Inawantji (Ina) Scales is a proud Anangu Pitjantjatjara woman from Pipalyatjara in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.

She was born in 1982 to Josephine Mick, a respected Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara woman, and Ushma Scales (deceased), a Piranpa (non-Indigenous) Australian who lived and worked on the Lands from the early 1970s. Her father was one of many non-Indigenous activists who stood alongside Aṉangu in the fight for APY Land Rights, which were formally returned to Aṉangu in 1981.

Ina grew up during an important era of change, when Aṉangu corporations and organisations were being established across the Lands to serve and strengthen community. Leadership, advocacy and service were part of her upbringing. Both of her parents were well respected leaders across the APY communities, known for their passion, integrity and commitment to Indigenous rights and self-determination. Ina carries forward these same values in her own life and work.

In 2003, Ina began her first professional role in the Child Nutrition Team at NPY Women’s Council, as a Project Officer, supporting young mothers through cooking lessons and practical nutrition education. During this time, she developed a strong desire to one day serve as a Director on a board, helping shape decisions that impact Aṉangu communities.

Ina later played a key role in the creation of the Emerging Leaders Program for the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) region through Empowered Communities. The program has since evolved into Kulintja Kutju, now incorporated as a standalone Aṉangu-led organisation. Ina continues to strengthen its vision of growing confident and capable Aṉangu leaders and currently serves as a Board Member for Kulintja Kutju.

She has also worked with the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee (PYEC) as the Aṉangu Governance Officer, where she worked closely with the Director and General Manager to provide culturally appropriate governance support and strengthen internal leadership structures for the organisation.

From 2024 to 2026, Ina has proudly served her third term as a Director on the NPY Women’s Council Board - fulfilling the vision she first held as a young Project Officer in 2003.

Ina currently works as the Aṉangu Engagement Manager at Ayers Rock Resort, where she supports and empowers Aṉangu people into education and employment pathways. Her work includes supporting work exposure opportunities, organising work experience placements, assisting young people to obtain identification, and mentoring young adults to undertake training through NITA (National Indigenous Training Academy). Ina ensures culture remains at the centre while creating strong futures for Aṉangu.

Terms served at NPY Women's Council:

• 2024-2026 (Director)
• 2017-2019 (Director)