2007 Rachel Maza Long

Rachael Maza Long

The Maza family originates from the Torres Strait Island of Mer and the Yidinji of QLD and Rachael's father, the late Bob Maza, was a renowned actor, writer and director and respected elder within the Indigenous community: "He was a strong influence in the path that I now walk. So as not to negate my wonderful mother's role in my life - of Dutch heritage, it was she whom ensured there was always food on the table!"

Growing up in Sydney with her family's music and theatre background, Rachael went on to graduate from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 1992 and has worked ever since as a professional actor in all media including theatre, television, film and radio. Rachael's film credits include Casi, Jillian's Story, Blood and Ash and for her performance in the Indigenous film Radiance, she was nominated as Best New Actor by Sydney Critics Circle. She won a Green Room Award as Best Female Supporting Actor in 2001 for her role in Holyday with SA Theatre. Rachael Maza Long's career has included diverse roles such as singing and acting in The Sapphires, a musical based on a female Aboriginal singing group in the Vietnam era, through to narrating ABC's radio production Rabbit-ProofFence and coaching young actors to prepare for their roles as Molly, Daisy and Gracie in the film of that story.