Our Story

Elements of Country connects people to the restoration of traditional land management practices in a step towards social and economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. 

Founders Erin McDonald, Troy Casey and Amanda Hayman share a creative vision providing a chance for broader audiences to be inspired by our natural landscape, grow a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal knowledge, unearth hidden histories and develop a solid respect for Country. 

We believe every project is an opportunity to build a deeper connection to our traditional knowledges and how we shape and experience our built environment. 

Our Team

Erin McDonald
Mandandanji

Founder & Creative Director

Erin McDonald is a proud Aboriginal woman who embeds her culture throughout the design process. She pushes the boundaries through a holistic approach in translating Indigenous technologies to embed cultural identity into the built environment. As an interior designer her practice is influenced by the patterns and markings of Country and how these tell a story of traditional culture and place.

Troy Casey
Kamilaroi

Founder & Director

Troy is passionate about harnessing economic opportunities to create positive social change for First Nations Australians. He combines his extensive community engagement experience spanning the government, not-for-profit and higher education sectors, with his curatorial practice, working collaboratively with communities to ensure First Nations voices are embedded within all stages of design.

Amanda Hayman
Kalkadoon / Wakka Wakka

Founder & Director

Amanda is a creative thinker and has expertise in contemporary Aboriginal art, exhibition curation and activating spaces. She has a particular interest in social history in relation to place, especially First Nations oral histories and living memories, and enjoys working in partnership with artists and designers to creatively express these narratives.