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.
Statement from CEO
On behalf of the Board, staff and members, welcome to Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation!
The organisation reached a milestone in 2020, “40 years”: Advocacy and healing for Aboriginal people and families was enshrined in the very purpose of why Link-Up (NSW) was established in 1980. It was central to us then and it is central to our purpose still.
We look forward to strengthening our working relationship with all stakeholders, to continue with our core business in reuniting the Stolen Generation with their family, country and communities, and support Aboriginal people.
We believe in professionalism with core values of honesty and strong work ethic. We desire to be the best, with a commitment to quality, responsiveness and resourcefulness to our clients and employees.
I am proud to be the CEO for Link Up (NSW) and believe in the direction that this organisation wants to go. It is an honour to be serving this organisation and being part of its present and future.
Meet the Team
Jamie Sampson
Jamie 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, Narromine, Dubbo and Condobolin. The desire to lead this organisation came from his passion for the 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 partner and two daughters. He has a love for sports, specifically Rugby League and is a proud Parramatta Eels supporter.
Kylie Norman
Kylie is a proud Darug woman, living in Western Sydney her whole life with a deep connection to the area. Kylie brings an array of experience to Link-Up (NSW) including event management, human resources, operations coordination and people management. Kylie has a passion for devoting her time working for the community, in particular managing the COOEE Festival on Survival Day. Kylie believes this community event is so important for our people and strives to make it bigger and better each year. Kylie has a love of nature and the natural world, spending her weekends hiking, camping and volunteering for animal rescue groups.
Jodie Matthews
Jodie is a proud Yorta Yorta Bundjalung woman, born in Sydney. She has worked in various fields including Government Agencies such as Aged Care, Disability and Out of Home Care (OOHC). I have reflected on the original concept of why Link-Up (NSW) was established and through my work I intend to be guided by the champions whom fought for this organisation to be voice for Aboriginal people whom for many years didn’t have one. There are exciting times ahead at Linkup (NSW). Always was and always will be.
Lynne Kinghan
A proud Wiradjuri woman from Peak Hill, Lynne joined the finance Department of Link-Up (NSW) in 2018. Graduating in 2012 in Accounting, Lynne prides herself on being a finance professional, she has over 20 years’ experience in the Not-for-Profit and private sectors. Lynne is a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers in Australia and a Registered BAS Agent. As part of her continual professional development and community service, Lynne facilitates the local Network group ICB meetings. Lynne spends her free time with her husband & four sons. She enjoys catching up with her family and friends, outdoor activities, and cooking.
Meet the Board
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.
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.
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.
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.
Raelene Corak
Raelene has been on the Board of Directors for the last four years and takes her role as Secretary very seriously. Raelene 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.
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.
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
