Erin Lang

I grew up in Meanjin (Brisbane), surrounded by a big, loving family both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous. As a child, I didn’t question why some of my family were white and others weren’t. I was wrapped in love and strength from both sides, each proud of their ancestors and histories.

As I got older, I noticed the disconnect. By the end of school, I could see the cracks in the stories I’d grown up with, and reconciling those differences was complicated. As an Aboriginal woman, I was drawn to community work supporting those who were vulnerable, struggling, or overlooked.

Most of my career, I’ve worked in the not-for-profit sector, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. My journey has taken me through homelessness, domestic and family violence, substance misuse and children’s services programs, native title, and now the reconciliation space.

I’ve seen first-hand the struggles faced by many communities, and how systems often built without us in mind can shape and limit lives. I’ve also seen how bias and ignorance from those in positions of support can cause harm, leaving communities failed by the very structures meant to help them. I love sitting with community members across Australia, listening to their stories.

Even in the face of adversity, there’s incredible resilience a generosity in sharing culture, knowledge, and humour. It’s this strength that draws me to the work. For me, reconciliation is not abstract it’s about truth, respect, and the future we build together.

A Churchill Fellowship would allow me to learn from others, bring back new ideas, and strengthen how we connect Australians to the oldest living cultures in the world. It’s not just preserving our past it’s shaping a shared future we can all be proud of.