Our People
Giving Aboriginal people the chance to drive Aboriginal solutions and investment.
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The AbSec Board and team members are a diverse group of people, united by our shared commitment to building a brighter future for Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities. Our vision is that all Aboriginal children and young people are looked after in safe, thriving Aboriginal families and communities, raised strong in spirit and identity, with every opportunity for lifelong wellbeing and connection to culture, and surrounded by holistic supports.
Board of Directors
Our team is governed by a Board of Directors, responsible for determining strategy and overseeing the implementation of our strategic directions. Comprised of representatives from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across New South Wales, our board includes organisational members of AbSec, ensuring a diverse and representative governance structure.
AbSec operates under the guidance of a dedicated Aboriginal governing board, led by an Aboriginal Chief Executive Officer. This structure includes both representatives of Aboriginal organisations and Aboriginal individuals, reflecting our commitment to inclusive and culturally-informed leadership.
John Leha
Chief Executive Officer
Dana Clarke
Chair
Former CEO, Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation
Petrice Manton
Vice Chair
CEO, Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation
Wendy Knight
Director
Executive Director, Life Without Barriers
Mykol Paulson
Director
CEO, Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation
Ursula Donohue
Director
CEO, Ngunya Jarjum
Jai Kilroy
Director
CEO, Wandiyali
AbSec leadership
Alira Tufui
Director, Sector Operations
Sally Cowling
Director, Policy and Advocacy
Isabel Borg
Director, Corporate Services
Gillian Brannigan
Project Manager, Guardianship Commissioning
Lakin Orcher
Project Manager, Carer Support
Penny Magann-Jones
Project Manager, Strong Families, Our Way
Shantelle Common
Project Manager, Aboriginal-led Commissioning
Diane Potter
Manager, Learning and Development Centre
Carina Stokes
Manager, Communications and Memberships
Ariane Dol
Manager, People and Culture
Dakota Torrens
Office Manager
Contact our team
We value open communication and are here to support you. Whether you have questions about our services, need advice, or want to get involved, please feel free to reach out to us.