In 1984, Aunty Beverley Johnson became the first employee and coordinator of Link-Up (Qld). Since then, our small Indigenous-led organisation has been helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples reconnect with family, country, community and culture. This work builds on the foundations laid by those who came before us, many of whom were women, and whose impact continues to change lives forty years on.
Link-Up (Qld) is strengthened by the work and character of its longstanding and emerging leaders, who carry that legacy forward today. Chief Executive Officer Patricia Thompson AM, Research Manager Ruth Loli and Program Manager Tracy Bright are respected leaders in the community who share a passion for creating meaningful change.
Commencing as CEO in 2014, Patricia Thompson AM has helped shape the culture and direction of the organisation for over a decade. She first encountered Link-Up (Qld) in the early 1990s as a young public servant and believes the work is as important now as it was then, recognising the unique responsibility and opportunity her role carries.
“I respect and value that more than 30 years on since my first contact with Link-Up (Qld), now as the CEO, I am part of a leadership team that strives to implement change with a vision of improving the wellbeing and lives of our people, and to some extent right the wrongs of the past,” Pat shares.
She attributes her leadership and commitment to her work to the many women from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and professions who have shaped her thinking and growth throughout her life. She holds particular reverence for her mother, Eileen.
“The most important woman and influence in my life has been my mother, a small, gentle, but courageous and determined woman who adopted and nurtured me as a baby to grow up as a proud Aboriginal woman. I’m forever grateful to have maintained my family and cultural connections because of her strength and love,” Pat says.
“She taught me respect, responsibility and the importance of standing up for what is right.”
Image description: CEO Patricia Thompson AM with family at Link-Up (Qld)’s 40th Anniversary Gala in 2024 (left) and with Aunty Beverley Johnson (far right) and former Deputy Premier Jackie Trad at a Sorry Day event.
Pat says many moments throughout her career have reinforced why the work of Link-Up (Qld) matters so deeply, particularly a phone call she received from one incredibly strong woman.
“Shortly after commencing as CEO of Link-Up (Qld), I received a phone call from a lady who was in her 80s. She introduced herself and asked if I remembered her from those early days when I was a young public servant. I was really thrilled to hear from her and of course I remembered her. She was a beautiful lady.”
Pat explains that the woman’s journey with Link-Up (Qld) had begun in the early 1990s, searching for her mother after being removed at a tender age.
“Sadly, her search was too late. Her mother had passed away before she had the opportunity to be reunited with her. Despite the pain and suffering of being taken away, never to see her mother again, she was not bitter. Inspired by her experience with Link-Up (Qld), she later became a Board Director for many years to support others on their journey to find family.”
Program Manager Tracy Bright is profoundly influenced by her mother, grandmother and great-great-grandmother, whose lives were impacted by the trauma of forced removal under past government policies and practices.
“Growing up with their stories, both spoken and unspoken, has deeply influenced who I am. Their survival is the reason I am here. Their resilience is the reason I do this work. I carry their strength with me every day in my role, and I am guided by their legacy of perseverance, love, and connection,” she notes.
“Honouring them means continuing the work of healing, reconnection, and ensuring that our stories are never forgotten.”
Tracy feels strongly about the progression of opportunities and recognition for women in the workforce, noting positive changes over the course of her career. At Link-Up (Qld), women make up the majority of management staff, underscoring the greater visibility of women in leadership roles and the unique contributions women make in community and healing. However, she believes there is still progress to be made.
Image description: Link-Up (Qld) Program Manager Tracy Bright with Aunty Penny Parker (left) and connecting with community partners in Normanton (right).
“Women’s work, especially in areas like community, cultural, and healing services, is often undervalued and under-resourced. Many women continue to carry the emotional and cultural labour of supporting others while facing systemic barriers to recognition, pay equity, and decision-making power,” she highlights.
“I believe further progress is needed to ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but actively valued. Celebrating and investing in women’s contributions is not just about fairness; it strengthens communities, preserves culture, and drives healing for generations to come.”
Research Manager Ruth Loli is an anchor for Link-Up (Qld), proudly approaching her role each day with the same passion and purpose as she did when she began with the organisation 16 years ago. In her role, she supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in reconnecting with their history and in their healing journeys.
“I came to Link-Up (Qld) as I wished to work in community where my skills and actions could contribute to better impact and meaningful change. I value being able to research and return personal and family histories to people, which were wrongly taken from them, and support clients in their healing journeys and the reclamation of identity,” she says.
Image description: Research Manager Ruth Loli supporting Link-Up (Qld) client Uncle Roy Gray.
Ruth believes recognition is an act of respect, and that women play a central role in community care, growth, wellbeing and achievement.
“I have built bonds with many women in my time at Link-Up (Qld) who I am so grateful for – who have mentored me, shared deeply with me, laughed and cried with me, motivated me – and who have shaped who I am as a person and a leader. As a non-Aboriginal woman this means a lot to me, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them,” Ruth reflects.
Despite the continuing struggle for recognition of women, Ruth believes that by breaking down systemic bias, young women can access real opportunities to thrive, creating a better society for the future.
“You will be guided by the strong and inspirational women before you, and you have the ability to pave a better future for the women who’ll come after you. Power to you!”
As we mark International Women’s Day this Sunday, Link-Up (Qld) acknowledges and celebrates the powerful contributions of the many women who have shaped and strengthened our organisation over the past four decades. This includes the strong and remarkable Stolen Generations survivors and descendants we work alongside every day, who, despite the injustices they continue to experience, show extraordinary strength, leadership and care for their families and communities.
As CEO Patricia Thompson AM reminds all women, “Be proud of who you are, your family and your culture.” It is this strength, pride and connection that enriches our communities and makes the world a better place for all.
To learn more about International Women’s Day and #IWD2026 events near you, visit www.internationalwomensday.com.
Published March 2026.