Connie Rovina’s traditional homelands on her grandmother’s side are Musgrave Station and Laura area, being the Kuku-Thaypan people of Far North Queensland, and the Bowen Basin district Birriah and Widi people of Central Queensland, of her grandfather. Connie played a crucial role in the establishment of UMI Arts and has worked in First Nations arts consultancy positions, project management, curation, public art, and advocacy for the Aboriginal Arts Industry and artists.

Priscilla Major, also known as Ma Cheltrulalie, is an elder from the Kokoberra peoples on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. The Kokoberra people are the Traditional Owners of the Mitchell River area, which includes the Aboriginal community of Kowanyama. Priscilla is a founding member of UMI Arts and has dedicated her life to living and working in the community. She focuses on passing down traditional language, stories, and art to younger generations.

Marilyn Kepple is a WIK Mungkan woman based in Coen in Cape York, with ancestral ties to the Winchanum, Ayapathu, and Lama Lama Clans. Her strong connection to Country—shaped by childhood experiences of camping, fishing, hunting, and gathering natural materials with her family—continues to guide her artistic practice. Since commencing printmaking in 1998 and completing a Diploma in ATSI Visual Arts at TAFE Cairns, Marilyn has worked on Country in community, drawing ongoing inspiration from the stories, traditions, and landscapes of her homelands. She has served on various Boards and has been an active member of UMI Arts for several years, participating in its Side by Side workshops and exhibitions. Marilyn brings deep cultural knowledge, community insight, and extensive experience, making her a highly valued member of our Board.

Dorothy Edwards is a proud member of the Pa la Nganduw Kedew, White Dingo Clan of the Kokoberrin Peoples, hailing from the Staaten River area in Cape York. Her ancestral lands, known as Pinnarinch, have been passed down through generations from her mother and grandmother. Dorothy’s journey with UMI Arts began twenty years ago when she took part in the Savvy Arts forum, a pivotal event preceding the establishment of UMI Arts. Over the years, Dorothy has actively engaged in numerous UMI Arts Side by Side skills development workshops and art exhibitions. Her deep involvement volunteering for the organisation at events like Big Talk One Fire Festival has equipped her with a profound understanding of UMI Arts, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the organisation. Given her extensive experience and commitment, Dorothy is eager to learn more and contribute to UMI Arts as an Acting Director on the UMI Arts Board, offering valuable guidance and insight to further enhance the organisation’s programming.