79. From World Championships to Community Change with Shantelle Thompson OAM. Part 1

In this two part episode the team sit down and chat with Female Black Belt, Shantelle Thompson, a proud Barkindji and Ngyampaa woman, celebrated as a world‑class athlete, community advocate, mother of five and recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to Victoria’s Indigenous community.

She began training in Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu in 2011 initially as a way to manage post‑natal depression and quickly rose through the ranks to become a three‑time Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu world champion — known as the “Barkindji Warrior.”

Shantelle has also achieved success in wrestling competition and was recognised as the 2019 National NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year, highlighting her impact beyond BJJ.

Apart from athletic achievements, Shantelle has been a powerful voice for self‑determination, mental health and cultural empowerment, founding programs such as the Kiilalaana (Growth) initiative to support young Indigenous women through leadership, life skills and empowerment programs.

Her work spans storytelling, mentorship, cultural teaching and community activism — all deeply rooted in breaking cycles of trauma and creating pathways for First Nations people and women in sport.