Our People

He advocates for First Nations language preservation, cultural heritage protection, and environmental justice.

He chairs the National Native Title Council and Wakamurru Aboriginal Corporation (PBC) and is a steering group member of the First Nations Clean Energy Network. A skilled negotiator, he champions First Nations equity in projects and promotes sustainable, community-based enterprises through his Wealth in First Nations model.

Kado regularly consults on Circular Economy, ESG, responsible investment, and technology adoption for cultural and environmental capital. He is also a business founder with interests in technology, fragrances, and ecosystem restoration.

Ned is the current Chair of several organisations in the Torres Strait, including the Gur A Baradharaw Kod (GBK)

Sea and Land Council, the Torres Strait Islanders Regional Education Council (TSIREC), and the Magani Lagaugal Registered Native Title Body Corporate. He has extensive experience working in both government and private sectors, and a background in education, working with young people in Torres Strait.

He is Chairperson of South Australian Native Title Services, Deputy Chair of the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Committee, Chair of the Marree-Innamincka NRM Group and a Member of the Aboriginal Partnership Committee for the South Australian Museum.

A nationally accredited trainer and assessor, Patricia has set up and worked in various community-based organisations, bringing a heavy focus on compliance. A highlight of her career was speaking at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva on issues affecting Aboriginal people. In addition to serving as a North Coast Councillor on the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Patricia is Co-Presiding Member of the Aboriginal Cultural and Heritage Advisory Committee NSW; Deputy Chair of the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT; Co-Chair of the Cultural Heritage Council Australia/New Zealand and Member of the Commonwealth.

Peter lives in Gascoyne Junction in Western Australia and is a well-respected community leader in the region.

In early 2020, he was appointed Director of Pilbara Solar, a renewable energy company that develops commercial renewable energy projects aiming to create equity ownership for Traditional Owners. He is passionate about Country, and the depth Aboriginal people are spiritually connected to the land. Peter was re-elected as Yamatji Chairperson and YMAC Director at the 2022 Yamatji Annual Regional Meeting (ARM).

She has a unshakeable reputation for being a notable and passionate force in economically empowering Aboriginal people to build their own wealth from their lands.

After four years with the North Queensland Land Council as Chair, Kaylene was instrumental in applying her extensive knowledge of community engagement and native title to the council’s footprint. In 2024 she finalised a Cultural Brokering contract with Girringun Aboriginal Corporation in Southern end of the Rainforest Aboriginal groupings in North Queensland, working with nine Traditional Owner groups and the Representative Native title Body Corporations (RNTBCs) to establish Native Bush Food Orchards.

Currently, Kaylene is the sitting Chair of her local Elders group which engages the nine Traditional Owner groups in the Southern Tablelands region on the Atherton Tablelands playing a strong advocacy role across all key areas of Closing the Gap.

He is committed to maintaining strong connections to that place and playing a vital role in supporting Elders both past and present, who have generously shared their knowledge and insights particularly in areas of Aboriginal issues involving both Native Title and cultural heritage.

Bringing this invaluable experience to the NNTC board, in other professional roles Ken is Chair of First Nations Legal and Research Services, Chair of the Wiran Aboriginal Corporation, General Manager at the First Peoples of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation and a past member of the Victoria Aboriginal Heritage Council.

A committed advocate for native title and cultural recognition, Bradley has been an active member of the Gunggari native title claimant group for more than six years, contributing to the success of three native title determinations that reaffirmed Gunggari connection to country. His thoughtful writing on Aboriginal culture and land rights, including essays such as Aboriginal Culture – Can it be Practically Defined? and Native Title – Is Recognition Enough?, reflect his deep understanding of the challenges and aspirations of Indigenous peoples.

Bradley continues to play a leading role in shaping Indigenous policy and governance as Deputy Chairperson of Queensland South Native Title Services. Guided by cultural integrity and a lifelong commitment to empowering Aboriginal communities, he remains dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships, preserving culture and advancing Indigenous self-determination across Queensland and beyond.

As a strong advocate for Indigenous rights, particularly native title and land rights, Tyronne is passionate about the importance of legal recognition and the ongoing connection of Aboriginal people to Country. Through the Kimberley Land Council, he has supported legal challenges, negotiations and agreements that have contributed to the recognition and protection of native title rights across the Kimberley, as well as ongoing advocacy for the Martuwarra Fitzroy River and water rights in the Kimberley.

governing their own communities; participating fully in decision making; and strengthening their own social and economic development.

In 2021 Jamie was appointed as the Indigenous Specialist Representative for the Australian Heritage Council – the principal adviser to the Australian Government on heritage matters.

