Cathie was born in Darwin, Northern Territory and is recognized as an Elder among Larrakia people. The Larrakia, are considered the traditional owners of the greater Darwin and Palmerston areas. As a proud mother of five and grandmother of three, Cathie is pleased that her children have been educated by the catholic education system after herself being educated by the same education system.

For the last 30 years, Cathie has worked with and for Aboriginal people of various tribes of the Northern Territory, in a variety of areas. During the last 11 years, Cathie has worked in the homecare industry caring for frail aged and disabled Indigenous people in their home and camp.