- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Leaders for Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Thomas (Tommy) Smith – Kambah, ACT
Tommy lives in Canberra and is a Wiradjuri man from Cowra, NSW. Thomas' role in his community is to coordinate Indigenous engagement in natural resource and cultural heritage management. His vision is to better the community from an unorganised position to one with good governance and direction. Tommy can best be described a good fella. His greatest achievements are receiving recognition for his successes with his employment and family.
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Leaders for New South Wales (NSW)
Christian Lugnan – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Christian lives in Coffs Harbour and comes from the Gumbaingirr people, Northern NSW. Christian is employed as a Public Servant with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORATSIC) and has external interests as the Treasurer on the Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation and the Indigenous Education Consultative Body. Christian's vision is for the whole well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, for them to be strong through opportunities in all facets of Australian life. Christian can best be described as committed and passionate. His greatest achievements are his family and becoming a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).
Bunja Smith - Tarago, NSW
Bunja is a Walbunga man from the Windellama community of NSW. He is a leader within his community, a strong family man and an active Remote Area Health Corps member. Bunja's vision is to see his people advance. Bunja can best be described as resilient, a good communicator and a lateral thinker. His greatest achievement is his selection in the 2007 National Indigenous Men's Leadership Program.
Wayne Fernando – Coonamble, NSW
Wayne is a Gamilaroi man from Coonamble. He is the Chairperson for the Coonamble Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Coonamble Aboriginal Medical Service. His vision is to assist people in his community to become a better community. Wayne can best be described as honest and hardworking. His greatest achievements are being named citizen of the year in 2000 for the work he accomplished in the Murdi Paaki community and being nominated as Coonamble Citizen of the Year in 2005.
William Johnson – Buronga, NSW
William lives in the Dareton community and is a Nyiampaa man who belongs to the Barkinji River People. William is employed as a family worker and is a proud father and provider. His vision is to provide strong leadership and commitment within his community. William can best be described as consistent, honest, reliable, dependable, and passionate. His greatest achievement is being a father and continuing in this role.
Mark King – Wrights Beach, NSW
Mark lives at Wrights Beach and is from Mt Isa in QLD. Mark is employed as an Executive Support Officer in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. His vision is for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have equal access to discuss culture and any issues that may affect them, such as education and health. Mark can best be described as confident and motivated. His greatest achievement is his family.
Barry Lenihan – Woonona, NSW
Barry is a Cadigal/Eora man from the La Perouse/South Coast community. Barry is employed as an Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer for the NSW Police. His vision is for a simplistic, healthy, harmonious community. Barry can best be described as calm and decisive. His greatest achievement is his daughter.
Jason Lonesborough – Tocumwal, NSW
Jason belongs to the Jerringa/Wandandian People from the Nowra/Jerringa community. He is a police relations and cultural awareness trainer. Jason's vision is to create a safer environment for members of his community through education and awareness. Jason can best be described as relaxed, easy going, mature, and focused. His greatest achievement is refereeing 10 first grade rugby league grand finals and Country Rugby League in NSW.
Lawrence Mercy – Goonellabah, NSW
Lawrence is a Yeagle man from the Lismore area. Lawrence is employed as a Public Servant with Centrelink as an Indigenous Service Officer. He also serves as the Chairperson of the Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Lands Council (LALC) and is the Vice Chairperson of the Northern United Rugby League Club. Lawrence's vision is to assist the Lands Council to become self sufficient and develop the community projects to assist them to grow. Lawrence would like to see an Aboriginal rugby league team enter into the local competition. Lawrence can best be described as easy going, motivated and confident. His greatest achievements are his family and kids, his selection and successful participation on the National Indigenous Leadership program and being chosen as a mentor by another Indigenous worker.
Wally Stewart – Byron Bay, NSW
Wally lives in Byron Bay and is an Arakwal man. He is employed as a Senior Field Supervisor for NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services. Wally's vision is to see the community stand on its own feet and be self-sufficient. Wally can best be described as a straight shooter. His greatest achievement is taking care of his family.
Daniel Teece-Johnson – Valla Beach, NSW
Daniel lives in Coffs Harbour and is a Kamilaroi man from Moree. He is employed as a Youth Project Coordinator with the NSW Aboriginal Lands Council and is working towards a career in media and filmmaking. Daniel's vision is that Aboriginal people, especially their children, have opportunities in life whereby they can achieve their dreams free from racism and prejudice. Daniel can best be described as a good fella and someone who loves to laugh. His greatest achievement is still being alive and giving life to two beautiful boys.
