Our centresHi, my name is Paula Weldon. I’m a proud Wiradjuri mother of four and I grew up on Wangal lands of the Eora Nation.
I work as an Aboriginal Cultural Care Specialist in the Gurung Wellama team, based at our Sydney Metro office in Marrickville. I joined Barnardos in July 2021, starting with Yurungai Child and Family Services.
I love my job and working with Barnardos because I get to support Aboriginal children in out-of-home care to maintain their connection to Culture, Kin, and Identity through meaningful Cultural Support Plans.
Before joining Barnardos, I worked as a Child Protection Caseworker at Central Sydney CSC (now DCJ). I started my journey at the Helpline and worked with DCJ for 11 years. I also spent time at NSW Legal Aid in the Children’s Civil Law unit as a Caseworker, attending Koori Youth Court at both Central and Parramatta Children’s Courts.
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. But watching my mum and other family members work in community and help people inspired me to pursue a path supporting Aboriginal families and communities.
NAIDOC Week means a lot to me. It’s a time to embrace and celebrate Culture, family, and Country, and to come together as Mob to honour our trailblazers.
The theme this year is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision& Legacy”. This theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week and focuses on honouring the achievements of the past while looking towards the future. I love attending local events with my kids.
One of my proudest achievements at Barnardos so far has been breaking down barriers with families and stakeholders to achieve positive, culturally safe outcomes. I feel privileged to live and breathe Culture every day with the families I work with.
I’m deeply passionate about delivering the best outcomes for our families, always grounded in cultural safety, respect and connection.
Happy NAIDOC Week!
