Colleen was born in Darwin and has been a long-time resident of Milikapiti. Colleen is an artist and was a part-time arts worker at Jilamara Ars and Craft for many years. She has occupied significant governance positions on the Executive Committee and is a valued senior member of the organisation Tiwi culture plays a very important role in her life, she is a strong Tiwi woman who teaches culture to the next generation. Colleen recently had to move to Darwin for access to medical resources, but continues to be a strong part of the Jilamara community. She has worked with locally sourced natural ochres on paper, linen and canvas for many years, she has limited edition prints and has a design in Jilamara’s screen printed textile line.

Colleen’s bark painting, Mulypinyini amintiya pwanga, is held by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) as part of their permanent collection. She has exhibited in major group exhibitions throughout the country in Tasmania, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Darwin.