Steven Widders – Armidale, NSW
Steven is an Anaiwan man from the Armidale community. He is employed as a Community Liaison Officer. Steven's vision is to live a full life and die healthy in mind and body. He can best be described as genuine, loyal, and sincere. Steven's greatest achievement is getting to where he is now and recognising his own weaknesses and potential.
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Leaders for Northern Territory (NT)
Leo Abbott – Alice Springs, NT
Leo is part of the Lipurla Community and comes from the Southern Aranda people. He is the Vice Chairperson of their corporation and a leader in everyday aspects that impact on the lives of Indigenous people in Central Australia. Leo's vision is to see that the future of children is safe and secure, and that our culture thrives. Leo's greatest achievement is being an ambassador for Indigenous culture, heritage and the future.
Robert (Bobby) Cole – Casuarina, NT
Bobby lives in Darwin and is a Luritja man. Bobby is employed as a Project Officer and in this role he monitors health services, establishes health clinics, provides and monitors funding and participates in community planning. Bobby's vision is to develop a sustainable community plan and to engage Aboriginal people in the consultation and negotiation process. He can best be described as a negotiator. Bobby's greatest achievement is completing his Graduate Degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development.
Bruce Davis – Palmerston, NT
Bruce is part of the Darwin community. He is a Health Worker for Danila Dilba Aboriginal Medical Service. Bruce was an active and successful participant in the National Indigenous Leadership Program and will use the skills he gained to promote good health and wellbeing within his community.
Brian Djangirrawuy – Nhulunbuy,
Brian is a Yolngu man from the Barrdira community in Arnhem Land. His role within the community is supporting Traditional Owner's, working with Community Development Employment Projects and supporting education, health, recreation, sport, wildlife and heritage. Brian's strength is that he has always put his vision into practise. He can best be described as a good speaker in all fields. Brian's greatest achievement is that after all the struggles on his journey; he has finally determined what walkabout means
Phillip Goodman - NT
Phillip is part of the Palmerston Indigenous Village community. He describes his family as all different tribes and backgrounds, but one skin and one goal. Phillip is employed as a CDEP Supervisor. He is also a leader and an active member of the Aboriginal Development Foundation. His vision is for better outcomes, support for community leaders, more housing, upgrades to public transport and more education. Phillip can best be described as a leader, father, brother, cousin, son-in-law and nephew. His greatest achievement is to have the strength to achieve his goals.
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Jules Kerinaiua – Melville, NT
Jules is part of the Milikapiti community from the Tiwi Islands. He is employed as the Community Service Officer for the Tiwi Local Government. Jules' vision is to get positive messages across to his community members. He can best be described as knowledgeable, inspirational, and honest. Jules' greatest achievement was to travel to Canberra for the 2007 National Indigenous Leadership Program.
Ngulpurr (James) Marawili – Laynhapuy Homelands, NT
Ngulpurr is from the Baniyala Homeland community. He is employed as the Community Development Employment Projects Supervisor in his community. Ngulpurr's vision is to be the best supervisor he can be. Ngulpurr can best be described as a father. His greatest achievement is looking after his family.
John Morgan – Milingimbi, NT
John is from the Milingimbi community which is part of the North East Arnhem Land Miwatj Region (comprising of 13 clan groups). John is employed as the Deputy Chairman of Miwatj Aboriginal Health Service and is an active leader within his community. His vision is to assist his people with the new changes in government reforms. John can best be described as a good listener who understands both Traditional and Western values. His greatest achievement is his business governance and leadership.
George Peckham – Alice Springs, NT
George lives in Alice Springs and comes from the Central/Western Arrente people. George is employed as a Youth Worker and is an active board member of the Arrente Council and Advisory Council. His vision is to empower the youth of Central Australia with self identity. George can best be described as passionate and committed, with a strong work ethic. His greatest achievement is having the strength to voice the issues of the youth of Central Australia.
Edward Rontji – Hermannsburg, NT
Edward is from the Arranda people and a part of the Wallace Rock Hole community. Edward is involved with Community Development Employment Projects and is an active Council member. He also participates in a group that assists to eliminate domestic violence. Edward's vision is seeing a united future for all people. He can best be described as 'Arranda'. Edward's greatest achievement is organising a group of 60 men who share ideas together.
Joaz Wurramara – Alyangula, NT
Joaz is from Anindilyankwa/Nungubuyu people from the Anguruga Groote Eylandt community. Joaz is employed as a Senior Aboriginal Health Worker, the Vice Chairperson of the Angurugu Council and a musician. His vision is to become a well known leader for Australia's Indigenous population. Joaz can best be described as an inspired listener. His greatest achievement are being selected Vice Chairperson of the Angurugu Council and being selected on the 2007 National Indigenous Men's Leadership Program.
