Sarai Roe
Co-founder TAG – Traditional Aboriginal Games
Q. What’s your link to Townsville?
I moved to Townsville to study a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at James Cook University and be closer to my partner Micah, who was also studying at JCU. We were recently married in Townsville and now have a daughter, Jalah 3, and son, Jireh 2.
Q. What does your work involve now?
I’m the co-founder of TAG – Traditional Aboriginal Games. We deliver traditional Indigenous games and cultural immersion programs with the Grow Hope Foundation. Our facilitators provide sessions in schools, at community events and for corporate events. When not working with TAG, I’m a project coordinator at The University of Melbourne. Melbourne winter is proving challenging, and we’re definitely missing the Townsville sun, but we live close to the beach.
Q. What project are you currently working on?
With the university of Melbourne, I’m coordinating a summit with the community out in Shepparton, north-east Victoria. For TAG, I’m working on pulling together various TAG events in colleges, for sporting clubs and for corporate NAIDOC week (8 to 15 July) events, as well as helping to connect various schools in Melbourne to Indigenous women and support them with their NAIDOC celebrations.
Q. How did your time in Townsville set you up for success?
My time studying at JCU exposed me to different avenues to advocate for Aboriginal people and gave me the foundation to start TAG. I also met my business partner, Domica Wescombe, while playing netball for the Steelcats. She was born and raised in Townsville and has been key in building our business and connections in Melbourne.
Q. Do you still come ‘home’ to Townsville to visit?
Hopefully TAG will expand to Townsville soon, enabling us to come home more often, but we like to make at least two trips a year and we’re looking forward to spending Christmas in Townsville.
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www.tagames.com.au