Lala Gutchen is a proud Meuram woman from Erub Island in the Torres Strait who has worked tirelessly to protect and preserve her country and culture for future generations.

An outstanding youth leader and bearer of cultural knowledge, Lala is dedicated to protecting her homelands and culture across the Torres Strait. Lala is also a fisherwoman, a composer, a mother, a community organiser, Erub First language educator and teacher, and a strong advocate for the cultural rights of her people and families.

She won the 2023 National NAIDOC Caring for Country and Culture Award Category for her language work and environmental advocacy.