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Leaders for Queensland (QLD)
Ron Beezley – Longreach, QLD
Ron lives in Longreach and is originally from the Wagga Wagga people. Ron is employed as a facilitator with National Resource Management. His vision is to ensure his two boys receive a good education and to stay healthy. Ron can best be described as conscientious, loyal, honest and disciplined. Ron's greatest achievement is winning three State Rodeo titles.
Garry Bell – Shailer Park, QLD
Garry is a Waki Waki man from the Brisbane South Side community. He is a coordinator who works with homeless people. Garry's vision is to better himself and to pass on what he has learnt to others. He can best be described as a quiet achiever. Garry's greatest achievement is his family and the enjoyment and satisfaction he receives from them.
Jack Billy – Thursday Island, QLD
Jack is from Coconut Island and is the Chairperson of the Coconut Island Native Title. His vision is to attend more courses and be educated for the betterment of his community. Jack can best be described as Jack-o and Creol. Jack's greatest achievements are being an Indigenous leader and a future leader in the Torres Strait.
Gary Birch (Smithy) – Mount Isa, QLD
Gary is new to the Mount Isa area and originally comes from the Gwini nation in East Kimberley, Western Australia. He is employed as an Apprentice Technical Training Instructor. Gary's vision is to inspire Aboriginal youth to succeed in life. He can best be described as honest, reliable and easy going with a good sense of humour. Gary's greatest achievement is successfully completing his apprenticeship that gave him the opportunity to travel the world, work and meet different people across the globe and being a father to his three sons.
Matthew Bon – Mer Island, QLD
Matthew lives on Mer Island and comes from the Meriam/Zenadth Kes nation. Matthew describes his role in the community as being accountable and responsible to the community, to listen and plan together. His vision is to be the chairman of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, Mer Island Mayor, Manger of Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service - Torres Strait, and plays a role in policy changes which affect Indigenous livelihood. Matthew can best be described as Tagai (Southern Cross Guide), responsible, and accountable. His greatest achievements are his family, faith, trust, beliefs, life and job on the council.
Karl Briscoe – Mossman, QLD
Karl lives in the Mossman community in North Queensland and comes from the Kuku Yalanji clan. He is employed as the Acting Senior Health worker in the Mossman community. In this position, Karl leads a team of Indigenous health workers to support management. He works on strategies to intervene and prevent chronic diseases and manages the human resources for the team. Karl's vision is for a dramatic improvement in the premature mortality rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, not only in his community, but the entire nation, and ensuring that Indigenous life expectancy rates are equivalent or better than that of non-Indigenous Australians.
Darren Burns – Dunwich, QLD
Darren lives in the Quandamooka community and belongs to the Noonucle/Ngugi/Koenpa-Gorenpu clans. He is an active leader in his community. Darren's vision is for more Indigenous people to become leaders. He can best be described as diligent and his greatest achievements are his children.
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Michael Connolly – Redcliffe, QLD
Michael lives in Redcliffe and comes from the Kullilla-Murrawarri clan. He is a business operator, an artist and an active leader in his community. Michael's vision is to take himself and his family to a higher level and work with the community in all areas to achieve better outcomes in all aspects of life. He can best be described as honest, outgoing, a good listener and team member. Michael's greatest achievement is to have his Aboriginal Australia number plate accepted in QLD and VIC.
Frank (Sam Bungi) Cook – Thursday Island, QLD
Frank lives on Thursday Island (Waibene) and comes from the Zenath Kes clan. He is currently employed as the Local Area Co-ordinator for Disability Services in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area regions. Frank's vision is to become a better leader and to show himself, and others great respect. Frank can best be described as outgoing. His greatest achievements are having three beautiful children, completing his Degree in Health Science specialising in Indigenous Primary Health Care, winning the 1993 QLD Indigenous Trainee of the Year and being runner up 1993 National Indigenous Trainee of the Year.
Reinhard Gmeinder – Carina Heights, QLD
Reinhard lives in Brisbane and is a Yagalingu man, from Clermont in Central QLD. Reinhard's role is to learn and develop his skills as a leader to benefit the community. His vision is to assist his people to reach equality in today's society. Reinhard describes himself as a believer who is passionate for the cause, has a thirst for knowledge, and will rise to the challenge. His greatest achievement is completing a two year Diploma of Visual Arts in 12 months. This was an experience that opened his eyes, personally and culturally, and also assisted him to recognise the gifts and the opportunities which are there for him.
