Dallas is a Noongar woman from the Gnaala Karla Booja regions of Pinjarra and Ravenswood. She grew up as a “State Ward” between the ages of two until she was twenty-one years of age. Dallas grew up with her paternal family with many extended families around her.
Dallas has worked in various agencies such as Woman’s Refuges, Shelters and the Aboriginal Medical Service now known as Derbarl Yerrigan Health Services as a Program Manager in the Aged Care unit where she worked with Aboriginal Elders in the community. Dallas’ fostering career started in the 70s when she started caring for her extended families and because of her regular interactions with the Department at the time. Dallas’ home was seen as a safe place for many Aboriginal children in the community.
As a proud Noongar mother, grandmother and carer, Dallas recognises the importance of connecting children in care with their culture and identity for a better future. Dallas strongly believes that nothing is better than being connected to your own family.