Who are we?
Our work is grounded in the belief that when people are informed and connected, they can shape a stronger future for the Sea.
In semi-enclosed seas, international law calls for cooperation between nations to safeguard resources, ecosystems, and livelihoods.
We help ensure that coastal communities are part of that conversation from the beginning. By sharing knowledge, amplifying rights, and connecting people across borders, we help build unity and strength.
Together, we are creating a network of empowered voices for healthy seas and thriving communities.
Sea of Nations Board
Our board is made up of respected First Nations leaders and allies who bring deep cultural knowledge, community wisdom, and a shared commitment to protecting the sea.
Guided by our vision of healthy seas, thriving coastal communities and strong cultures; and our mission to protect the sea, our objectives include;​​
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empowering coastal communities with knowledge and tools
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amplifying their stories
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building powerful connections that safeguard biodiversity, culture, livelihoods and survival
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we draw on both culture and science to safeguard what matters.
Together, we continue a long tradition of caring for Sea Country, building alliances, and inspiring future generations.
Antonia Burke
Executive Director
Antonia Burke is the Executive Director of Sea of Nations. A Yanyuwa/Garrwa woman from Borroloola who grew up on the Tiwi Islands and in Darwin, Antonia is a recognised leader in human rights, sea protection, and community advocacy.
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With over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, business management, business start-ups, and research analysis, Antonia has worked extensively with communities to design and implement programs that are community-controlled, autonomous, and sustainable. She created and led the delivery of Leadership, Education, and Youth Programs across Australia, and continues to provide mentoring that strengthens local leadership capacity. Her work focuses on supporting communities in responding to challenges with their own solutions—solutions that are grounded in local knowledge and controlled and led by the community itself.
​For over 18 years, Antonia has facilitated national and international conversations on human rights, caring for Country, conflict resolution, and the impacts of colonisation on First Nations peoples. She is a strong advocate for the empowerment of women and girls, as well as for integrating First Nations cultural ways of being into leadership frameworks. At the heart of her advocacy is a vision for decision-making that places land, nature, and people’s wellbeing at the centre—ensuring that governments and corporations share fair and equal power with frontline communities most impacted by their decisions.
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Antonia is renowned for her ability to build trusted relationships and creating strong, collaborative partnerships, uniting people who share a vision to protect Sea Country and uphold human rights. Her leadership bridges cultural, environmental, and political spheres, shaping pathways where human rights, community strength, and protection of Sea Country are inseparable.
Therese Wokay Bourke
Chairperson
Therese is a traditional owner of the Tiwi Islands and a descendent of Wadeye community. She is a resident of Pirlangimpi Community (also known as Garden Point) on the Tiwi Islands. Therese was the Winner of the 2018 NAIDOC Elder of the Year for the Northern Territory for her contribution to the Tiwi Islands.
Therese has 20 years’ experience as a Remote Aboriginal Senior Health Worker. Served as an elected Council Member for 12 years with the Tiwi Island Regional Council who are the governing body of the Tiwi Islands; this included being a member of the Local Authority for her community providing recommendations to the Council to respond to community challenges through the implementation of community led programs.
Jacqui Katona
Secretary
Jacqui Katona, a Djok woman from the Kakadu area of the Northern Territory, is an Aboriginal advocate. She has worked for numerous Aboriginal organisations and agencies, such as the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the Stolen Generations Northern Territory and assisted her family to prevent uranium mining at Jabiluka in Kakadu National Park.
With Senior Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula of the Mirrar, she shares the Goldman Environmental Prize for Island Nations in 1999. She is a law graduate and is currently a PhD doctoral candidate at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, lecturing at Moondani Balluk, Victoria University.
Shar Molloy
Vice Chairperson
Shar Molloy has over 25 years’ experience working in environmental organisations and her qualifications are in finance, management, governance, mediation and campaigning.
Shar currently serves as the Vice President of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Carol Puruntatameri
Treasurer
Carol is a traditional owner of the Munupi Clan on the Tiwi Islands. She is a resident of Pirlangimpi Community (also known as Garden Point) on the Tiwi Islands. Carol has 10 years financial management experience through her roles as a community agent of the Commonwealth Bank, and bookkeeping with the Pirlangimpi Progress Association. Carol is a well known artist at the Munupi Art Centre where she has worked for the past 15 years.