Who We Are
An Indigenous-led organisation at the frontier of brain health, culture and healing - working locally, nationally and globally to help people and communities thrive.
Why Yiliyapinya exists
"Indigenous language, culture and knowledge belong at the centre of how we understand the brain — not at the edges."
'Yiliyapinya' means brain from Wankumara (Galali) Language. Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation was established in 2019 by founder and CEO Sheryl Batchelor to respond to the deepening impact of adversity on brain health within Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and schools.
What Sheryl saw, and what research increasingly confirms, is that healing cannot happen through science alone. It needs culture, relationship, Country and community. Yiliyapinya was built to bring all of those things together.
"Brain health is a right, not a privilege."
— Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation
Grounded in culture. Held in practice.
These are the values that guide everything we do.
Innovative
We weave Indigenous knowledge, neuroscience and creative practice into programs that actually work — doing something we hope will become far more common.
Accountable
We are accountable to program participants, families and organisations who trust us, and to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whose knowledge underpins this work.
Culturally Responsive
We recognise Indigenous cultures and uphold the rights of all people to be met with respect and acceptance — no bias, no deficit thinking, no othering.
Evidence Informed
Indigenous peoples have understood brain-based healing for millennia. We honour that knowledge alongside the science — and consistently evaluate our programs to keep improving.
Collaborative
We are stronger together. For child and youth programs, we collaborate with the full ecosystem surrounding each young person — and seek authentic partnerships across the organisation.
Keep exploring
There's more to discover across the Yiliyapinya site.
"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families, employees, partners and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation."
— Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation