Maria Watson-Trudgett

Maria Watson-Trudgett

https://www.mariawatsontrudgett.com.au/

Sumner QLD 4074

First Nations Consultant & Aboriginal Artist Maria Watson-Trudgett

Koori woman of the Wiradyuri people

Maria Watson-Trudgett is an independent First Nations Consultant, Brisbane, Australia and Aboriginal artist based in Brisbane, residing on Yuggerah Country. With more than 30 years of experience in community and stakeholder engagement, Maria works with organisations across Australia to support culturally aligned, respectful and meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and communities.

As a First Nations consultant and Aboriginal cultural consultant, Maria brings extensive experience in organisational change management, cultural safety principles, and the development and implementation of culturally aligned systems, frameworks, workplace policy and practice. Her work supports organisations at all stages of change, helping build stronger understanding, respectful working relationships, and better outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities.

Strategic First Nations Guidance for Culturally Safe Organisations

Maria works with national organisations to strengthen cultural awareness and challenge biases, assumptions and perspectives. Her guidance helps organisations build cultural capability, create culturally safe working environments, and improve communication practices.

She provides strategic direction and ongoing project guidance, drawing on her First Nations perspectives, knowledge of traditional engagement practices, and professional qualifications, including a Bachelor of Social Science in Community Welfare and Human Services.

Her work includes:

  • advisory and mentoring
  • development and implementation of Reconciliation Action Plans
  • First Nations strategies and frameworks
  • review and evaluation of HR and workplace policies
  • guidance on programs and initiatives aimed at improving engagement and access for First Nations peoples

Aboriginal Art, Cultural Guidance and Ethical Collaboration

Alongside her consulting practice, Maria is an accomplished professional Aboriginal artist. Her artwork has been exhibited nationally, including at Parliament House, and has featured on NAIDOC merchandise, RAP documents, and within organisations and private collections in Australia and internationally.

Maria also provides guidance on Indigenous cultural intellectual property, copyright licensing, and ethical collaboration. This work supports organisations to engage respectfully with First Nations artists and approach cultural projects with care and integrity.

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