Who We Are
Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation was founded in 1980 to assist all Aboriginal people who had been directly affected by past government policies; being separated from their families and culture through forced removal, being fostered, adopted or raised in institutions.
Link-Up (NSW) supports the healing journeys of those removed; delivering professional, culturally sensitive and confidential research, reunions and Social, Emotional and Wellbeing services to those over the age of eighteen.
Aboriginal families and communities in New South Wales have been profoundly affected by removal and struggle to find it back home, home to family, country, community and culture … home to where they belong. The Bringing Them Home report by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1997 confirmed the devastating effects that the removal of children has had on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and cultures.
In 1983 Link-Up (NSW) received funding from the Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs, this enabled the establishment of the first Link-Up NSW building and employees. In 1984, Link-Up was formally incorporated under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act.
Meet the CEO
Jamie Sampson
Jamie Sampson is a proud Kamilaroi man from Coonamble with strong family ties to Moree and Gulargambone. He worked as a Teacher, Head Teacher, Deputy Principal and with Tafe NSW for 7 years in Western NSW in towns such as Coonamble, Naromine, Dubbo and Condobolin. The desire to lead this organisation came from his passion for Stolen Generations. He believes every Aboriginal family has been affected by the past government policies and is proud to be the Chief Executive Officer for an organisation that reunites Aboriginal peoples back to culture, community and kin while supporting them on their healing journey. Jamie enjoys spending his spare time with his two daughters. He has a love for sports, especially Rugby League and is a proud Parramatta Eeels supporter.
Meet the Board
Aunty Lizzie May
Lizzie May is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Nanima who grew up in Mt Druitt. Lizzie has been the Chairperson for the past 4 years and has played an integral role within our organisation. Lizzie was fortunate enough to be reunited with her sister in 2011 through Link-Up (NSW), which is one of the reasons she is so passionate about the important work conducted.
Aunty Rebekah Curtis
Rebekah is a proud Noongar woman from Western Australia and has been on the Board of Directors for 5 years. Rebekah has formed strong friendships on the Board with the members of Link-Up (NSW) to reconnect with her own family and enjoys supporting other families to reunite and reconnect.
Aunty Janet Smith
Janet Smith is a proud Birripai/Dunghutti woman and has been a long-standing Board of Director, sitting on the Board for almost 11 years. Janet has a wide skill set with qualifications in Social Work and Visual Arts. Janet believes it is very rewarding working for the community.
Aunty Jean Bartley
I am a proud Wiradjuri and Kullilli woman. I am a member of the Stolen Generation myself. I have completed Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health,Diploma of Aboriginal studies for professional and community practice and Certificate III & IV in Aboriginal Cultural art. Since 2014 I have engaged with many Aboriginal communities both here in Sydney and also in QLD and was nominated for the Pride of Australia for my community work. I am looking forward to being a part of such a great organisation and making a valuable contribution.
Aunty Raelene Corak
Raelene has been on the Board of Directors for the last four years, she feels a great pride representing the members of Link-Up (NSW) and the important work that is being undertaken every day. Raelene has gained a lot of experience working alongside the other Board of Directors.
Aunty Aileen Bell
Aileen Bell (Edwards) is a proud Kamilaroi woman who has been on the Board of Directors since 2013. Aileen loves making a difference for her people and the community. Aileen would like to be on the Board of Directors for as long as she can, so she can continue to improve the lives of our people and community.
Antoinetta Corak-Phan
I am a Biripi woman and have recently completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood. I enjoy working with young children. My Grandmother and Great Grandmother were both from the Stolen Generations. I have been living in Sydney most of my life and with Link-Up (NSW)’s support, we have been able to connect with family members. I have many family members in Taree. These new connections to family have deepened our cultural identity and I look forward to supporting more families to have the same experience.
Uncle Peter Read
Peter is a non-Indigenous Board of Director permitted under the category in the Constitution as one holding Special Expertise. With Oomera Edwards in 1980, he co-founded Link-Up (NSW) and worked until 1986. He remained a Public Officer for a several years after that.
Latest Annual Report
Our Board of Directors are pleased to present the 2020-2021 annual report.
This report showcases our staff, directors, programs, events and audited financial statements. Link-Up (NSW) is proud of all achievements continuing to serve clients throughout another challenging year with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Past Annual Reports
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2019-20
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2018-19
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2016-17
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2015-16
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2014-15
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2019-20
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2018-19
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2016-17
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2015-16
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2014-15
