AUTHOR LIVES IN NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA. Melinda Brown is a Ngunnawal woman who resides in the Northern Rivers Bundjalung Nation and has attained a Master's in Indigenous Healing and Trauma. Mel embraced her clairvoyant skills many years ago, and embarked on a journey to understand that her spiritual beliefs were not just limited to her Aboriginal culture, but encompassed many different types of beliefs from cross the world. Mel has a unique way of highlighting that the ownership of spirituality belongs to the each individual and is not defined by labels or limited to just one understanding of life and creation, and as human beings, our spiritual needs cannot usually be met by one singular belief system. The melding of cultures and spiritual beliefs lead Mel to create a range of Aboriginal Oracles cards which are being increasingly recognised across the world. Mel is always working on the "next" deck, and embraces her creativity as a therapeutic way to better understand that spirituality is unique and individual for all our Brothers and Sisters across the Universe. As a professional Speaker and Trainer, Mel is known for her expertise in Aboriginal cultural competency, and lateral violence both Nationally and Internationally. Mel was recognised for her work in the area of service provision for Aboriginal families, and was awarded an ACT Public Service Award for the "Most Improved Services to Aboriginal Children and Families in the ACT", by the ACT Chief Minister, and in 2011, NSW Industry & Investment recognised Mel as one of the top 3 Aboriginal business women in NSW.
Instagram: @spiritdreamingau
Website: https://www.spiritdreaming.com.au/

ILLUSTRATOR LIVE IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA. Baylee O'Grady is a proud Kabi Kabi (Gabbi Gabbi) queer artist drawing inspiration from her upbringing, cultural heritage, and significant life experiences, Baylee's artistic vision melds traditional and contemporary styles to emphasize the enduring relevance of culture in today's society. She holds a profound respect for the land and its inhabitants, finding boundless inspiration in the natural world. Celebrating community diversity, Baylee prioritizes the importance of intersectionality in her work, which varies significantly to reflect the realities and challenges of her life.
Her extensive training encompasses traditional workshops, generational wisdom sharing, formal art classes, and Visual Arts courses from the University of the Sunshine Coast. Art and music have been integral to her life since childhood, serving as a vital connection to her family and ancestors. Baylee has collaborated with numerous not-for-profit organizations on various projects, particularly within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB health sector. She aspires for her artwork to resonate with anyone who engages with it, highlighting the strength and vitality of cultural practices.
Baylee's objective is to create art that fosters understanding and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Her communication style is straightforward and relatable, ensuring her art is accessible to a broad audience. She is committed to evolving her artistic practice and engaging with the community through her creative endeavours.