About Our Founder | Many Tribes One Mob

His Story

Resilience, culture, and determination

Shannon Thorne is a proud Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri man, father, cultural leader and advocate whose life reflects resilience, culture, and determination.

Raised in a home where his parents fostered more than 280 children, Shannon grew up surrounded by compassion, responsibility, and strong cultural values. Although he left school at the end of Year 10 unable to read or write, his life changed after the passing of his father when he made the decision to become the role model his children deserved.

In a defining moment, Shannon walked into a medical centre and said: “I can’t read. I can’t write. But you won’t find a more passionate man than me." Eight years later, through relentless hard work, unwavering commitment, and steadfast dedication, he rose to manage that very same centre — a testament to his resilience, determination, and belief in the power of perseverance.

Shannon Thorne, Founder of Many Tribes One Mob

Experience

23 years of leadership and advocacy

Over the past 23 years, Shannon has built extensive experience across health, child protection, Aboriginal advocacy, and community leadership. He became the first Aboriginal Advocate for Children and Young People in NSW and has since moved into national leadership, driving cultural advocacy and systemic reform across Australia.

Health

During his time with Aboriginal health services and NSW Health, Shannon served in many roles leading multidisciplinary teams delivering care to people living with chronic and complex health conditions. In these roles, Shannon championed culturally informed care and strong community engagement to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Shannon understands that true health goes beyond clinical care. It includes physical, social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing. Grounded in culture and community advocacy, he worked to ensure that Aboriginal patients received care that was respectful, culturally safe, and focused on long-term wellbeing.

For Shannon, strong health outcomes are the foundation for strong families, strong communities, and a stronger future.

Child Protection

Raised in a home where his parents cared for hundreds of foster children, Shannon learnt early that every child deserves safety, love, and a voice. As a proud father, foster father, and the first Aboriginal Advocate in New South Wales, Shannon also led and managed clinical teams within the out-of-home care sector.

His work is grounded in lived experience and a deep commitment to lifting children's voices. Shannon believes children are not just the future of tomorrow, they are the voices of today, and they deserve the respect, support, and power to shape their own destiny. Without children, there is no tomorrow.

Aboriginal Advocacy

Shannon became the first Aboriginal Advocate for Children and Young People in New South Wales, using his voice to stand up for Aboriginal children, families, and communities. Since then, he has stepped into national leadership, driving cultural advocacy and pushing for meaningful systemic reform across Australia.

For Shannon, this work is not just a profession, it is who he is. As a proud Aboriginal man, he carries his culture with honour and deep pride. His advocacy is grounded in identity, responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening the voices, rights, and futures of Aboriginal people.

Community Leadership

As a proud Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri man, Shannon carries his culture at the heart of everything he does. He is deeply committed to strengthening community, honouring Aboriginal practices, and creating spaces where culture, connection, and leadership guide strong outcomes for families and future generations.

Today

National leadership and systemic reform

Today, Shannon is a respected cultural leader and business owner who works with organisations and communities to strengthen culture, elevate Aboriginal voices, and create safer systems for our people.

Above all, Shannon is a proud Aboriginal man and devoted community man who continues to lead with heart, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to his community.

Work with Shannon

Shannon's Commitment

Leading with heart, every single day