Running from 6 to 13 July, NAIDOC Week 2025 marks 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture and resilience. This year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, highlighting the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities and the legacy of ancestors.

Jordan Ardler, a Dharawal woman working at Aboriginal-owned design practice Yerrabingin, is a young person leading change within the design community. Below, she shares her career journey, offering insight into her experience of working in the built environment and the opportunities for young people to bring valuable lived experience to designing with Country.

Jordan Adler, Yerrabingin. Image: Jessica Lindsay

On my first day at university, I walked in, then walked out. I rang my mum and said, “I don’t belong here.” 

I’d won a scholarship to do a Bachelor of Design at UNSW College of Fine Arts (then COFA, now UNSW Art and Design) in Sydney. As a shy girl who had spent her entire life living in Community at La Perouse, I was completely out of my comfort zone. I was the only Indigenous person in this new place, surrounded by strangers who didn’t look, dress or talk like me.

“Just try to stay for one day,” Mum said. Reluctantly, I went back in and found my first class. 

Fast forward 13 years, and I’m working full-time at Aboriginal-owned design practice Yerrabingin as a project officer, community engagement officer and graphic designer. It’s a job I love and something I could never have imagined – working in two worlds, giving voice to Community and bridging understanding between people and cultures.

Jordan Ardler and Jamaal Watson in the Yerrabingin office. Photo: Jessica Lindsay

My journey here was not straightforward. From a young age, I was always an artist. I painted a lot, but was the black sheep in a sport-oriented family. My high school art teacher saw my passion and encouraged me. She told me about graphic design, and I went to TAFE while I was still at school to do my Cert 3 in Design Fundamentals. This taught me how to use computers and design applications, but I was still a long way from unlocking what design can do.

My teacher took me to visit the universities and encouraged me to apply for design courses. I was hesitant – no one in my family had been to university – but I was also excited to learn. I received offers from the University of Technology, Sydney, and COFA. I chose COFA because it was smaller and felt safer.

University opened my eyes to the world of design. We did everything, from Vivid lighting to animation. A unit in spatial design lit a spark in me and I learned that design isn’t just about how things look. Suddenly, the way I saw the world made sense. I graduated with Honours – a designer, but not yet ready to take the leap into another world.

A call to lead by example

I had been working in Community as a youth support leader since I was 18. The program supports youth at risk of anti-social behaviours, offering guidance and advice. I loved it. When I finished uni, I was offered the role of manager and that’s what I did. 

I was still interested in design on the side. My cousin knew Yerrabingin founder and CEO, Christian Hampson. When Christian needed some graphic design work, we were introduced and hit it off immediately. I did freelance work for Christian on and off for four years, also contributing to workshops and as an artist. Christian tried to get me to join the Yerrabingin team, but I still wasn’t ready. 

Yerrabingin CEO Christian Hampson talks to high school students from Western NSW at the practice’s South Everleigh Rooftop Farm project. Photo: Yerrabingin

Then, three years ago at age 27, I had a realisation. If I was going to inspire the next generation – the kids I was working with in my own Community – I’d need to get out into the world and lead by example. I picked up the phone to Christian. “I feel like this is the call,” he said. “It is,” I replied. I was hired.

Finding confidence in a new environment

At Yerrabingin, I have found a second home. Our team is family, a diverse group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from different backgrounds, working together to amplify Indigenous voices and design with Country. They welcomed me, supported me, and helped me find my confidence in this new environment.

As a project officer and community engagement officer, no two days are the same. Designing with Country is connecting with our environments, understanding us as people and our way of bringing our stories to the surface. My day might involve a workshop, reviewing reports to ensure they are culturally appropriate, building healthy relationships or giving advice where needed. 

The Yerrabingin team visits its project at 477 Pitt Street. Photo: Yerrabingin

Working in the corporate world has been an eye-opener. I was surprised to discover how much is written about our people and not by us. Many words mean different things to Community and corporates. For example, ‘engagement’ and ‘consultation’ are words that are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. Engagement is asking a range of people to respond to something. Consultation is asking for approval, and needs to go through the person, family or organisation with the authority. 

I used to feel daunted by the corporate world. Now, I feel differently. I’m in a position where I am in the middle and can bring people together. Get them on the same playing field, let them have a voice and let them listen and be heard, but also learn from each other. And I love that every day. It’s my favourite part of the job, even though it’s been like learning a new language. 

‘Our voices are wanted and needed in this space’

To young Indigenous people looking to step into this world, don’t be afraid. What you can learn and what you can give is equally rewarding – our voices are wanted and needed in this space. Step out of your comfort zone. I got here – a quiet girl who had barely been past Maroubra – and I feel more comfortable than ever. Take every opportunity that comes to you, as you never know where it can lead. 

Aboriginal heritage is acknowledging your ancestry. Being Aboriginal is solidifying your identity through a lived experience. Importantly, your lived experience is your greatest asset. It is where you can add the most value and really make a difference, bringing Community along with you. Being able to bring my Aunties to the city for the first time, working with them on projects where they usually get pushed aside, and seeing them smiling, is the best feeling ever. 

Lead image of Jordy Ardler and Jamaal Watson in the Yerrabingin office by Jessica Lindsay.

Related: Learn more about Yerrabingin.