Llewellyn’s research honours family, culture and Country
For Llewellyn Saltner, stories have always been more than memories.
The proud Wakka Wakka and Kemer Kemer Meriam Nation woman with connections to Wulli Wulli people, has spent much of her career listening to, preserving and amplifying First Nations voices. Now, after completing CQUniversity Australia's Graduate Certificate in Research, she is building the skills to turn those stories into research that supports stronger futures for First Nations communities.
Based in Gimuy (Cairns), Llewellyn is a Research Officer with CQUniversity's Jawun Research Institute, where she contributes to the Shared Power for Advocating for Reform Collectively (SPARC) project, working alongside community leadership coalitions and government partners to support Indigenous self-determination, shared decision-making and implementation of the national Closing the Gap Priority Reform Areas across Queensland.
“What I value most is being part of work that centres community-led research and supports Indigenous knowledges and leadership, enabling communities to shape their own futures," she said.
A career shaped by culture, connection and leadership
From her beginnings as a business trainee with the Aboriginal and Islander Co-Op in Gladstone to roles spanning Aboriginal health, social and emotional wellbeing, Indigenous affairs, leadership development, and national strategic, governance and reporting roles within the corporate sector, Llewellyn Saltner's career has been driven by a commitment to strengthening First Nations people, communities and opportunities.
More recently, she was appointed as a Director of the Eidsvold Wakka Wakka Corporation.
"This role is deeply meaningful to me because it provides an opportunity to contribute to the future of our people while continuing to honour my connection to Wakka Wakka Country, community and culture," she said.
Alongside her professional journey, she has spent years learning from family members and Elders, supporting her native title journeys and documenting family histories.
"These experiences taught me that stories are not just memories. They carry knowledge, identity, belonging and connection across generations," she said.
That belief ultimately inspired her to undertake the Graduate Certificate in Research.
"The Graduate Certificate in Research gave me the opportunity to develop the skills to explore questions that matter deeply to me and contribute to research that honours First Nations knowledges, stories and lived experiences," she said.
Building confidence as a researcher
While studying, Llewellyn Saltner developed her skills in research design, methodology and academic writing while also exploring her ontological and epistemological positioning as a researcher. The experience deepened her understanding of relationality, cultural responsibility and accountability within Indigenous research paradigms.
“The program helped me build confidence in seeing myself as a researcher and clarified the kind of researcher I aspire to be, one who contributes to the respectful recognition of Indigenous knowledges and the visibility of the voices, experiences and knowledges of descendants of Wakka Wakka women in knowledge production," she said.
Strength through loss
Completing the qualification was made even more significant by the personal challenges Llewellyn Saltner faced during her studies.
Shortly after commencing the Graduate Certificate in Research, she lost her mother. During the same 12-month period, she also experienced the loss of her cousin-brother and other close family members.
"It was an incredibly difficult time and there were moments when grief felt overwhelming," she said.
"Balancing work, study and personal loss was challenging, but what carried me through was the support of my husband and a deep sense of purpose."
Her graduation milestone took on even greater meaning when she received confirmation of her qualification on the anniversary of her mother's passing.
"Receiving my eQuals on the 12-month anniversary of my mum's passing was a deeply emotional moment," she said.
"For me, it was a reminder that her love, guidance and influence continue to be part of my life. It was a bittersweet moment, but it was also one of gratitude, pride and reflection."
Looking back, she says her greatest achievement was simply persevering.
"I am so glad I kept going," she said.
"There were many reasons why it would have been understandable to stop, pause or walk away, but I kept going because my mum's life showed me what was possible.
“Mum was a proud Wakka Wakka woman who overcame adversity to become a successful businesswoman while never losing her deep commitment to our Wakka Wakka Country, our people and our family. Her strength, resilience and leadership continue to inspire me every day."
Creating pathways for future First Nations researchers
As she looks towards doctoral studies, Llewellyn Saltner's research interests continue to focus on Country, culture, Indigenous knowledges, belonging and wellbeing, particularly for First Nations women living away from their ancestral Countries.
She believes increasing First Nations participation in research is essential.
"First Nations representation in research is important because our communities hold knowledge that comes from lived experience, culture, family, Country and generations of learning," she said.
"I often reflect on the fact that First Nations peoples have always been researchers. Long before universities existed, our ancestors were observing, learning, innovating, adapting and passing knowledge from one generation to the next for tens of thousands of years.
“Through their deep understanding of Country, they developed sophisticated systems of knowledge and governance that enabled our peoples to thrive in relationship with the environments that sustained them."
For First Nations people considering postgraduate study or a career in research, her advice is simple.
"Back yourself. Your knowledge, experiences and perspective matter," she said.
"You do not have to have all the answers before you begin. Research is enriched by First Nations knowledges, and there is value in the knowledge we carry through our families, communities, cultures and lived experiences."
Graduating from CQUniversity, she said, represents far more than completing a qualification.
"It represents perseverance, growth and the beginning of a new chapter in my journey," she said.
"It is also something I share with my family, my community and my ancestors, whose strength, guidance and support have helped shape who I am and who I am becoming."
For more information about the Graduate Certificate in Research including study availability, fees and eligibility please the CQUniversity course page.
First Nations students completing the Graduate Certificate in Research are supported by CQUniversity’s Jilbay First Nations Higher Degree by Research Academy.
