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About Chris Lee
Chris ‘Bandirra’ Lee is a Gulumerridjin Larrakia Traditional Custodian of Garramilla (Darwin, NT). He also has cultural links to:
- The Wardaman nation near Katherine
- The Karrajarri nation of the Western Kimberley
Lee is Director of Mindirrima Cultural Solutions. He has more than 60 years of cultural, lived, and professional experience. He's held roles in:
- First Nations media
- The justice system
- Community-controlled health
He's passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Lee is also a strong advocate for diabetes awareness and men’s mental health.
Watch the interviews
We caught up with Lee in the Australian Botanical Gardens in Canberra to get some of his thoughts on ageing, retirement, and First Nations concepts.
Retirement and working past retirement age for First Nations people
In this video, Lee discusses retirement through a First Nations lens.
Retirement is very much a Western concept. We'll never retire from our family and culture and our community.
— Chris Lee
Press play to watch the interview.
Chris Lee's health journey: culture, connection, and wellbeing
This video goes into Lee's personal healthy ageing story – from an unexpected type 2 diabetes diagnosis to advocating for First Nations health and wellbeing.
Social and emotional wellbeing for First Nations people is a whole of person, whole of Country. For me, it’s around being on the Country. It's around, taking time to sit and reflect, sit and listen to Country.
— Chris Lee
Press play to watch the interview.
The role of culture and community in healthy ageing for First Nations people
In this video, Lee reflects on how culture, community, and connection to Country have guided his path.
I'm always connected to someone's country, if not my own.
— Chris Lee
Press play to watch the interview.
Healthy ageing advice for younger generations
In this video, Lee offers some advice for how younger First Nations people can support their long-term health.
Be proud of who you are. Learn as much as you can. Sit and listen.
— Chris Lee
Press play to watch the interview.
References
LiveUp. (2026). Interview with Chris Lee [video series]. Includes:
- Retirement and working past retirement age for First Nations people
- The role of culture and community in healthy ageing for First Nations people
- A First Nations health journey: culture, connection and wellbeing
- Chris Lee and healthy ageing: advice for younger First Nations people
How to use this information
LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.
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