Who We Are

The Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls (1912-1969) was run as a training institution for First Nations girls who were forcibly removed from their families under the Aborigines Protection Act (1909-1969).

The Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation was founded in 2013 by a courageous group of Coota Girls Survivors, former residents of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls (1912-1969).

Our Board of Directors is made up of Coota Girls Survivors and descendants.

Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation Office and Keeping Place is located at Central Railway Station in Sydney on Gadigal Country. The location holds significance for Coota Girls Survivors and many Stolen Generations Survivors who passed through Platform 1 on their way to the homes after being forcibly removed from family and community.

Our Team

Alicia Bairle

Chief Executive Officer

Wiradjuri woman working on Gadigal Country

Alicia Bairle is a proud Wiradjuri woman and descendant of a Survivor of Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls (1912-1969). Throughout her career, she has supported First Nations communities in her various management positions in the disability sector, Out of Home Care sector and now in the Stolen Generations community. Alicia joined Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation in August 2021. Her strong understanding of the complex impacts of forced removals has assisted her to thrive in this role. Guided by Coota Girls Survivors’ aspirations, Alicia and her team are continuing to strengthen the Corporation and provide essential support to the Coota Girls community.

“As a Coota Girls descendant, working for our Coota Girls Survivors to bring life to their vision and aspirations makes me feel like I am home. I am grateful for the opportunity to do work that is meaningful for our community, honouring and respecting the journey of those before me.”

Meagan Gerrard

Project and Communications Manager

Wailwan and Gamilaroi woman working on Gubbi Gubbi Country

Meagan Gerrard is a proud Wailwan and Gamilaroi woman and granddaughter of a Survivor of Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls (1912-1969). Meagan has been involved with Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation since its inception. She has worked in varying capacities across the organisation, which has allowed her to contribute to Strategy, Operations, Project Creation and Management and Communications, ensuring Coota Girls Survivor’s aspirations are adhered to and met. As a Stolen Generations descendant, Meagan brings her personal experience and knowledge of intergenerational trauma and healing to her current role as Project and Communications Manager.

“My time with Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation spans from those early conversations had by my Aunties as they planned to form a corporation. I am so grateful to have been able to sit, listen and learn during those pivotal moments and to see the conception, growth and positive impacts Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation has had over the years.”

Alex McWhirter

Project Officer

Working on Gadigal Country

Alex’s experience working alongside First Nations communities began on Warlpiri Country where she lived and worked in Youth Development Programs. Since then, Alex has completed a Bachelor of Social Work and has worked in various roles in the non-Government sector, including Project Coordination, Youth Case Management and Mental Health Services, bringing a dedication to First Nations justice to each role. Alex McWhirter joined the Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation team in July 2021. In her current role as Project Officer, Alex brings her skills and experience in the community sector as well as her passion for truth-telling and justice for First Nations peoples, to contribute to the vision of Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation.

“I am so grateful to work for Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation. For me, this role means listening, learning and walking together towards healing and truth-telling. I love working with a dedicated and passionate team of strong women who share a commitment to seeing through the aspirations of Coota Girls Survivors.”

Amy Miller-Porter      

Case Worker

Gringai Wonnarua and Wiradjuri woman working on Gadigal Country

Amy Miller-Porter is a proud Gringai Wonnarua and Wiradjuri woman and descendant of a Survivor of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls (1912-1969). Amy is currently completing a Psychological Sciences degree and has a keen interest in First Nations wellbeing in a variety of settings. In her role as Case Worker, Amy brings her own knowledge and lived experience of matriarchal strength and resilience to overcome the consequences of displacement.

“I feel privileged to have an opportunity to work at Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation. I love working in a space where there is culture, connection, wisdom and knowledge and where I have an opportunity to contribute to our successes as a community.”

Rebecca House

Office and Keeping Place Co-ordinator

Gamilaroi woman working on Gadigal Country

“I am beyond grateful to work for Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation and to be part of a formidable team working within our community and alongside our mob. Every day I endeavor to bring my passion and experience in the community service sector to my role as Office and Keeping Place Coordinator.”

Laura Jones

Healthcare Coordinator

Wailwan and Gamilaroi woman working on Gadigal Country 

Laura Jones is a proud Wailwan and Gamilaroi woman and descendant of a Survivor of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls (1912-1969). Over the past 5 years, Laura has filled various roles in the healthcare sector, building holistic therapeutic relationships and helping to provide access to healthcare in community. In her role as Healthcare Coordinator, Laura supports our Coota Girls Survivors and descendants to navigate the healthcare system and access essential supports to their wellbeing

“As a descendant of a Coota Girls Survivors, it’s safe to say that the role of Healthcare Coordinator for First Nations people is quite special to me and an opportunity I am grateful for.”