Our Team

Our Team

MDWg is made up of a dedicated team of Language Workers, linguists, Elders, consultants, admin and management staff. We work in a multicultural environment and aim to increase the use of Miriwoong language wherever possible.

Scroll down to read a brief bio of the people that make up MDWg:


Management and Board

DAVID NEWRY- Director

DAVID NEWRY has played a crucial role in establishing the work of Mirima Council since the 1990s and was the chair of the organisation for over two decades. He was instrumental in developing the work of the Kimberley Interpreting Service (Now AIWA) in 2000, after initiating a feasibility study regarding the need for interpreting in the health and justice sectors. David also helped found a range of further Aboriginal organisations now operating successfully in Kununurra. He is the Senior Language and Culture Consultant and main presenter of the cultural awareness program at MDWg. Among his many achievements in working with the Language Centre, David was a key figure in developing the Miriwoong Seasonal Calendar. This resource links Miriwoong language and culture with the land of past, present and future generations. In recognition of his skills as a language and cultural mentor for the community, he was recognised for his Outstanding Individual Contribution to Arts and Culture by the East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards in 2011.

AGNES ARMSTRONG – Elder & Language and Culture Consultant

AGNES ARMSTRONG is a renowned artist with the Waringarri Arts Centre as well as a major contributor to many of MDWg’s activities. She supports Miriwoong language revitalisation by functioning as a language consultant, attending field trips and conducting welcome addresses.

KNUT J. “KJ” OLAWSKY- CEO & Senior Linguist

KJ OLAWSKY has been the Senior Linguist and Manager at the MDWg since 2005. He works with the Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng people to preserve and revitalise their traditional languages and cultures. Operating in close partnership with a governing committee of traditional Elders, Knut has initiated a range of strategies for Miriwoong language revitalisation, some of which have been highly innovative for Australia. His efforts in helping to maintain and revitalise the Miriwoong language include initiatives such as the start of a Master-Apprentice program, Miriwoong Language Nest and other activities. In his role as a linguist, Knut has published grammars of Indigenous languages from Ghana and Peru. He is currently working with team members to describe the grammar of Miriwoong. Knut holds an MA and a PhD from Duesseldorf University (Germany) and has previously held postdoctoral positions at the University of California at Berkeley (USA) and the Research Centre for Linguistic Typology (La Trobe University, Melbourne).

TRACEY STRANGER – Office Manager

TRACEY STRANGER has an interest in history, ecology and sustainability of biodiversity which encompasses traditional culture and language, especially how we communicate. She has a fascination with the human brain and how we perceive and interpret, hence her extended studies to understand mental health and communication and how important language is, in its many presentations. Tracey has a Bach Applied Science (Microbiology), Grad Diploma in Marketing and a Certificate in NeuroScience. She was drawn to the Kimberley region ~ ancient and sacred land. To live in harmony we surely must embrace the richness of founding culture entwined in the language and stories of the Miriwoong people. Tracey is very grateful to be working with and to assist the Board and Management of MDWg plus the Miriwoong Language Teachers with the growing number of community activities MDWg is engaged in to revitalize Miriwoong language and culture and ensure there is a smooth day-to-day administration of the Language Centre.

TASMA BARNEY – ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT OFFICER

TASMA is a Gajirrabeng/Gurindji/Walpiri woman who lives and was born on Mirriwong/Gajirrabeng country. She has a lot of experience working on the land and excellent car mechanic skills.  Tasma recently joined MDWG for more experience in administration and to develop more skills and understanding of Miriwoong language and culture. She is looking forward to sharing these skills and knowledge with her son and future grandchildren. Tasma feels that learning about the Miriwoong language would make her grandparents very proud. She enjoys fishing and being out on Country and absolutely loves being around Elders, learning language and the stories of this land.


The Language Team


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