FINDING HER ESSENCE, LILLY COSMOS’ JOURNEY
By Lynnese O’Donoghue
From facing personal challenges to becoming a registered nurse, midwife, trainer, assessor and business owner, Lilly Cosmos’ journey is one of resilience, determination and the strength of community.
Born and raised in Port Hedland, Lilly is a proud Ngarluma woman with family ties to Ramirez and connections to Yawuru people through her Husband’s side.
While Hedland has always been home, Lilly says returning to Ieramagudu, Roebourne, gives her a deep sense of belonging.
“It’s just a sense of belonging and a sense of feeling secure,” Lilly said.
Today, Lilly is using her experiences across health, education and culture to support others through her own business, providing first aid training and culturally sensitive education.
But the path to where she is now was not easy.
Lilly and husband Colin Cosmos, Co-Owners for KAL-Essence.
A JOURNEY BUILT ON RESILIENCE
Lilly began her career working as a personal assistant before moving into the resources sector, joining BHP’s training department.
During that time, her life changed dramatically when she experienced domestic violence and endured consequences of that trauma.
Lilly says it took time to process what happened and begin rebuilding her life.
She credits her determination, her family and her support network for helping her move forward.
“I think just resilience and pure grit,” Lilly said.
She later made the decision to move to Perth to study, navigating university life while raising her children.
“It was just crazy… moving to Perth, trying to navigate the city and how to get to places was really hard,” she said.
Lilly says her family played a crucial role in helping her complete her studies.
“There was days where I couldn’t afford to put food on the table as a single mum… I was just grateful that my family supported me and lifted me up.”
Keilani, Colin and Lilly Cosmos of KAL-Essence Training Group
FINDING HER VOICE THROUGH EDUCATION
Lilly’s journey into higher education began after encouragement from her younger sister, who encouraged her to enrol in an Indigenous pathway course.
After initially struggling, Lilly refused to give up.
She returned to study, passed her entrance testing and eventually graduated as a registered nurse before completing her midwifery qualification.
“I don’t know, something deep inside me was like, you can do this and you’re going to do it,” she said.
Lilly says her experiences studying helped her understand the importance of creating culturally safe spaces.
She recalls often being the only Aboriginal person in a room and feeling isolated.
“I think really just that cultural safety and different ways of teaching people how to best understand something rather than what’s on the piece of paper,” Lilly said.
BUILDING A BUSINESS WITH CULTURE AT ITS HEART
After working in health and training, Lilly identified a gap in culturally appropriate education.
She and her husband Colin created their own business to provide training that combines professional skills with cultural understanding.
“I’ve seen a big gap in cultural diversity and cultural sensitivity around teaching some of our people,” Lilly said.
For Lilly, cultural safety is about ensuring people feel respected, understood and supported.
She says many Aboriginal people can feel uncomfortable speaking up in health settings, particularly when they feel misunderstood.
Lilly and Husband Colin Cosmos in action, facilitating culturally safe first aid training in Port Hedland
KEEPING CONNECTION TO COUNTRY
While studying and working away from home, Lilly says she learned how important Country, language and community connection are.
“When you’re not from that country… you need to find yourself sometimes,” she said.
Returning to the Pilbara has helped reconnect Lilly with culture and community.
She says working locally allows her to build stronger relationships and support people in ways that reflect their own experiences.
“I love walking down the street having those conversations with people,” Lilly said.
Lilly Cosmos with her friend at Port Hedland Community Event
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Lilly hopes her story encourages younger Aboriginal women to believe in themselves and pursue their goals.
She says setbacks do not define a person’s future.
“I hope that they don’t allow anyone to dampen who they are, or where they belong, or how they get there,” Lilly said.
For Lilly, success has been built through support, connection and people willing to walk beside her.
She says community and allies have been essential in helping her overcome challenges.
“Sometimes it’s not family that get you there. Sometimes it’s those allies that are purely helping us to get where we are.”
A FUTURE FOCUSED ON LEADERSHIP
After taking part in the Horizon Impact Bridge workshop, Lilly says she is inspired to continue growing as a leader.
She hopes to eventually support others through leadership programs and mentoring.
“Leadership’s really starting to drive me. It’s a flame that I don’t know how to burn out,” Lily said.
From healthcare worker to entrepreneur, Lilly Cosmos’ story is a reminder of the strength found in culture, family and believing in yourself.
Please listen to two part interview with Lilly Cosmos: