have James on board to support this important project.