Rehanna Coulthard

I believe genuine understanding begins with listening, learning and walking alongside one another. As an Adnyamathanha woman, I am driven by a deep responsibility to share my culture in ways that are authentic, respectful and led by our own people. My grandfather, Clem Coulthard, shaped this belief through the words he lived by: “How can we expect the Udnyu to understand if we aren’t willing to teach them?” That philosophy has become the foundation of everything I do.

Growing up on Adnyamathanha Country gave me a strong sense of identity, purpose and belonging. Building a business in one of Australia’s most remote communities has not been easy, but every challenge has reinforced my commitment to creating opportunities that celebrate culture while supporting community. Founding Yura Artu became a turning point, allowing me to transform my passion for culture, storytelling and art into meaningful experiences that educate, inspire and connect people to Country.

Today, I lead Yura Artu, an Aboriginal owned cultural tourism and consultancy business in the Northern Flinders Ranges. Through immersive cultural tours, art, truth telling, cultural education and consultancy, I work with visitors, schools, tourism operators, government agencies and organisations to strengthen cultural understanding and capability. My work demonstrates that Aboriginal people are best placed to share our own stories and create experiences that leave a lasting impact.

A Churchill Fellowship will allow me to learn from Indigenous women leading innovative cultural tourism businesses across the world while protecting cultural integrity and creating sustainable opportunities for their communities. I will bring those learnings home to strengthen Yura Artu, contribute to the growth of Aboriginal led tourism in Australia, and create pathways for future generations to share culture with confidence, pride and authenticity. That is the legacy I hope to leave.