In 2018 he joined the Victorian Heritage Council as an Indigenous Specialist Representative and is a joint council member of the Coalition of the Peaks. Jamie was instrumental in negotiating the Closing The Gap Agreement with the all Australia Governments, that came into effect July 2020.

Prior to joining NNTC Jamie was CEO of the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation in South Western Victoria, awarded Native Title in 2011and 2023 over the Great Ocean Road. He was also an inaugural member of the historic First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, the representative elected body tasked with negotiating a Treaty with the Victoria Government.

Internationally, Jamie is the NNTC representative on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) – a high-level advisory body to the New York based UN Economic and Social Council.

As a key influencer, Jamie firmly believes that creating economic independence and maintaining and growing cultural identity are vital in creating a self-determining nation of First Nations peoples and will continue to tirelessly advocate for a national Treaty whilst remaining a strong advocate for Traditional Owners and communities across Australia.

Belinda holds a PhD from The University of Sydney and a Master and Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University. With almost 20 years of experience in native title, cultural heritage, policy and applied research, she has worked extensively on matters across Victoria, Central Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia. Belinda also worked as a Lecturer at The University of Sydney and a research and policy consultant.

Belinda works with Traditional Owners to support self-determination and economic empowerment.

Having completed a Juris Doctor from Melbourne Law School, he is passionate about ensuring Indigenous demands for self-determination are met through practical and meaningful ways for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Much of Clinton’s legal scholarly work explores how the Australian legal system has responded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander assertions of sovereignty. Prior to joining the NNTC as a Senior Advisor in December 2021, Clinton was a consultant who worked closely with Indigenous communities throughout Australia and helped deliver projects with clients and stakeholders across all levels of Government, corporate and the not-for-profit sectors.

Anirudha has also worked at the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative in New Delhi, advocating for victims of police brutality, and at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, advising the Chief Prosecutor on international law and procedure. He holds degrees in Law and Commerce from the University of Melbourne.

Prior to joining the NNTC, Jessica was Head of Campaigns, Media and Communications, First People's State Relations at the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Victoria). Jessica led communications on Treaty, Closing the Gap, Truth-telling and land justice.

Jessica was founding director of the Economic Media Centre, a non-profit advocacy organisation supporting grassroots spokespeople to contribute to economic policy debates through mainstream media. The Centre delivers media training and advice to support community organisations and advocates working on issues including housing affordability, stronger social safety nets, First Nations justice, tax policy, accessible healthcare, mental health services and refugee rights.

As Associate Director of Essential Media, Jessica managed a team of media consultants delivering social change campaigns on a diverse range of issues including public health, education, climate justice, workplace relations, youth justice and family violence. Jessica has extensive designing and overseeing communications audience research and polling projects.

As Strategy Director at Australian Progress, she designed and delivered the Strategic Communications for Social Change Fellowship and ran regular trainings on government relations and media engagement. Jessica has a strong background in delivering one-on-one media coaching for high profile political candidates and has managed media for state and federal election campaigns. Beginning her career in the federal government Jessica has been a speechwriter and media adviser for government agencies.

Jessica was a director at the Human Rights Law Centre (2018–2023) and co-chaired the Fair Agenda board (2018–2021). A Pro Bono Impact 25 Award finalist in 2022, she still regularly supports non-profit organisations with on campaign strategy. Originally from Gunaikurnai Country in East Gippsland, Jessica provides pro bono communications advice to Live4Life, a regional suicide prevention program for young people.

Prior to joining the NNTC, Alix was a senior policy manager with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, developing key statutory reform documents and sector analysis for the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council. Providing strategic communications and policy advice at the Victorian level, she has been the Senior Communications Advisor at both Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and First Nations Legal and Research Services. Alix has also managed sites of shared heritage and advancing recognition of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage within the broader heritage area.

Carolyn has a Post-Graduate degree in international relations and is based in an office hosted by the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council in Cannington, Western Australia.

Debby is a proud Gunditjmara and Boandik woman from South West Victoria, currently living on Wada wurrung Country. Before joining the NNTC in April 2023, Debby worked in the AFL for 7 years in Community Engagement and training. Debby has worked for State, Local and Commonwealth government throughout her career, including a number of stints in local Aboriginal Community organisations.

Chontarle is currently a Member Director of Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation and Chair of the Cooperative Management Committee for the South West Boodjara. Chontarle brings extensive expertise in water advocacy on a national level including as a prior member of the WA Aboriginal Water and Environmental Advisory Group and the Commonwealth Committee on Aboriginal Water Interests.

