08/04/2026
Meet Tahlia Steadman, Ngemba woman and Principal at Blaklash.
Tahlia came to Blaklash with a background in architecture and project management, experience that gave her a clear view of how projects come together behind the scenes. She joined us as our Project Manager, supporting the team and building systems as Country-centred design continued to take shape across the practice.
Today, she primarily leads strategy and policy work in health and housing across remote communities, guiding design frameworks, planning community engagement and working closely with Councils, local people and project teams to ensure outcomes are culturally informed and truly responsive to community priorities. A keen photographer outside of work, her camera has found its way into this too, capturing moments along the way.
"Working alongside community, in our office and out of the city, is by far the best part of my job," she says. "Every day, we get to work with and learn from people who are so passionate about creating impact together, as a collective."
When it comes to standout projects, the Yarrabah Foreshore Revitalisation project holds a special place in her heart. A project grounded in shaping a resilient foreshore and public outdoor spaces with and for community, Tahlia says: "It was my first community project with Blaklash, and I got to see Troy in his element as he led community conversations, while learning from him throughout the process."
"Getting to sit and chat with Elders about creating change with them for future generations is so rewarding, but it also comes with huge responsibility," she says. "We have an obligation to advocate for better, and that's the drive that gets me out of bed every day."
