Our journey towards truth, culture and connection
Learn about Talk STRAIT, our dedication to creating culturally safe spaces, and the vision that drives our work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in Perth, Australia and beyond.
Our dream for the future
My dream isn't simply to deliver workshops. My dream is to help create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up seeing themselves reflected, respected and celebrated in every classroom, every workplace and every community.
Our core values and beliefs
Talk STRAIT is grounded in respect, authenticity, relationships and truth telling. We believe that cultural safety begins with listening, learning and having the courage to engage in honest conversations. Our mission is to walk alongside schools, organisations and communities, helping them create environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel a genuine sense of belonging. Through storytelling, education and meaningful partnerships, we strive to inspire understanding, build confidence and create lasting change for future generations.
Meet our founder
Talk STRAIT was founded by Melissa Billy-Rooney, a Torres Strait Islander educator, keynote speaker and Founder & Lead Educator with a passion for creating culturally safe and inclusive learning environments. Drawing on both lived experience and professional expertise in education, Melissa delivers authentic learning that connects hearts as well as minds. Her work is shaped by her journey as an educator, a mother of six sons and a proud Torres Strait Islander woman committed to strengthening understanding, respect and relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.