Who We Are
Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation was founded in 1980 to assist all Aboriginal people who had been directly affected by past government policies; being separated from their families and culture through forced removal, being fostered, adopted or raised in institutions.
Link-Up (NSW) supports the healing journeys of those removed; delivering professional, culturally sensitive and confidential research, reunions and Social, Emotional and Wellbeing services to those over the age of eighteen.
Aboriginal families and communities in New South Wales have been profoundly affected by removal and struggle to find it back home, home to family, country, community and culture … home to where they belong. The Bringing Them Home report by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1997 confirmed the devastating effects that the removal of children has had on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and cultures.
In 1983 Link-Up (NSW) received funding from the Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs, this enabled the establishment of the first Link-Up NSW building and employees. In 1984, Link-Up was formally incorporated under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act.
Meet the CEO
Jamie Sampson
Jamie Sampson is a proud Kamilaroi man from Coonamble with strong family ties to Moree and Gulargambone. He worked as a Teacher, Head Teacher, Deputy Principal and with Tafe NSW for 7 years in Western NSW in towns such as Coonamble, Naromine, Dubbo and Condobolin. The desire to lead this organisation came from his passion for Stolen Generations. He believes every Aboriginal family has been affected by the past government policies and is proud to be the Chief Executive Officer for an organisation that reunites Aboriginal peoples back to culture, community and kin while supporting them on their healing journey. Jamie enjoys spending his spare time with his two daughters. He has a love for sports, especially Rugby League and is a proud Parramatta Eeels supporter.
Meet the Board
Aunty Lizzie May
Lizzie May is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Nanima who grew up in Mt Druitt. Lizzie has been the Chairperson for the past 4 years and has played an integral role within our organisation. Lizzie was fortunate enough to be reunited with her sister in 2011 through Link-Up (NSW), which is one of the reasons she is so passionate about the important work conducted.
Aunty Aileen Bell
Aileen Bell (Edwards) is a proud Kamilaroi woman who has been on the Board of Directors since 2013. Aileen loves making a difference for her people and the community. Aileen would like to be on the Board of Directors for as long as she can, so she can continue to improve the lives of our people and community.
Uncle Peter Read
Peter is a non-Indigenous Board of Director permitted under the category in the Constitution as one holding Special Expertise. With Oomera Edwards in 1980, he co-founded Link-Up (NSW) and worked until 1986. He remained a Public Officer for a several years after that.
Aunty Raelene Corak
Raelene has been on the Board of Directors for the last four years, she feels a great pride representing the members of Link-Up (NSW) and the important work that is being undertaken every day. Raelene has gained a lot of experience working alongside the other Board of Directors.
Uncle Craig Edwards
Uncle Craig is a proud Gumbaynggirr man living in Mount Druitt, Western Sydney. Uncle Craig has been a Director since 2022 and was assisted by Link-Up (NSW) in 1994 who reunited him with his Brother. While the role is still new to him, he enjoys supporting his community and is learning as he goes.
Uncle Mark Hartley
Uncle Mark believes there are no greater truths than lived experiences, being forcibly removed from his family in 1969. He was assisted by Link-Up (NSW) and is a proud client, member and Director. He believes Link-Up (NSW) is a family and community that has helped his healing and given him a sense of belonging and purpose. He acknowledges his Elders and stands strong within an environment that shares the impact of Stolen Generation trauma.
Uncle Wayne Fazldeen
Uncle Wayne is a proud Karukilaya/Ngemba man from Cobar, NSW. Uncle Wayne has been on the Link-Up (NSW) Board of Directors since 2023 and was assisted through Link-Up (NSW) to reunite with his family in 2019. Uncle Wayne looks forward to being able to bring his life experience, education and knowledge to best assist our clients, members and community.
Latest Annual Report
Our Board of Directors are pleased to present the 2022-2023 annual report.
This report showcases our staff, directors, programs, events and audited financial statements. Link-Up (NSW) is proud of all achievements continuing to serve our clients.
Our Past Annual Reports
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2021-22
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2020-21
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2019-20
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2018-19
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2016-17
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2015-16
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2014-15
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2021-22
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2020-21
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2019-20
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2018-19
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2016-17
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2015-16
Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2014-15
