Leading the Palm Island team to success

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Lekara Wallis to the role of Senior Programs Coordinator, Palm Island. Born and raised in Cairns, Lekara is a descendant of the Wuthati and Kalkadoon tribes. Lekara made visits to Palm Island as a child, before relocating there in 2001.

Lekara’s career in early childhood began working at the Goodoo Day Care Centre whilst completing a Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childcare. During 13 years of service at the center, Lekara came to realise she had a strong passion for working with young children. In 2016, Lekara started work at the Cathy Freeman Foundation in the role of HIPPY Community Engagement Officer. In her new role as Senior Programs Coordinator, Lekara will oversee the day-to-day running of the Cathy Freeman Foundation office and Palm Island team.

“We have a fantastic team on Palm Island and with a strong and positive role model like Lekara leading the way, we know our programs will continue to go from strength to strength,” said Courtney Brown, Acting CEO of the Cathy Freeman Foundation.