Amaya Chula grew up in the Wadeye community, surrounded by her siblings and extended family, and spent time in several communities with family including Daly River and Ngulkur. Her childhood was shaped by a diverse range of experiences, which fostered her natural curiosity and love for engaging with people. Amaya’s educational journey grew through the Thamarrurr Youth extension program, which led her to Bright P-12 College for her final years of secondary education.

After completing Year 12, Amaya continued her learning through another extension program that took her to Centurion University in Bhubaneswar, India, where she studied textiles for six months. During this time, she also immersed herself in Indian culture and had the opportunity to accomplish a long-held dream of trekking in Nepal.

Upon returning to Australia, Amaya pursued her passion for the natural world by studying Marine Biology at the University of Tasmania in Hobart. Her ultimate goal is to one day visit Antarctica, driven by her fascination with the unique ecosystems and wildlife of the Southern Hemisphere.

Amaya’s journey reflects her deep connection to her community, her eagerness to explore and learn from diverse cultures, and her dedication to following her passions, particularly in environmental sciences. She continues to inspire others through her commitment to education, adventure, and cultural exploration.