Stephen Mongoo is the Cultural Liaison Officer for the WEL/Ventia Joint Venture at the Ngingarri Ngurra Village, supporting staff on-site at the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) development. He provides cultural advice and guidance to WEL and Ventia staff, camp managers, and site contractors, helping ensure respectful and informed collaboration on Wajarri Country. It’s a role Stephen finds both challenging and deeply rewarding, with opportunities to learn and share something new every day.
Stephen’s career journey has been diverse, starting on pastoral stations with his family, working in transport, factories, the Australian Army, and as a training and employment coordinator. Eventually, he returned to the open road as a full-time truck driver to explore the country he loves.
Educated at Tardun Mission and Mullewa District High School, Stephen is a proud Wajarri and Nanda man, with deep ties to both Murgoo Station and Murchison House Station. His work is driven by a strong commitment to keeping Yamatji culture, stories, and identity alive, especially for future generations. Stephen has many achievements to his name; serving as a soldier, travelling as a truck driver, and now helping preserve and share cultural knowledge.