About Us!

Yiradhu Marang – Good Day

I’m Ngayuumi “Naomi” Reid, a Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal woman, mother of five beautiful children, and founder of Maldhaany Waya currently residing in Meanjin “Brisbane” on Turrbal Country.

At Maldhaany Waya, we honour the Turrbal and Yuggera people, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where our work is being made and offered. I also would like to pay respect to Elders - past, present and emerging- and Acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. May my work respect this Country, and other Nations and may we all walk gently together in purpose.

My journey began in the central west of New South Wales, raised among rivers, and quiet teachings from mob and Country. Life shaped me through both beauty and hardship — I’ve witnessed the weight of intergenerational trauma, walking alongside those in pain, and enduring losses that fragmented my spirit from a young age. From these experiences, I was shaped with a greater insight and understanding of life and its various challenges.

In time going through my own experiences, I chose a different path, and this is why I do the work I do - to create safe spaces where others can explore their own sense of self, and live and speak their own truth.

Guided by my Ancestors, Faith, and Nature, I turned towards healing. Drawing from traditional knowledge passed down through family and my many mentors I met along my journey: connecting with nature, weaving, Indigenous jewellery making, bush medicine, and traditional ceremony. Through formal training, I harmonies Ancestral wisdom with scientific insight to shape my practice.

My creativity path began in early childhood first sparked by my mother Joanne Reid, a celebrated Aboriginal artist. As a child nestled beside my mum, we would string daisy chains from dandelions and "‘wet-the-bed’ yellow blossoms making bracelets and crowns and decorate mud pies on a little red plastic table on a dusty road near the bush in the Central Coast of New South Wales. As I grew, I watched my mum teach Aboriginal art and culture across our community in the Central West of New South Wales. She shared her gift in classrooms, TAFEs, and community spaces — offering not just technique, but story, spirit, and strength.

I moved between the Country and the Coast of New South Wales. Where I was surrounded by skill and soul- immersed in the creative rhythms of my Mum, Nans, and Aunties. Each carried a craft, care and wisdom: artists who saw the world through colour, dressmakers who stitched stories into seams, traditional ochre art and jewellery making with ancient knowledge of gathering from Country. Their hands and teachings guided mine, and their presence infused me with the quiet knowing: that making is medicine, and art is inherited.

These women - these matriarchs - walk with me in every thread I offer.

Throughout my life I was raised with a deep sense of responsibility and custodianship to Country. My Dad and Uncles taught me how to listen, care and walk gently with the land and all that belong to it. Their teachings continue to guide the way I navigate through Country and the deep respect I have for it.

When I moved off Country as an adult seeking a lifestyle change and healing, I found myself not just navigating new terrain but yearning to return home—spiritually and culturally. I began facing new challenges that echoed old cycles I once believed I left behind. As a mother, I realised I couldn’t allow that story to shape mine - or my children’s life. Something in me stirred, quietly but firmly, telling me it was time to grow. So, I listened. I sought new pathways of healing and began a master’s degree in Aromatherapy and Natural therapy, grounding myself in science and scent, while simultaneously joining weekly Wiradjuri language classes, rekindling connection with kin, Country, and memory. For nearly three years, I’ve shared that space with incredible people who helped me regain my confidence and remember who I was.

As a single mum, often alone, I reached inward for strength and outward for community. My weaving journey began with Caryl Wallace of Durban Bagii, whose workshop sparked something ancient and creative within me. That spark grew—I learnt other styles from Tabara N’Diaye of La Basketry and Ruth Woods from Craft Oz, deepening my craft and cultural practices.

Craving deeper fulfillment, I joined the Strong Women Talking and participated in the healing journey—not only to heal, but to connect. That path led me to Sisters Connect an inspiring circle of women who reminded me of resilience, strength and my own creative fire. We created jewellery-making which returned memories to me like an old friend, and with it, a sense of confidence that had long been quieten.

Today, I am still healing, still growing. I stand at the edge of completing my Aromatherapy and Wiradjuri language studies, knowing that when one journey ends, another quietly begins. My art, my practice, and my path continue to unfold with the rhythm of Country and the hands of my Ancestors guiding me forward.

At Maldhaany Waya we believe each conscious step—no matter how small—is a step in the right direction. In ritual, in reflection, in care for body and Country, every movement matters.

Healing is a path, not a destination. Let’s walk it together!