Since then, she has built a career at the Museum across visitor engagement, cultural programming, learning, policy, digital projects, community partnerships and cultural leadership. That effort is now being recognised as Jhameika is named as a nominee in the 2026 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards for Western Australia.
These awards celebrate young people up to 30 years of age who are making positive contributions across their communities and industries. For Jhameika, that contribution is led by a strong sense of cultural responsibility, practical leadership and a commitment to creating safer, more respectful spaces for Aboriginal people, colleagues, visitors and community.
When Jhameika first began at the Museum, her front-facing role allowed her to help visitors connect with the Museum’s stories and spaces. That passion continued as she moved into project roles, working more closely across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interests, engagement and initiatives.
She has also played an important role in the development and delivery of the Museum’s Reconciliation Action Plan, contributing cultural guidance and lived experience to work that affects both staff and visitors.
Over this time, Jhameika has demonstrated significant leadership qualities, contributing to the development of the Museum’s Aboriginal Engagement Strategy and projects like the Museum’s Social Justice Project, which creates learning resources for young people impacted by the justice system.
In 2025, Jhameika relocated to Carnarvon to take on a Project Officer role at Gwoonwardu Mia, the Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre. There, she has continued to strengthen relationships with community, Elders, artists, schools and local organisations. She has coordinated the Artist in Residence program, Yarning Circles and Stargazing Nights and supported opportunities for emerging tour operators, reactivating schools programming and community programs including bush classrooms, men’s groups and two-way learning initiatives.
Throughout all areas of impact, Jhameika also consistently acknowledges that positive outcomes are not achieved alone – they are the result of shared effort, working respectfully alongside colleagues, community providers, Elders and cultural practitioners to deliver meaningful, community-centred outcomes.
Congratulations, Meika. We are proud to see your leadership, care and cultural knowledge recognised as you flourish in your career.
