Melody Popple

Melody Popple is a Bundjalung researcher, artist, art therapist, and Wayapa Wuurrk practitioner currently completing her Doctorate in Indigenous Philosophies at Southern Cross University. Her research centres on Indigenous philosophies, place-based and Country-centred ways of being, and the integration of Indigenous Knowledges within academic and community spaces. Melody is a We-Al li Culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Healing facilitator and works alongside both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to embed earth connection and Indigenous perspectives into projects such as Daily Growth. 

Alongside her academic work, Melody maintains a strong visual arts practice that connects her to Country, community, and cultural expression. In her upcoming exhibition 'Balun Gawarima - River Story', Melody works with the riverways on Bundjalung Country to create visual story-maps. She is the Arts installation and The Gathering Program Coordinator for The Returning Indigenous-led Charity as well as a core team member of The Returning's Bundjalung-based Culture Camps. Melody works with community, bringing together healing, creativity, and relational knowledge-sharing. As someone of diverse cultural heritage, Melody is passionate about creating futures where Indigenous ways of being are celebrated and meaningfully integrated into Western systems of learning, wellbeing, and research.