Children’s Ground is grateful to have Aunty Joy as our patron on Wurundjeri Country. Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin is the Senior Wurundjeri Elder of the Kulin Nation and the great-great niece to William Barak, the last traditional leader of the Wurundjeri-Willam clan. In 2002, Aunty Joy was awarded the Order of Australia in recognition of her contributions to social justice, land rights, equal opportunity, art and reconciliation.  

Dan Sultan is a multifaceted, multi-award-winning Arrernte musician, writer, performer and artist with albums spanning 15 years. Dan has been a long-time ambassador of Children’s Ground. With the support of Fender, he leads the creation of two guitar artworks by First Nations artists each year with the proceeds going to Children’s Ground.   

Jan Owen is a social entrepreneur, innovator, influencer and author. In 2000, Jan was awarded membership to the Order of Australia for services to young people, including as CEO of the Foundation of Young Australians. She received an honorary doctorate from the University of Sydney, in recognition of her significant contribution to young people and policy.

Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser served as Australia’s 22nd Prime Minister from 1975-1983 and afterwards played an eminent role in international diplomacy. He contributed to efforts to end apartheid in South Africa, was a Senior Advisor of the International Crisis Group, Honorary Chairman of InterAction Council and a member of the Asia Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.

Rachel Naninaaq Edwardson is an Iñupiaq filmmaker and educator. Her work has been critically acclaimed in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe. Her ongoing documentary series, History of the Iñupiaq, produced in partnership with the North Slope Borough School District, is the first Native-produced and directed documentary series in Alaska. It celebrates and validates the culture, land and strength of Iñupiaq people. Since 2007, Rachel has been an advisor and program designer of educational initiatives and reforms in Australia and Alaska.

Corinne Grant is a practising lawyer, author, accomplished emcee and performer. Corinne is a passionate defender of human rights, including the rights of First Nations people and those seeking asylum. She was a recipient of the John Gibson Memorial Award for Refugee Law while studying at the University of Melbourne.

Melbourne blues band the Teskey Brothers have won hearts representing Children’s Ground on a global stage. Scooping awards, touring internationally and playing alongside Orchestra Victoria, The Teskey Brothers capture something real, raw and relatable. They have shared the stage with the west Arnhem Black Rock Band and love spending time at Children’s Ground.

Shane Howard is one of Australia’s most influential writers and singers and a proud ambassador of Children’s Ground. Shane has created a uniquely Australian voice, including through his anthemic hit ‘Solid Rock.’ In 2022, Shane’s legendary band, Goanna, embarked on an extensive national tour, reigniting the Goanna spirit that championed First Nations rights and environmental justice in the 1980s.