We are thrilled to introduce Lia Yorkston, our new Indigenous Liaison Officer. Lia joins Defence Housing Australia (DHA) with a vision to foster a culturally safe and inclusive environment that celebrates First Nations culture. We sat down with Lia to find out how her insights and goals promise to make a lasting impact on our journey toward reconciliation.

                                                         Lia Yorkston

Lia’s career in Indigenous affairs began as a personal journey of connection. Originally from Thursday Island in Far North Queensland and of Torres Strait Islander heritage, she moved to Brisbane, where she found herself in a new environment that felt removed from her deeply rooted cultural ties. Seeking to maintain and strengthen her connection to her community and culture, she became involved in Indigenous activism and advocacy. This involvement not only provided a bridge to her heritage but also ignited a passion for community engagement that shaped her career in diversity, inclusion, and advocacy.

At University of Queensland, Lia worked as a Senior Support Officer, managing cases and supporting Indigenous students through various challenges - from personal to academic. While this role was rewarding, it also came with heavy emotional demands. Transitioning to a federal government role at Australian Financial Security Authority, Lia shifted her focus from direct casework to more strategic advocacy, centring on broad diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

For Lia, DHA presented a unique opportunity. “DHA’s engagement with land and property brings a significant chance to connect with First Nations communities on meaningful levels,” she explains. “Working here allows me to advocate for First Nations people in a new way - facilitating engagement between DHA and traditional landowners, particularly as we expand into the Far North.”

                                                          Thursday Island

While DHA’s commitment to reconciliation was appealing, Lia’s decision to join was also driven by a sense of purpose. “My previous role was shifting in a way that didn’t align with my values.

"I wanted to be part of an organisation where Indigenous affairs and reconciliation were priorities.”

Supporting communities

Lia’s vision for her role at DHA centres around making DHA an employer of choice for First Nations people. She hopes to build cultural capability across the organisation, aiming for DHA to become an employer of choice. “Creating a culturally safe and supportive environment is key. I want Indigenous employees to feel proud of working here and to recommend DHA to others.”

In the short term, Lia aims to tackle achievable goals, such as enhancing DHA’s engagement with Indigenous suppliers - a field where DHA is already making strides. “Supporting Indigenous suppliers not only adds economic value through procurement but also supports the wider community,” she says. Lia emphasises that while short-term wins are important, she is equally committed to establishing a long-term framework that addresses recruitment, retention, and cultural capability.

                                         Lia with her nephew and her father

As DHA expands into regions with significant Indigenous populations, Lia believes it’s essential to approach recruitment and engagement differently. “Putting out a job ad alone won’t attract Indigenous talent. We need to establish and leverage networks within the First Nations community to genuinely engage,” she explains “the grapevine is real.” Drawing from previous work with Indigenous Business Australia, Lia envisions partnerships and outreach initiatives that empower First Nations communities in ways that align with DHA’s mission.

Creating cultural understanding

To foster inclusivity within DHA, Lia believes in a blended approach.

“Storytelling—especially face-to-face storytelling—is powerful,”

She advocates for structured storytelling sessions, where cultural capability trainers can share Indigenous perspectives in a respectful, impactful way. “Not every Indigenous person wants to share personal stories, and we need to respect that,” Lia notes. She emphasises that building cultural understanding is about breaking down stereotypes and encouraging staff to view Indigenous stories through a lens of strength rather than deficit.

                                                            Thursday Island

Lia’s arrival brings new momentum to our reconciliation journey. Her experience, passion, and strategic vision are guiding DHA to be an organisation that not only meets the needs of the Defence community but also honours and respects the land, culture, and communities on which we operate. Lia’s work will no doubt help DHA become a place where First Nations people feel valued and empowered, setting a precedent for inclusivity.