A proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman with German and Irish heritage, Rachel is one of the nation’s most renowned screen practitioners, bringing unique, compelling stories to life and advocating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-representation and equity for more than thirty years.

An agenda-setting filmmaker and policy leader, Rachel has lent her high-level expertise to a number of influential organisations in leadership roles across Screen Australia, AFTRS, SBS, ABC, the Australian Film Commission, NITV, Indigenous Screen Australia, the NSW Film and Television Office, the National Indigenous Media Association of Australia and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance.

As co-founder of production company Blackfella Films, Rachel has long driven and shaped First Nations storytelling in Australia with a strong focus on self-representation, told by and with Indigenous media practitioners. A transformative director, writer and producer for drama and documentary projects across TV and film, her credentials include work on pioneering and award-winning projects like Mystery Road, Total Control, The Australian Wars, Redfern Now, Bran Nue Dae, Radiance, Mabo and First Australians.

In a newly created role, Rachel will lead the strategic direction for Screen Australia’s First Nations Department and the broader sector by shaping recommendations for future policy, guiding investment priorities and driving engagement with government, culture and screen industry stakeholders.