In this episode, we sit down with the fabulous Kara Cook GAICD. Kara has been an advocate and voice for those who need it most throughout her career, which has spanned across law, politics, and community services. 

Her skill set is unique, with expertise in community campaigning and advocacy, domestic violence, women’s issues, law reform, policy, fundraising, communication, and media. She is a former (or reformed!) politician, founded Australia’s first expert Domestic Violence law firm, has worked as the Principal Lawyer at Women’s Legal Service Queensland, is a former Vice President of Queensland Law Society, and more recently has taken on a range of board and advisory positions.

Kara has been recognised locally and nationally as the Australian Young Lawyer of the Year, one of the 50 Best and Brightest in Queensland, one of the 125 Leading Women in Queensland, and the Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year by the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland.

Kara, in partnership with her husband Joshua Creamer, a First Nations barrister, established the Joshua Creamer and Kara Cook Excellence in Law Award through Griffith University. The recipient of this award receives a scholarship that aims to increase the number of female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander barristers practicing at the Queensland Bar by promoting and encouraging excellence in the study of law. The scholarship is awarded to an eligible First Nations female student enrolled in their final year of law at Griffith University. Presently, and if you’ve been following our podcast, you will know there is only one of two female First Nations barristers in Queensland. This scholarship aims to increase this number!

Kara was recently appointed as the CEO of Basic Rights (and Working Women) Queensland (BRQ). BRQ is a state-wide specialist community legal centre, providing Free advice, advocacy and legal services.