Leila Gurruwiwi

BIO

Leila Gurruwiwi is an Australian Indigenous Media Commentator and Television Show Producer. Leila was born in north-east Arnhem Land - she is the first cousin of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and one of a group of eight siblings. Leila moved to Bendigo at 18 months years old so she could get a better education. During her childhood, Leila spent six months in the hospital with pneumonia, which left her with reduced lung capacity, preventing her from achieving her childhood dreams of playing sports or singing professionally. Leila is an inspirational figure who has overcome significant self-esteem issues stemming from childhood bullying and health issues. Through her work, she has become a voice for the under-represented and a champion of Indigenous culture. Her career serves as an inspiration to others from marginalised communities who may struggle with similar obstacles. In 2011, Leila emceed the Survival Day and continues to be an influential figure in the Media Industry.

SKILLS

Leadership | Cultural Development | Directing | Producing | Speaking Engagements | Indigenous Leadership | Indigenous Events Specialist Leila began her media career at radio station 3KND in Melbourne before being invited by Grant Hansen to work as a reporter on the popular television show, The Marngrook Footy Show, in 2007. Leila was with the show since its inception and has been a strong advocate for the representation of two under-represented groups in the AFL community, women and Indigenous Australians. Her presence on the show, alongside Shelley Ware, was aimed at making women feel more comfortable and represented. Her particular interest in Indigenous culture led to her co-producing the reality TV show with the working title Dance Off, currently being filmed in Arnhem Land. The show focuses on groups of Indigenous dancers competing in a dancing competition and exploring their cultural ties.

ACHIEVEMENTS

+ Indigenous Australian + Marngrook Footy Show + Ambassador for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre + Trailblazing Indigenous Women of Screen (2018) + Decolonising of Aboriginal Representation on our Screens (2018) + Long Walk, Federation Square (2018) + National NAIDOC Awards Sydney (2018) + Key Note Speaker for “Power of Hope” event with Kon + Karapanagiotidis (2018) + Key Note Speaker - NAIDOC Indigenous Women’s Conference (2018) + Responder at 2970 Boiling Point Conference (2017) + Women in Media Conference Gold Coast (2017) + Womens International Day Breakfast (2013) + Yalukit Willam Ngargee Festival (2013) + Nallei Jerring Graduation Lunch (2013, 2014) + Hawks City Lunch Guest Panellist (2013) + Belgrave Survival DAY (2011, 2012, 2013) + Congress Lowitja Dinner (2012)