Craig began his professional career in 1991 as a secondary Mathematics and Computing teacher in the NSW public education system. At the time, he was informed that he was one of only two Aboriginal secondary Mathematics teachers in Australia, an experience that highlighted both the underrepresentation of Aboriginal educators in specialist teaching fields and the importance of creating pathways for future generations.
His teaching career subsequently expanded across secondary, vocational and tertiary education. Craig held academic teaching positions at the University of Newcastle and Southern Cross University, lecturing in Mathematics, Computing and Education, and worked as a TAFE teacher and student support officer at the Hunter Institute of Technology. His experience also includes individual literacy and numeracy tutoring, supporting learners with different educational needs, abilities and circumstances.
These experiences gave Craig an appreciation of the diverse ways children and adults learn, the importance of building confidence and curiosity, and the value of making educational content accessible, relevant and engaging.
One of Craig's most significant professional appointments was as Acting Executive Officer of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (NSW AECG), a leading organisation representing Aboriginal perspectives in education across NSW. In this role, he supported the organisation's statewide network, provided executive advice on education policy and programs, and worked closely with Aboriginal communities, educators and government agencies. He also played a leading role in strengthening governance arrangements for the Centre for Aboriginal Languages Coordination and Development, supporting greater autonomy and the continuing revitalisation of Aboriginal languages across NSW.
Craig's commitment to Aboriginal education has extended well beyond the classroom. Over many years, he has developed curriculum materials, interactive learning programs and educational resources for schools, universities, TAFE institutions and government agencies.
Among these achievements was the Awabakal Dreaming Stories Digital Resource Kit, published by Aboriginal Multimedia Productions in collaboration with respected Elder and AECG Life Member Aunty Laurel Williams. Incorporating material from the Percy Haslam Collection, the resource was distributed to schools, colleges, universities and libraries throughout Australia, helping educators introduce Aboriginal stories, cultural knowledge and local history into learning environments. Both Craig and Laurel's voices narrate the six local stories contained in the kit.
Craig also developed Our Valuable Estuaries, an interactive educational resource for OceanWatch Australia, supported by the Myer Foundation and distributed to primary and secondary schools along the NSW coastline. Other educational projects included developing a primary school learning resource about the Aboriginal and European heritage of Hill 60 at Port Kembla for the NSW Heritage Office, and interactive online curriculum materials for the Certificate III in Aboriginal Access to Further Studies delivered through TAFE NSW.
His work has also included delivering Aboriginal cultural awareness and competency training for government agencies and community organisations, developing university pathway information for Aboriginal school-leavers, and working as a Regional Education Consultant with the NSW Department of Education and Training, providing advice and support to approximately 300 schools.
Beyond formal education, Craig has spent much of his career working alongside Aboriginal communities, Knowledge Holders, Traditional Owners, Elders and organisations to strengthen cultural recognition, community participation and self-determination.
His contributions have been recognised through the 2001 NSW Local Government Aboriginal Employee of the Year Award, and his professional experience includes senior government roles, Aboriginal community governance, natural resource management and leadership in the not-for-profit sector.
More recently, Craig was appointed to the Australian Government's First Nations Expert Working Group on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), contributing to national discussions about the recognition and protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge, artistic expression and intellectual property.
He is also a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of IndijiAuthentic Pty Ltd, the company developing IndijiSeal®, an innovative digital platform designed to strengthen cultural provenance, consent, attribution and the recognition of Cultural Authority in the digital environment.
Craig's involvement in Dreamboy brings together his extensive teaching experience, educational resource development, cultural knowledge, graphic design, technology and commitment to Aboriginal education. Working alongside Dreamboy's original creator, Bibi Barba, he contributes to developing the characters' adventures and educational themes, helping transform Bibi's longstanding artistic vision into an engaging series of children's books.
For Craig, Dreamboy represents another opportunity to encourage curiosity, imagination and learning while introducing children to important values surrounding family, Country, Elders, cultural knowledge and respect for the stories of others.
