Samantha Murray
Chief Executive Officer at the Indigenous Desert Alliance

Samantha is a proud Yilka/Wongutha/Nyoongar woman who grew up in Cosmo Newberry (where she has Traditional Owner links) and Laverton. She has connections to the broader central desert area.

Her Indigenous name is Imelia and skin name Panaga. She has previously been a director of Yilka Aboriginal Corporation for over 3 years and is a currently a director of Yilka Heritage and Land Care.

Prior to starting with the IDA, Sam worked with Central Desert Native Title Services and Desert Support Services in the role of human resources officer. She has also worked in a range of other government-based roles in education, public housing and TAFE.

For five years, Sam has played a vital role at the IDA, supporting people and managing programs. As the IDA's first Indigenous CEO from the desert, Sam approaches the role with passion and focus, dedicated to ensuring that Indigenous rangers are enabled to collaboratively manage the Australian desert and are empowered to realise their aspirations for community, culture, and Country.