Walking Together. Building Stronger Futures
At Yana Advisory, we believe meaningful change begins with connection, understanding and respect.
We partner with organisations seeking to strengthen their relationships with Aboriginal communities, build cultural capability, and create environments where Aboriginal people feel seen, heard, respected and valued. Through tailored advisory services, cultural learning, community engagement and strategic guidance, we help organisations move beyond intention and into meaningful action.
Drawing on lived experience, professional leadership and a deep commitment to cultural integrity, Yana Advisory helps bridge the gap between policy and practice. We support organisations to navigate complex cultural considerations with confidence while building genuine partnerships that deliver lasting benefits for communities, employees and stakeholders.
Based in NSW and working nationally, we support government, corporate, community, not-for-profit and Aboriginal organisations committed to creating positive change and more inclusive futures.
Building capability through cultural respect
Yana Advisory helps organisations build respectful relationships with Aboriginal communities and create workplaces where culture is valued, understood and embedded in everyday practice. Our approach is grounded in listening, cultural respect, self-determination and accountability—turning insight into practical, meaningful change.
We work with government agencies, corporate organisations, not-for-profits, community service providers and Aboriginal organisations across Australia. Based in NSW, we tailor advisory support to each organisation and community context, including cultural capability, workforce development, community engagement, cultural protocols, supervision and strategic organisational development.
Our Services
Stronger workplaces create stronger communities and stronger communities create stronger futures.
Explore our services and contact us to discuss a tailored engagement for your strategy, policy, workforce or community priorities.
Aboriginal Workforce Attraction, Development and Retention
Build stronger pathways for Aboriginal employees through practical advice on attraction, development, retention and workforce planning. Support inclusive practices that help people thrive and organisations retain capability.
Cultural Safety and Organisational Capability
Strengthen organisational systems, leadership and everyday practice so Aboriginal people experience safer, more respectful workplaces. Identify priorities and turn cultural safety commitments into accountable action.
Cultural Awareness and Capability Development
Develop the knowledge, confidence and capability teams need to work respectfully with Aboriginal people and communities. Learning is tailored to your context and connected to meaningful workplace change.
Cultural Protocols and Professional Practice
Establish practical guidance for culturally respectful communication, decision-making, events and service delivery. Strengthen professional practice by embedding appropriate Aboriginal cultural protocols.
Aboriginal Community Engagement and Co-Design
Plan and facilitate engagement that values Aboriginal knowledge, relationships and self-determination. Co-design approaches help organisations develop services, policies and strategies that reflect community priorities.
Cultural Supervision and Workforce Support
Provide culturally informed supervision and support for Aboriginal workers and teams. Strengthen reflective practice, wellbeing, professional confidence and connection within the workplace.
Strategic Advisory and Organisational Development
Translate cultural priorities into practical strategy, policy and organisational development. Receive advice that supports leadership, governance, implementation and sustainable cultural change.
Start a conversation
Tell us a little about your organisation and what you would like to explore. Yana Advisory works with government, corporate, not-for-profit, community service and Aboriginal organisations across Australia, with services delivered from NSW.
Your information will be treated confidentially and used only to respond to your enquiry.
Meet Melissa Fernando
Melissa Fernando is the founder of Yana Advisory, bringing together Aboriginal lived experience, cultural knowledge and executive leadership expertise. She partners with organisations to strengthen cultural capability, foster genuine community connections, and create culturally safe environments where Aboriginal people can thrive.
20+ years' leadership experience
Aboriginal-led advisory practice
Government and community sector expertise
Cultural capability and engagement specialist