Shannon is a proud Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri man with strong connections to culture and community whose core values are guided by his parents who fostered more than 280 children over 45 years living in NSW Australia. Shannon was appointed the first ever NSW Aboriginal Advocate for Children and Young People where he strives as a professional, driven leader, to harness his passion and platform, for helping and uplifting disadvantaged children and youth. Shannon closely understands the challenges faced by those who have experienced foster care and agency interfaces. Shannon is the currently the National Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Strategy for Mission Australia. Shannon is a listener, who elevates the voices of Aboriginal Children and People across the country. Shannon has over 20 years’ experience working across health-based services in both the public and not-for-profit/NGO sectors as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, in Senior Management, and Leadership roles.