Willem Brussen

Willem Brussen is a proud Dharug (Baramadagal/Burramattagal) and Dutch social worker and writer. He has grown up and lives off-country on Wurundjeri Country.

Willem knows firsthand the ongoing effects of colonisation and dispossession, and this lived experience affords him the sensitivity, understanding and motivation with other First Nations people and with finding ways of healing. He uses both social work and writing as a means of connection for both himself and others. As a social worker this is something that Willem is particularly passionate about, he has a decade of experience across the disability, homelessness and Aboriginal support sectors including being the First Nations Social Worker at Support Act for almost two years.

He is also an avid Australian music fan, with a special appreciation for First Nations artists, and has written about music for several publications. In 2024 Willem had a piece published through the Powerhouse Museum titled ‘The Tree Still Grows, The River Still Flows: Country Listens, Country Remembers’. He is passionate about sharing stories of his people's strength and resilience.