Lille Madden

Gadigal and Wangal Country

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Happiness is . . .

Being with mob, friends and family. I know it sounds corny but that’s what has gotten me through lockdown and what I am most grateful for.

Home is . . .

I constantly feel torn between home as I am from a few places, but I feel at peace when I’m on Arrernte Country in Mparntwe where my grandfather is from. 

 
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Life is . . .

Sunshine, big skies, warm breezes and the blooming of flowers.

What does Country mean to you?

Country is everything to me. As my Aunty MK says, “We are the land. The land is us and that’s how we hold the land”. I feel pulled to it and that connection comes with a lot of responsibility but it is also a gift that I cherish. When I am out on my Country where my grandparents are from, that connection runs even deeper. It reminds me of who I am and where I’m going. 

“We are the land. The land is us and that’s how we hold the land.”

Community is . . .

Country. Country is the animals, skies, flora, fauna and humans. One another. It is all encompassing.

What’s your favourite place in the world and why?

Mparntwe - it has an energy like no other - you have to see it, to feel it, to believe it!

Mparntwe

What has been your greatest lesson in life?

To not take things for granted. Appreciate every moment and practice gratitude and gratefulness lots.

 What keeps you up at night?

You know just the little things like. . . how can I create the changes needed for climate justice within my lifetime.

What helps when things get tough?

Speaking truth to the ones you surround yourself with, and being open to asking when you don’t know what to do or where to go. I find being vulnerable really hard, but it’s in those moments I have realised I’m not alone, and why the ones you surround yourself with surround you.

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What was your penny drop moment about climate change?

The moment when I realised that it’s up to my generation to make the changes needed to save the next, and that the world will continue to spin but humans just won't be able to exist on it. Simple as that.

This world is so beautiful and precious. My people have fought too hard for us not to continue to live and care for it. I want my grandchildren to see this world and be able to experience the magic of all life that it cares for.

“My people have fought too hard for us not to continue to live and care for it.”

We are responsible for caring for all aspects of life as humans. We are the top of the food chain, and with that comes great responsibility. Greed and power are the roads we have headed down for far too long, but there is a better way. It has been clear for millennia, as it has been done so by First Nations peoples.

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You have recently become the First Nations Director for Groundswell. Could you tell us a bit about your role, and what you’re hoping to achieve?

First Nations Director is definitely a title that I hope to work up to! Since starting just over a month ago there have been so many exciting things and projects in the works which really excites me to be able to share with our members and wider community. 

I have been in conversation with lots of climate action organisations throughout the country, hearing about where they are at and how we can support them. As Groundswell is a giving circle, I have also been talking with lots of First Nations led grassroots movements, hearing about their hopes and goals and how we can get them grant ready. Watch this space! 

“Our communities have the answers, they just need the resources.”

The one thing that I like the most about Groundswell is the commitment it has to our community throughout the Country. In my First Nations Director role, I aim to foster a support network across communities to help them connect with resources to make the biggest impact. As I have said many times before and will continue to say again and again – our communities have the answers, they just need the resources.

There are great paradigm shifts to be made and I hope to make them as easy as possible for all. 

What gives you hope?

I have hope in people and First Nations.

The footprint I want to leave on this earth is . . .

Deeper love, greater empathy and equality.

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