Michelle is a Gamilaroi/Gomeroi woman born and raised in Sydney. Michelle moved to the Mid North Coast of NSW in 1987 where she undertook adult education at TAFE completing her Tertiary Preparation Certificate (Year 12 equivalent), which then enabled Michelle Michelle to enter university and obtain a Degree in Applied Science – Coastal Management, completed it with Honors.
Michelle also has a Masters Degree in Aboriginal Education and worked for Southern Cross University for 10 years after completing her Masters as an ATAS tutor. Michelle worked as the Executive Assistant to the CEO at Galambila AMS for 10 years, followed by 5 years as the Cultural Heritage Coordinator at the Coffs Harbour Local Aboriginal Land Council where she had the pleasure of organizing a repatriation ceremony for a Gumbaynggirr ancestor.
Michelle now works for Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance working on various cultural and community projects.