Mrs Joley Foster (Manton/Ridgeway) is a proud Worimi woman from the Gummpingal clan of North Arm Cove, Port Stephens, New South Wales, and a registered Traditional Owner of the Worimi Conservation Lands. She is an Adult Educator, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and Research Coordinator at the University of Newcastle.

Joley has more than 20 years of experience working across all levels of government -federal, state, and local and has spent over nine years in Aboriginal health research. Throughout her career, she has contributed to initiatives at national, state, and local levels, supporting research, policy, and community engagement that promote Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
Her work has enabled her to build and maintain extensive relationships with Aboriginal communities, health services, and organisations across Australia. She is committed to strengthening Indigenous-led research, advancing culturally safe health practices, and supporting positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In addition to her research and education roles, Joley has provided training and support to health professionals and other staff in counselling, behaviour change, and smoking cessation. She has also played an important role in mentoring and supporting colleagues, helping to build workforce capability and confidence in delivering culturally safe and effective health interventions.