Talei Elu
Young Australian of the Year (2023)
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Community Advocate / organiser
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Keynote Speaker
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Government Consultant
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Media Advisor
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Producer
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Queensland Young Australian of the year (2023)
Empowering her community through culture, action, and storytelling — a strong Saibai
Koedal woman shaping a brighter future for Seisia and beyond.
Talei Elu is a proud Saibal Koedal (Crocodile) woman from Seisia, a small Torres Strait
Islander community in Cape York, Queensland. After six years working in Canberra within
the Indigenous Affairs sector — including roles at the Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and AIATSIS — Talei returned home
in 2021 to focus on community-led change.
A passionate advocate for her people, Talei has created and led grassroots initiatives that
empower Seisia through culture, care for Country, and community connection. She founded
Seisia Sports and Rec, organised local beach clean-ups, led voter education with the
Australian Electoral Commission, and provided essential items for women and families. Her
leadership also helped secure improved 4G telecommunications infrastructure for Seisia and
New Mapoon after a year-long campaign.
Talei’s storytelling through photography and film preserves language and amplifies local
voices. Her dedication to cultural advocacy and innovation has been recognised nationally —
she was named the Queensland Young Australian of the Year (2023).
