Originally starting as an Instagram page in 2017, Rona officially founded the organisation in 2019 with a website bringing together First Nations knowledge, cultures and stories.

“Common Ground was created to respond to the limited opportunities that our communities have to tell our stories our own ways in online spaces. Initially it was an opportunity for education and building relationships between our stories, communities and non-Indigenous folk,” Rona said.

“It has grown a lot since then to be an organisation that doesn't just exist in the online realm, but exists in many places and spaces and backs our communities to grow in our storytelling in whatever format or medium that may be. It continues to use storytelling as a tool to shift systems and create futures that are grounded in truth and accountability.”

Now turning her focus to other creative endeavours, Rona said she always saw Common Ground as a place of opportunity for mob, and growing and changing to meet the needs of community.

“I think that for things to grow and shift and evolve, we need to think seasonally in leadership and to know that space has to be made for the next season to emerge. That is really what I see as my role now, is stepping back so that new things can flourish,” Rona said.

“Leadership can't be stagnant. Within this organisation, we're entering into a new season of growth and thinking about those new shoots that are going to grow while I kind of go out this way.”

Taking over her role is proud Wiradyuri, Ngemba and Pakaantji woman Gemma Pol. Gemma was previously Communications Manager at Common Ground.

“Rona has invested so much time and energy into backing storytellers and storytelling. She's created an organisation, space and team that are really driven to back First Nations storytellers in whatever mediums they want to thrive in,” Gemma said.

“I've learnt so much from Rona and am so excited for her next chapter. She will always be part of Common Ground, and at the same time she'll have more space to focus on her own storytelling – one of the most powerful forms of storytelling, music.”

Gemma previously worked as an Aboriginal Education Worker at her local high school, before studying Communications, Public Relations and International Business at Griffith University. She spent time as a tutor at the university and has also worked as a support worker and in hospitality. She has held three roles at Common Ground – beginning as Communications Lead before progressing to Communications Manager, and now CEO.

Rona said there was no question that Gemma would be the perfect fit to take over the role, and said she knew within a few months of hiring her that it would be the case.

“When Gemma was about six months into her contract at Common Ground 2021, I knew that she was the right person to take over the leadership of Common Ground at some stage in the future, because of the deep integrity in the way that she operates,” Rona said.

“Her care for community, for family and for Country, the gracefulness and intention that she works in a team context, as well as the depth of her knowledge and breadth of her skillset.”

Gemma is excited to lead Common Ground at this pivotal moment in the organisation’s journey, having just launched a 2024-2030 strategy to change systems through storytelling.

“Our new strategy is bold and ambitious, and everyone has a role to play. I’m excited to continue and grow some of our existing projects like Dreamy and First Nations Bedtime Stories, and also dream up some new programs and projects with the team and our network of contributors,” Gemma said.

“What I’m really passionate about is building Blak power in storytelling, with programs that centre joy, healing and relationship-building. I’m also passionate about projects that build momentum towards justice, accountability and truth-telling, so we can mobilise communities of people and allies dedicated to changing systems with us.”

^{Animation by Jasmine Craciun capturing Common Ground’s approach to leadership and how Country is always evolving – a time to appreciate all that has come before and welcome the exciting growth ahead.}