Danny Hooligan – Mount Garnet, QLD
Danny is part of the Warrungnu, Jibabeli, Girrimays clans from the Mount Garnet community, QLD. He is an Elder and Traditional Owner in his community. Danny's vision is to see his people living in very good houses, and to see his people treated with respect. Danny describes himself as the main actor or hound dog. His greatest achievement is his successful participation on the National Indigenous Men's Leadership Program.
Lawrence Ketchup – Doomadgee, QLD
Lawrence lives and comes from the Doomadgee community. He is employed as an Environmental Health Worker. Lawrence's vision is to bring culture back to the people and to be a good leader for his people. Lawrence can best be described as an easy going and friendly person. Lawrence's greatest achievement is being a respected leader.
Jason Law – Clontarf, QLD
Jason lives in Brisbane and comes from the Wuli Wuli, Kabi Kabi clans. Jason has always played an active role within the community as a youth worker, counsellor, family project worker, and development worker. His vision is for a healthy, active Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family and for them to be emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally strong. Jason can best be described as easy going and humorous. His greatest achievement is fathering his five kids.
Elgan Leedie – Murgon, QLD
Elgan is from the Rockhampton/Cherbourg community and has ties to a number of clans. Elgan is employed as the Coordinator for Yulla Muna Indigenous Employment Service (Community Employment Options). His vision is to become more educated to enable him to become the Chairperson of Cherbourg Aboriginal Community. Elgan can best be described as military trained, faithful, sincere, leader, and a hard worker. His greatest achievement is working towards getting country men and women with disabilities into the workforce in the Rockhampton area.
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Barry Malezer – Durack, QLD
Barry is from the Gubbi Gubbi clan from the Sunshine Coast and is part of the Inala/Brisbane community. Barry is employed as the Coordinator of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Cultural Studies Centre. His vision is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have control over their education, health, housing and financial future. Barry can best be described as passionate, skilled, connected and committed. His greatest achievement is becoming a leader in Indigenous education.
Allan Murphy – Roma, QLD
Allan is from the Kooma and Far Southwest Queensland clans and part of the Cunnamulla/Roma community. Allan is employed as the Coordinator for Education Queensland's School Mentoring Program with a background in office administration and project management. His vision is to provide outstanding leadership in his community. Allan can best be described as a quiet family man who is capable, community minded, a golf nut, passionate, avid reader, and a thinker who values respect, honesty, openness and integrity. His greatest achievements are his five beautiful children.
Jack Savage – Boondall, QLD
Jack lives in Brisbane and is originally from the Torres Strait - Erub Island/Poruma Island. He is employed as a detective in the Qld Police Service and participates as an active member of the Community Advisory Board to assist with recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women. Jack's vision is to continually challenge stereotypes and agendas.
Rocky Stephen – Stephen Island, QLD
Rocky is from the Ugar (Stephen Island) Torres Strait community. Rocky is employed as a Quarantine Officer and is the Chairperson of the Ugar Island Council. He is also an ICC Executive Member (Eastern Cluster) and a member of the Ibis Board and the Torres Strait Regional Authority. Rocky's vision is to ensure his community have equal services as people on mainland Australia. Rocky would like to further his education by attending training and studies at TAFE and university. Rocky intends to continue to be a leader in his community. He is committed to his people and community and has accomplished his achievements by believing in himself and always doing his best. Rocky's greatest achievement is becoming the youngest chairperson for his community in the Torres Strait at the age of 23.
Justin Thompson – Sarina, QLD
Justin's heritage is the Darambal people of Central Queensland and is part of the Sarina community. Justin is on the Board of Directors for Heartland Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) Cooperation Ltd. His vision is to see his Indigenous community become strong and believe in themselves, to develop their capacity and ensure their social and economic sustainability. Justin can best be described as honest, strong work ethic, reliable and passionate. His greatest achievement is living his life the best he can and gaining the trust and belief of his community through the actions he has taken.
Charles (Chicka) Turner – Bluewater Park, QLD
Chicka is from the St Paul and Nughi people in the Torres Strait. His role in the community includes planning and implementing Indigenous policy and programs for Sea Country. Chicka's vision is for traditional lore for Sea Country to be recognised and in place alongside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. He can best be described as broad thinking, open minded, learning from experience and on a learning journey. Chicka's greatest achievements are his two children, receiving the Australia Day Medal 2006 and his participation in formalising the Girringan Traditional Use of Marine Resources agreement in 2005.
