Madeline Lea is a proud Wulgurukaba, Bindal, Koa, and Pitta Pitta woman from North Queensland. Born and raised in Cherbourg and now living on Kabi Kabi Country, Madeline brings a lifelong commitment to community, culture, and advocacy to her role as a Skills-Based Board Member with Kambu Health.

With more than 30 years of experience across government and community sectors, Madeline has dedicated her career to championing the rights and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her work is grounded in cultural integrity, and she is passionate about ensuring that community-led approaches shape service delivery and decision-making.

At Kambu Health, Madeline supports the organisation’s vision to improve the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of mob. She is especially focused on mentoring and empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, embedding cultural knowledge into practice, and upholding the aspirations of community in everything the organisation does.

Guided by the teachings of her grandmothers—who instilled in her the values of respect, resilience, and integrity—Madeline carries forward their wisdom in her leadership. She believes Kambu Health has a vital role in leading the way for culturally safe and tailored health services that are designed and delivered by First Nations people, for First Nations people.

Her message to community is simple but powerful:

"You matter. When things get tough, remember who you are and that you stand on the shoulders of your ancestors, who have survived this country for thousands of years. The best for you is yet to come."