As we honoured NAIDOC Week 2025 and its theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” we caught up with Mary Croaker, VERTO’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy Coordinator.
Mary is a woman whose story and purpose are deeply tied to the communities she serves, and whose work is lighting a path for generations to come.
As a proud Wiradjuri woman, Mary’s passion for empowering young Indigenous Australians runs deep. It’s in her blood, her story, and her every step at VERTO.
Raised by hardworking parents who faced limited opportunities because of their Aboriginal identity, Mary witnessed firsthand the quiet strength and resilience of her family. Her mother, determined to create a brighter future, moved the family to Orange, NSW with one mission: to give her children the opportunities she never had.
“My mum’s passion and dreams for us live on in the programs we’ve created,” Mary shared. “Everything I do is to keep her legacy alive.”
That legacy now flourishes through Mary’s role at VERTO, where she has become the driving force behind several life-changing programs, including Tidda Tradies, Junior Tidda Tradies, Brutha Biran, and the Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program. These initiatives are more than just projects. They are pathways to pride, identity, and opportunity for First Nations young people across Central West NSW.
Walking with purpose
Since joining VERTO, Mary has championed a people-first approach rooted in identity, culture and community. As IAS Coordinator, she works with primary, secondary and post-school students, guiding them through leadership development, cultural connection, and career exploration.
Her role extends beyond program delivery, from helping schools adopt culturally safe practices to mentoring Aboriginal Education Officers and supporting First Nations staff in schools.
“We don’t just help them find a path. We help them see their own value and remind them of their dreams,” Mary said. “Sometimes all they need is someone to hold up a mirror.”
Even simple supports, like school transport, have made a measurable difference, with student attendance increasing by up to 70 percent in some areas.
Leading with community at heart
Mary’s work is more than a job. It’s deeply personal. Her commitment comes from a place of lived experience, cultural pride, and a deep love for her community.
Cultural integrity is at the core of every program she helps shape. By working closely with Elders and local leaders, Mary ensures that VERTO’s initiatives reflect the wisdom, stories and values of those they are designed to serve.
“This is where my children are. My family. My dreams. And I want the next generation to grow up proud, without shame or judgement,” Mary said.
Looking ahead
Mary has her sights set on growing the post-school arm of VERTO’s Indigenous programs and building a broader team so even more young people can be supported.
She’s especially excited about expanding Brutha Biran after its successful pilot.
“Now that we’ve seen what’s possible, the sky’s the limit.”
Her message to young Indigenous people is simple, yet powerful:
“Not knowing isn’t a weakness. Exploring is how we build our strength. You are worthy of every step and every second of the journey.”
Mary’s work reminds us all that real change happens when we see the person in front of us, not the stereotypes.
“Support that child, that student, that job seeker. Help them break through the barriers and chase their dream,” she said. “Because they all deserve that chance.”
At VERTO, we’re incredibly proud to walk alongside Mary and the communities she serves. Her passion, strength and unwavering commitment are shaping brighter futures and stronger communities, one step at a time.
