Mr. Oscar Colbung

Oscar Colbung is a proud Noongar man and respected Male Elder, a Traditional Owner of the Menang region with strong ancestral ties to the Menang, Bibbulmun, Wardandi and Ganeang native title areas. As a member of one of the largest Noongar families, he carries deep cultural knowledge of people, history and Country across the Karri Karrak region, grounding his leadership in lived cultural authority and responsibility.

For nearly four decades, Oscar has quietly transformed lives through steady, community-based leadership. He has walked alongside Aboriginal men, women and young people facing complex challenges including family violence, addiction, youth justice and homelessness. Known for leading through presence rather than position, he balances accountability with dignity—guiding individuals to take responsibility while recognising their potential for change. Many he supported in difficult times now stand as fathers, workers and mentors, reflecting his strong intergenerational impact.

Beyond individual support, Oscar has played a vital role in preserving and sharing Noongar culture, ensuring language, story and protocol are respected across community and service systems. His leadership has helped shape culturally informed approaches in justice, housing and family violence services, contributing to more than $33 million in regional initiatives. Through mentoring and governance, he continues to empower the next generation, embodying calm, consistent and culturally anchored Aboriginal leadership.