Deb is a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and a member of the First People of the Millewa Mallee. She adores her children and grandchildren and is a highly respected Aunt to many. She proudly follows her mother's legacy of community development, responsibility and respect. Her professional career spans more than 40 years of service to South Australia's Aboriginal community. She worked for 24 years in the Department for Education where she was the first Aboriginal Principal Policy Advisor for early childhood education in SA. She was responsible for Aboriginal early childhood systems reform, policy and curriculum development, and led the establishment of 3 COAG Aboriginal Early Childhood Centres. Deb currently leads the community-led Justice Reinvestment in South Australia, working with the Australian Red Cross and the Tiraapendi Wodli team. She was proactive in opening the first metropolitan Justice Reinvestment Hub in South Australia in 2021. Deb is also an elected member of the South Australian Voice to Parliament. She a bold speaker and advocate for truth-telling, and she is often sought as a public speaker at many national conferences and local community learning circles. She describes herself as a strong community advocate for self-determination and community-led initiatives, is highly regarded by her community and is proud to be a Respect Person for South Australia's Nunga Court in Port Adelaide.