Cerisa Grant is a proud Walpiri, Jawoyn and Gurrindji woman from Katherine who has previously worked with the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), the Barpirdhila Foundation and Territory Families. Cerisa was brought into the fold as Support Act’s First Nations Community Engagement / Social Worker. Cerisa yarns with Gman on Big Brekkie about her role and how COVID has affected mob in the industry.
She takes on the newly created position to increase the number of First Nations artists, crew and music workers accessing Support Act’s crisis relief and mental health & wellbeing services. Cerisa states, “Everything I have done, every mistake I have made has taught me so much. I love the lows just as much as I love the highs. Being a full-time mum and working towards a career in music has its struggles, but with passion and drive I know I will excel…
Support Act was pleased to announce the appointment of Cerisa Grant as the music charity’s First Nations Community Engagement / Social Worker. This is a newly created position designed to increase the number of First Nations artists, crew and music workers accessing Support Act’s crisis relief and mental health & wellbeing services. “Providing services to First Nations music workers in a culturally appropriate and safe environment has long been a priority for Support Act,” said Clive Miller, CEO. “Having Leah Flanagan and Alethea Beeston on our Board gives us the strategic focus, and with the appointment of Cerisa, we believe we have found the perfect candidate to help us increase our engagement at the operational level.”
“I am excited to take on this role as it combines both of my passions – music and social work. I am also very proud of my culture and look forward to being able to create a safe space for First Nations music workers so that they can access Support Act’s wonderful support services should they need to.” Cerisa’s appointment is a 12-month position that has been made possible thanks to financial support provided by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts. The Office for the Arts was also integral in helping Support Act launch its Wellbeing Helpline, a free confidential service available 24/7, staffed by professional clinicians familiar with issues faced by people working in music and the arts. The Wellbeing Helpline can be accessed by calling 1800 959 500 within Australia, or via email. Zoom video calls are also available.
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