Why do you think it's important to protect the ocean? 

Because the ocean is the source of all life on earth and has been taking a huge hit from our greed.

I honestly feel it has just about had enough of our abuse and we are now going to see the terrible effects of climate change on the land!

When I look at the bush in Victoria, I see it struggling and it hurts me to see it this way. Whether it is Gariwerd (Grampians) in the west or the mighty Dhungala (The Murray River) that runs through my Country, Yorta Yorta land in northern Victoria, I see it hurting.

It's because of this that we must win this fight and find balance and find our place back in nature.

What does the ocean and marine life mean to you personally? 

To be honest, the ocean scares me. I respect and understand it's importance but it's not my love and passion. I find connection, peace and happiness in the rivers, bush, and mountains.

However, the survival of my Country is absolutely dependent on the health and biodiversity of the ocean so that is why a healthy ocean is so important to me.

What is NAIDOC week and why is it important to celebrate it?

It is about celebrating our Indigenous culture and more importantly, learning about our Indigenous leaders and achievements throughout Australia's  history. People like Yorta Yorta Elder William Cooper and his amazing work for equality, and his and many others fight for Aboriginal people to be recognised as citizens, even after fighting for Australia in both wars.

NAIDOC week gives a voice and opportunity for people to celebrate Indigenous culture and get an understanding of our darkest past that is very confronting to a lot of Australians.

What do you want the world to look like in the future? 

I want what most people want; that is to hand over the reigns to the next generation a planet that's in better condition then that I was born into. 

I want to see every person born have the same opportunities as I have with regards to a safe existence and education regardless of race or gender.

I would also like to see Indigenous people be given back land management as a priority and a nation a little more understanding of the horrific injustices of the past. Not tokenism but real acknowledgment to the atrocities of colonisation and the generational hurt that has resulted from it.

Do you have any advice for how people can help make this happen?

Join a movement like Sea Shepherd and start making a difference, you will feel so much better. Also to understand the policies of the political parties and vote for change.

Traditional Yorta Yorta lands lie on both sides of Dhungala (the Murray River) roughly from Cohuna to Albury / Wodonga. Dhungala is connected to the Southern Ocean and supports a host of unique river life including native fish.