Elizah Wasaga – Wasaga Village, QLD
Elizah is a Kaurareg man from the Ngurupai (Horn Island) community. Elizah is the Native Title Chairman for his community. His vision is to see his people achieve their aspiration, help put his people into a better position, and to see his people involved in top decision-making processes within the Kaiwalagal region - known as the Inner Islands (Thursday Island area).
Neil Willmett – Hawthorne, QLD
Neil is from the Brisbane and Innisfail (North Queensland) communities. He has strong family ties in North Western Queensland, Eastern Cape and North Queensland. Neil owns, leads and manages a busy employment company. The company is responsible for providing employment advice to government agencies and community organisations, undertaking government reviews and providing business advice to small business owners. Neil's vision is to increase the number of Aboriginal people in employment and business and to meet and learn from other Aboriginal business owners. He can best be described as a good listener, who is motivated, disciplined and focused. Neil's greatest achievements are documenting his family history, his involvement in creating government policy to create opportunities for his people and growing a successful business.
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Leaders for South Australia (SA)
Dameyon Bonson – Kilburn, SA
Dameyon lives in Adelaide and comes from Jawoyn, NT and Bardu Island in the Torres Strait. Dameyon is studying to be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Case Manager to assist people with disabilities in SA and to become a mentor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families. His vision is for the survival of Indigenous culture and people. Dameyon can best be described as passionate. His greatest achievement is continuing to better himself.
John Burgoyne – Port Lincoln, SA
John is a Mirning man from Port Lincoln. He is employed as an Aboriginal Family Practitioner, a Family Representative for Aboriginal Council and also a proud father and grandfather. John's vision is to be a good leader and pass his skills onto other members. John can best be described as outgoing. His greatest achievement is being a Life member of Sports League AFL.
Nat Loadsman – Burton, SA
Nat is a Bundjalung man and lives in the Adelaide community. He is a Youth Justice Caseworker, Adventure Recreation Facilitator, Street Worker and Xtreem Choice Co-ordinator. His vision is for youth to have all the opportunities to excel and to create positive change for Aboriginal families.
Lawrence Rankine – Murray Bridge, SA
Lawrence is an Ngarrindjeri man from the Murray Bridge community. He is employed as part of the Aboriginal Aged Care Program. Lawrence's vision is to be educated and gain more knowledge of his people, provide a better future and enhance Aboriginal status. He can best be described as honest, committed, friendly and willing to learn. Lawrence's greatest achievement is his son and his family.
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Leaders for Victoria (VIC)
Hans Bokelund – Hughesdale, VIC
Hans lives in Melbourne and is a Darumbul man from Brisbane, Qld. Hans is an active member of the Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association; the Law Institute of Victoria (Indigenous Committee); the Victorian Bar Association (Indigenous Lawyers Committee); and the Melbourne City Council Indigenous Consultative Committee. Hans' vision is for equality in justice and education within the Indigenous community. Hans can best be described as conscientious, loyal, studious, honest, self-motivated, and trustworthy. His greatest achievements are becoming a barrister and a leader in the Indigenous community of Melbourne and his successful participation in the National Indigenous Men's Leadership Program.
Peter Waples-Crowe – Melbourne, VIC
Peter lives in Melbourne and is an Ngarigo man from the NSW snowy mountains. He is employed as a Public Health Policy Officer and an Artist. His vision is to see communities and people heal and prosper. Peter can best be described as passionate and committed. His greatest achievement is yet to come.
Leaders for Western Australia (WA)
Maurice Agale – Westminster, WA
Maurice comes from the Ngarluma/Geriera Meriam Mer/Mabuiag clan and is part of the Perth community. Maurice is employed as a Case Officer for the National Native Title Tribunal Indigenous Lawyers Association. His vision is to assist community organisations develop stronger and better corporate governance structures. Maurice can best be described as calm and serene. His greatest achievement is his successful participation in the Indigenous Youth Conference.
Colin Garlett – Perth, WA
Colin is a Nyoongar man from Kwinana in Perth. He is the CEO of Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service and a leader in his own community. Colin's vision is to strengthen his own leadership skills and enhance leadership within his community to bring positive changes to the community. Colin can best be described as an easy going and committed leader. His greatest achievement is becoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Derbarl Yerrigan Health Services as it gives him a greater opportunity to make a difference in Aboriginal health.
Leon Harp – Perth, WA
Leon is a Nyoonga man and lives in Perth. Leon's vision is to assist as many people as he can. Leon can best be described as outgoing and easy going. His greatest achievement is assisting people and treating others with respect