What we do
Cultural Preservation
Social Support & Advocacy
Social Support & Advocacy
At Strong Spirit Services Ltd we are deeply committed to preserving and promoting Aboriginal culture, traditions, and heritage. Our work is centered around supporting cultural programs and ensuring the transmission of knowledge, so that our unique cultures continue to thrive for generations to come.
Social Support & Advocacy
Social Support & Advocacy
Social Support & Advocacy
Our Organisation offers a range of social services to strengthen families, foster social cohesion, and support community wellbeing.
Community Development
Social Support & Advocacy
Community Development
Strong Spirit Services Ltd is committed to fostering thriving, self-sufficient communities. We work to build social cohesion, empower local leadership, and create sustainable opportunities for economic and social well-being.
Youth Engagement and Leadership
Youth Engagement and Leadership
Youth Engagement and Leadership
Youth are the future leaders of our communities. Our youth engagement programs focus on empowering young people by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and leadership opportunities they need to become positive role models and change-makers.
Environmental Stewardship
Youth Engagement and Leadership
Youth Engagement and Leadership
As Aboriginal people, we have a deep connection to the land and environment. Our environmental stewardship programs are grounded in traditional knowledge and modern sustainability practices, working towards the protection and care of the land for future generations.
Health and Well-being
Youth Engagement and Leadership
Health and Well-being
The health and well-being of Aboriginal people are essential to our mission. We provide a holistic approach to health, addressing the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of our communities, ensuring access to culturally safe services and programs.
Our People
Jess Morris
Director
Jess, a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri & Wailwan Nations from Western NSW, resides in Port Macquarie and brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in the health sector. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Public Health. Additionally, Jess holds certifications in Project Management (Certificate IV) and Fitness (Certificate III).
Throughout her career, Jess has held diverse roles in health promotion, public health, mental health, Aboriginal health, management, primary healthcare, commissioning, and extensive workplace training. She demonstrates proficiency in project management, grant writing, reporting, financial management, grant management, health services management, service and program development, project evaluation, community development, staff training, self-care practices, stakeholder engagement, and community relations.
Jess's commitment to excellence was recognized with a Deans Award for Academic Excellence in 2006, and her significant contributions to the local Aboriginal community earned federal parliamentary recognition in 2021. As the Co-founder and Managing Director of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services, Jess continues to spearhead initiatives that empower and uplift Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal businesses
Ronald Knight
Director
Ron is a Kurnu Barkindji & Ngemba Elder that grew up in Brewarrina and Bourke in Far West NSW.
Ron has lived on Kamilaroi Country in Tamworth for over 40 years and is a well respected Elder in his community. Ron has extensive experience working in Education with Aboriginal Youth, providing mentoring and cultural guidance to support our young people to be supported and thrive.
Ron is actively involved in Traditional Owner land and cultural preservation with the Kurnu family group.
Ron Brings a wealth of lived experience and knowledge to Strong Spirit.
Jamie Donovan
Director
Jamie Donovan is a proud Aboriginal man, of Worimi, Biripi and Bundjalung descent on his Maternal line. He also maintains strong familial ties to the Dunghutti and Yuin Nations.
With 25 years of diverse experience spanning Land Councils, Federal and State government bodies, and private enterprises, Jamie excels in fostering relationships between agencies and Aboriginal communities. His focus is on promoting and achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal Peoples.
Jamie is nearing completion of his Bachelor of Education (Primary) and holds Diplomas in Business and Aboriginal Studies, along with a Certificate in Aboriginal Mentoring. He has a longstanding commitment to numerous community groups in the Hastings, Macleay, and Manning Regions.
In recognition of his contributions, Jamie was awarded the Port Macquarie Hastings Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 2022.
Mel Fernando
Director
Mel Fernando, a proud Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi/Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi Woman, has resided on Birpai Country for the past six years, maintaining strong ties to communities throughout the Mid North Coast of NSW.
With over 17 years of comprehensive experience, Mel has dedicated her career to serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across various sectors including Education, Legal and Justice, Public Health, Private Hospitals, Local Health Districts, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Her roles have encompassed positions as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner and Health Worker, specializing in Chronic Care, Public Health Immunisation, Palliative Care, Smoking Cessation, and Maternal and Infant Health.
Mel holds a degree in Indigenous Health Promotion and certifications in Qualitative Research, Indigenous Methodologies, Evaluation, and Contexts in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. Currently, employed as an Aboriginal Research Project Officer, Mel is actively engaged with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services and communities nationwide. Her focus lies in collaborative projects addressing infectious diseases, supported by additional certifications in Introduction to Qualitative Research, Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research, Introduction to Evaluation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Contexts, and Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge Translation.
Tristram Morris
Director/Chief Executive Officer
Tristram, a descendant of the Ngemba and Barkindji nations from western NSW, brings extensive experience in the health sector, encompassing health promotion, chronic disease management, Aboriginal health, and Human Resources (HR). His career spans operational and management roles across diverse sectors including housing, education, and disability services.
Tristram holds certifications in Disability, Mental Health, and Business Management (Certified IV), underscoring his proficiency in project management, financial oversight, reporting, staff leadership, program delivery, and cultural competence. He is skilled in delivering cultural workshops, managing grants, providing mentorship, and fostering community and stakeholder engagement.
As Co-founder of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services, Tristram is dedicated to advancing initiatives that support and empower Aboriginal communities.