Melissa and Lauren are Indigenous Australian artists hailing from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti and Bundjalung tribes of Australia’s East Coast. Often referred to as “Saltwater Country”, their ancestral homelands are some of the most beautiful oceans, rivers, sub tropical rainforests, mountains and majestic waterfalls in the country, situated from the northern end of Byron Bay down to Kempsey in New South Wales. Lauren and Melissa are traditional owners of their ancestral homelands and proud custodians of the oldest surviving culture in the world which dates back to “time immemorial”, meaning time extending beyond the reach of memory.
Lauren Jarrett
Creative Artist, Master Basket Weaver
Lauren is a Gumbaynggirr Custodian, Elder and a highly regarded artist and cultural educator. Her baskets and artworks have been exhibited in the National Museum of Australia, the iconic Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative in Sydney and leading Art Galleries across the country. Being a survivor of the Stolen Generations hasn’t stopped Lauren, as she has dedicated her life to reconnecting with her culture and language, so she could raise her children with strong cultural identities.
Melissa Greenwood
Founder, Director & Creative Artist
Through her Matrilineal line Melissa is a proud young custodian of ancient Gumbaynggirr culture and lore. With an innate sense of cultural pride and passion for social justice Melissa has always strived to create positive change for her people. At 21, Melissa completed a Bachelors degree in Justice Studies (major in Critical Criminology) then worked extensively in Aboriginal affairs for over a decade. Melissa is currently the National Project's Manager at Culture is Life organisation, were she strives to reduce youth suicide in Aboriginal communities. Miimii & Jiinda is a platform that allows Melissa to revive and share her cultural knowledge and to continue to empower her people.