Leanne Milton | Founder of Tribila
Leanne Milton is a Tubba-Gah Wiradjuri woman, artist, and educator whose work is grounded in cultural arts, storytelling, and connection to Country. Inspired by her Wiradjuri and Celtic heritage, her creative practice draws on lived experiences across New South Wales and the Snowy Mountains, where the Australian landscape continues to influence her work.
Family history plays an important role in Leanne’s identity. Early memories of writing, drawing, and learning alongside her English/Irish grandmother shape the foundation of her artistic and educational practice, while Aboriginal beliefs and ways of being guide her everyday choices.
Leanne founded Tribila in 2012 to create culturally informed programs that elevate First Nations voices.
The name reflects her heritage— ‘Tri’ (Irish for three) and ‘Bila’ (Wiradjuri for river)—honouring the Murrumbidgee, Macquarie, and Lachlan rivers of Wiradjuri Country.
With experience across government, education, and cultural sectors, Leanne has worked with ACT and NSW Government (VET), NSW Correctional Services, and the GLAM sector to support Indigenous engagement and cross-cultural learning. She is currently undertaking a PhD in Public Policy at the Australian National University, focusing on protecting First Nations cultures.
Through Tribila, Leanne offers digital learning programs, cultural design, branding, and commissioned landscape artworks. Her work promotes identity, wellbeing, and inclusive education through creativity.
Enquiries: tribilaculturalartseducation@gmail.com
Leanne founder of TRIBILA
Artist and programs author
“Creativity has deepened my understanding of identity and culture. I love traveling to remote bushlands surrounded by mountains, as it’s my favorite way to connect with nature and spend time with my husband.
Landscape drawing and poetry writing inspire me to express my love for Country, and today I advocate for education that embraces diverse voices and empowers Indigenous communities.”
All programs follow National Cultural Protocols detailing the difference between Visual Arts and Cultural Arts.
Other program contributors
Dapeng Wang
Mr. Dapeng Wang translated ‘Old Spirit River’ into Mandarin language. Mr. Wang Dapeng, also known as lay Buddhist ‘Yiliao’ is determined to transmit the heritage of intangible Chinese traditions and culture abroad and provided culture advice for Tribila when developing ‘Old Spirit River’ program.
Gerard Dwyer
Gerard Dwyer is an Enthusiast for reptiles, the Australian bush and is passionate in learning the importance of conservation. Gerard Dwyer developed a research document on the Eastern Water Dragon for ‘Old Spirit River’ program.
Natasha Robinson
Natasha Robinson is a conservation biologist whose research looks at improving the conservation of threatened species. Natasha Robinson provided extensive research skills for Tribila when developing educational programs and validated various program information while providing a personal research paper in her expertise when working at Booderee National Park, in Jervis Bay territory.
Adam Klumper
Adam Klumper grew up in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. He enjoys traveling the world and taking photo’s on his travels. Living in the High Country provides Adam an environment that has limited light pollution. This has captured Adam’s passion and night time photos are his favourite subject.
Chris Davey
Chris Davey is an Ornithologist and began work for Tribila in 2015 developing research on the Eastern Rosella. Chris is a highly respected community member of ACT and of the Canberra Ornithologists Group
Ms. Wang Mingming
Mingming majored in broadcasting and hosting art in University. After graduation, she has been engaged in professional dubbing and hosting work in Shanghai. Her main specialties are narration, storytelling, dubbing and the hosting of large-scale events.
Paul Jurak
Paul is a kayaker who has fallen in love with photography. He loved paddling and photography and there was nothing Paul wouldn’t do for those in need. It is a pleasure to have Paul ‘s photographs in Tribila programs.
