libby kinna

Hi, I’m Libby.

I am an ancestral researcher, historian, nurturer of heart leaders, educator, and writer. Born in Melbourne, I am currently based in Perth where I work at Curtin University. In 2024 I completed my Bachelor of Arts (History major) at the University of Tasmania.

My work explores trans-generational influence, ancestral narratives and the ensuing interconnectedness between people and place (historically, genetically and spiritually). Main areas of historical interest and research are inspired by the life experiences and rich cultural heritage of my ancestors.  I am drawn to the land, culture and history of Scotland, Ireland and England (circa 18^th – 19^th century).  

Drawing upon my deeply personal lived experiences of marriage and divorce, family and separation, suicide, grief and loss, joy and wonder, motherhood and connection, I aim to weave words of encouragement, compassion, truth, resilience and hope.   

I write about history, ancestral narratives, psychology, philosophy, personal alchemy and ones search for fulfilment, contentment, self-kindness and purpose. 

I am on a personal journey to bring kindness, wholeness, and acceptance to our life experience.

Learn more about Libby

https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbykinna

I currently work at Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia as Coordinator, Students as Partners. Prior to this role I was the Student Development Consultant (Leadership). I deliver a full range of services related to leadership development, capability building, and partnership co-labs with a focus on strengthening students skills and facilitating positive lifelong learning, assisting their transition to graduate employment or further study.

Prior to this role, I worked at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, Apprenticeship Support Australia, University of Western Australia, Freedom and AIG.

Alongside this I have run my own consultancy business for over twenty years as a platform providing mentoring, coaching and training within the field of personal transformation.

 

My ancestral roots stem from Scotland, Ireland and England.  The spirit of the lands of Perthshire, Argyllshire, Lanarkshire, Kincardineshire and the Scottish Highlands along with County Clare in Ireland, and the British seaside villages of Portsmouth and Eastbourne travel through my genetic line.   My soul naturally gravitates towards the research of these ancestral lands, the history of its people and place. 

When my ancestors migrated to Australia during the 1800’s they settled and created new lives in the Victorian towns of Ballarat, Bendigo, Dunkeld, Tarraville and the inner city suburb of Richmond, along with Hobart in Tasmania.  Richmond is where my story begins and it is a place that still feels like home.  

Historical periods of keen interest include the British Empire during the 19^th century (most notably the Highland Clearances and the Irish Potato Famine), assisted migration to the colonies, Australian convict history, Australian colonisation and pastoral settlement in Victoria, the Gold Rush period and both World Wars.   As a student of History I am continually discovering new moments in time that capture my attention and guide further research projects.

I continue to actively research my ancestral families that include (but not limited to) Kinna(ne), McPherson, Dickie, Jenkins, Dennis, Collis and McOwan.

With a deep appreciation for my ancestors that immigrated to Australia during the 1800’s, I respectfully research and share their stories.  Through their stories I am connected to place and historical moments.  In bringing them to light I become a conscious co-creator of future moments by letting go of past ties and owning the strengths passed down genetically.

Born in Melbourne, Victoria (a place fondly in my heart),  I currently live in Perth, Western Australia.    My adult-kids are all now walking their own path, so I too am walking a new path. Some days courageously others with trepidation.

In 2015 during the midst of my divorce, I took my first solo trip overseas and experienced the historical beauty of Italy. For four glorious weeks I awakened to the cultural delights of Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria and Venice. It began a deeply healing process for me and awakened me from a deep, deep sleep.

In 2019 I undertook an ancestral pilgrimage to Scotland, immersing myself in this land, her people and culture (that of my ancestors).  This facilitated an inner transformation resulting in a deeper sense of connection to self and land;  one which is now fuelling my creative endeavours. My ancestral roots were awakened and now I feel out of place here in Australia. It is an interesting process this one of connection and belonging.

In 2025 I returned to Hobart, Tasmania and fully immersed myself in the nourishing energies of this place, of the water, the mountains, the lush green land. I respect the care and reverence this place and its people demonstrate for heritage, conversation and connection to land.

My love of travel has seen me explore Central Australia (an ancient land that resonants with my spirit),  the Northern Territory, ‘the Kimberley’ region of Western Australia,  South Australia and Tasmania. When we moved from Melbourne to Perth back in 2009 we drove ‘the Nullabor’.