Kinjia Munkara-Murray

Kinjia Munkara-Murray is an Indigenous scientist with experience spanning government, corporate and research settings. Her work focuses on strengthening the role of First Nations knowledge and participation in environmental decision-making.

Kinjia is the Executive Officer of Birrarung Council, a First Nations-led Victorian statutory body established to advocate for and promote the interests of the Birrarung (Yarra River) as a living and integrated natural entity. In this role, she supports the Council to champion a whole-of-river approach to stewardship and encourage organisations to strengthen their connection to and care for the river.

Prior to joining Birrarung Council, Kinjia worked at Melbourne Water, collaborating with Traditional Owners and water-sector practitioners to embed culturally grounded outcomes into land and water management.

Kinjia is an inaugural graduate of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute’s Emerging Directors Program and a Non-Executive Director of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. She is also an Ambassador for DeadlyScience and holds a Master of Science (Bioscience) from the University of Melbourne.

Kinjia brings expertise in First Nations engagement and collaboration within the water sector. Drawing on her understanding of both Western and First Nations knowledge systems, she is passionate about creating environments where knowledge holders can come together, build relationships and contribute their expertise to water governance and decision-making.