Steve is an elder Murri man of the Gumbamberah people of south-eastern Queensland with familial links to the Yuggera, Anaiwan and Dunghutti mobs.  Steve is proud to be the grandson of Gladys Wightman and son of Jack Cochrane known as the Coffee Cop.

Steve is married with 3 children, 4 grandchildren and has fostered more than 30 children.

He holds a degree in Law, Advanced Diploma of Indigenous Leadership, Diploma of WHS and Diploma of Business, and has won awards for his work including the Elizabeth Hastings Memorial Award for Human Rights for developing the Hey Dads for Aboriginal Fathers Uncles and Pops.

Steve has more than 30 years’ experience working in the area of Aboriginal affairs, including employment, human rights and in disabilities and has made significant contributions on a number of Ministerial advisory committees.  He was the Aboriginal consultant to the NSW Health Q Fever response and the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authority.

He has also developed and presented the Aboriginal Mental Health Initiative for 5 years across NSW communities and Aboriginal Community controlled organisations.  Steve completed a Train the Trainer Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid qualification and Lifeline programs in Accidental Counsellor, Managing Challenging Altercations, Mental Health Wellbeing and ASIST.