The Power of Cultural Wisdom and Neuroscience in Healing
Tracks
Dingo Room: In-Person Only
| Monday, October 20, 2025 |
| 3:10 PM - 3:30 PM |
| Dingo Room (M4) |
Overview
Sheryl Batchelor, Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation
Presenter
Mrs Sheryl Batchelor
Founder/CEO
Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation
The Power of Cultural Wisdom and Neuroscience in Healing
Presentation Overview
This presentation explores innovative approaches to building neuroplasticity and cognitive skills through applied neuroscience programs that rewire the brain for enhanced learning, memory, and emotional regulation. By embedding evidence-based brain science within cultural frameworks, young people strengthen their cognitive capabilities while maintaining a deep connection to their identity.
Programs are designed to reinforce the importance of culture, storytelling, and community, strengthening mental wellbeing and providing a foundation for emotional growth. Healing trauma and reducing stress are addressed through brain-based interventions that lower cortisol levels and promote recovery from adversity, helping young people move forward with strength and confidence.
Traditional practices such as weaving, painting, and dance are highlighted as powerful tools for brain health, enhancing motor skills, memory, and emotional healing through culturally familiar and meaningful activities. Additionally, the presentation will showcase the use of Country as a therapeutic resource, supporting self-regulation, promoting holistic healing, and deepening young people's connection to land, culture, and community. Strengthening cultural identity and connection to community builds powerful mental health protections and fosters long-term emotional well-being.
Together, these approaches offer a culturally grounded, neuroscience-informed pathway to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The Power of Neuroplasticity: Applied neuroscience programs can rewire the brain to enhance learning, emotional regulation, and resilience, particularly when combined with cultural practices.
2. Holistic Healing Through Country and Tradition: Traditional practices and time on Country act as vital therapeutic interventions that support brain health, self-regulation, and trauma recovery.
3. Understanding Brain Health – What it means and why it is important: recognising how our brain functions and why maintaining its wellbeing is essential for overall mental, emotional, and physical health throughout life.
Programs are designed to reinforce the importance of culture, storytelling, and community, strengthening mental wellbeing and providing a foundation for emotional growth. Healing trauma and reducing stress are addressed through brain-based interventions that lower cortisol levels and promote recovery from adversity, helping young people move forward with strength and confidence.
Traditional practices such as weaving, painting, and dance are highlighted as powerful tools for brain health, enhancing motor skills, memory, and emotional healing through culturally familiar and meaningful activities. Additionally, the presentation will showcase the use of Country as a therapeutic resource, supporting self-regulation, promoting holistic healing, and deepening young people's connection to land, culture, and community. Strengthening cultural identity and connection to community builds powerful mental health protections and fosters long-term emotional well-being.
Together, these approaches offer a culturally grounded, neuroscience-informed pathway to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The Power of Neuroplasticity: Applied neuroscience programs can rewire the brain to enhance learning, emotional regulation, and resilience, particularly when combined with cultural practices.
2. Holistic Healing Through Country and Tradition: Traditional practices and time on Country act as vital therapeutic interventions that support brain health, self-regulation, and trauma recovery.
3. Understanding Brain Health – What it means and why it is important: recognising how our brain functions and why maintaining its wellbeing is essential for overall mental, emotional, and physical health throughout life.
Biography
Sheryl Batchelor is an Aboriginal woman with ancestral ties to Kunja. She founded Yiliyapinya due to a need for action in Brain Health and Healing in Australia. Sheryl has 30 years teaching, training and leadership experience in a variety of educational, community and health settings.
Sheryl is a certified trainer of various neuroplasticity programs, has presented at conferences and delivered workshops around the world and is an Adjunct Professor at the Queensland University of Technology School of Justice.