She is passionate about human rights and justice and has found working with purpose driven organisations like the NNTC highly rewarding, as the work they do aligns with her values. She is a Certified Human Resources Practitioner with the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources (AHRI), a Post Graduate Certificate in Arts Creative Writing (Swinburne University), a Certificate IV in work Health and Safety (Swinburne University) and a Bachelor of Business and Commerce Human Resources Management and Management (Monash University).

In his prior role, for over a decade Tom worked as a campaigner with Oxfam in Australia and the Netherlands focusing on Indigenous rights, tackling poverty, tax justice, gender rights and climate justice.

He was a founding member of the Close the Gap campaign in 2007 and played an active role in campaigning for Indigenous health equality. He was part of the delegation to UNESCO that successfully lobbied for the creation of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

At the NNTC, Jack’s work is focused on law reform, reducing the structural barriers to native title holders accessing the courts when needed and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to address the historical and ongoing injustices on their lands.

Jack is non-Indigenous and lives on Yawuru country in Broome, Western Australia.

His policy and research interests include economic development in remote communities, language renewal and clean energy, as well as policy analysis and evaluation.

Jasmine has previous experience in Governance roles within the State of Victoria, where she worked closely with PBC organisations, Native Title Groups and providing support to elected Assembly members at the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

Currently working as part of the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance (The Alliance) within the NNTC, Jasmine has strong working relationships with Alliance Members and Stakeholders. Jasmine has a particular interest in governance, leadership, self-determination in First Nations Communities and strengthening and empowering our communities for the future.

In April 2024, Jasmine was part of the delegation that attended the twenty-third session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on the lands of the Lenape people (New York) at the UN Headquarters to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights at an international level.

Emily is passionate in advocating for Mob and ensuring all Traditional Owner Groups have equal opportunity to true self-determination. Emily also has a strong interest in Indigenous youth leadership, creating pathways and opportunities for our young people, empowering them to become our future leaders.

In April 2024, Emily was a part of the NNTC’s youth delegation that attended the twenty-third session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, held on the land of the Lenape people (New York). As one of Australia’s largest Indigenous delegations to attend the forum, the delegates advocated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander's right to speak for and manage their own Country.

Emily has recently completed her studies in Graphic Design and currently works on the design of all communications materials across the organisation and website.

As Senior Policy Advisor at the National Native Title Council (NNTC), Chelsie contributes to national advocacy on native title and land rights, with a focus on policy reform, self-determination and economic development for Traditional Owners.

Chelsie has extensive experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement and community-led advocacy, supporting First Nations organisations through governance, strategic engagement and program delivery. She is passionate about strengthening pathways for young people to build native title knowledge, skills and leadership capability.

In 2025–26, Chelsie completed a 12-month secondment with the Council of First Nations, supporting its establishment, leading stakeholder engagement activities and helping convene the National Gathering, which brought together more than 300 delegates from 150 Traditional Owner bodies nationwide.

She has represented the NNTC internationally, including at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and First Nations economic development forums in Canada.

Chelsie is undertaking a Master of Social Justice (Human Rights) at the University of Sydney and holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Indigenous Studies).

Previous to the NNTC Riley has worked in Remote Aboriginal community development in the Kimberley region of Western Australia for 5 years and is passionate about capacity building for Indigenous People leading to strong community self-determination.

Riley has an interest in governance and leadership and is a director of the health promotion non-for profit organisation, Fair Game Australia.

Kelly is our Engagement Coordinator and is based in Geraldton. Previously working with Carey Mining for 7 years, who are the most successful 100% Indigenous owned business in Australia. With over 11 years of administrative experience throughout her working career she has also worked closely with First Nations Peoples for nearly 20 years and is very passionate about her people and her culture. Kelly also has many years of experience working in the education field working in schools as an Aboriginal Islander Education Officer.

Kelly is our Engagement Coordinator and is based in Geraldton. Previously working with Carey Mining for 7 years, who are the most successful 100% Indigenous owned business in Australia. With over 11 years of administrative experience throughout her working career she has also worked closely with First Nations Peoples for nearly 20 years and is very passionate about her people and her culture.

Kelly also has many years of experience working in the education field working in schools as an Aboriginal Islander Education Officer.

In July 2025, Stacey graduated from the inaugural Beediyar Program—AIMWA’s leadership initiative designed to fast-track Indigenous professionals into executive pathways. She carries a strong commitment to integrity, respect and meaningful outcomes for First Nations communities.

Stacey is deeply passionate about family, community and the power of education, and is dedicated to contributing to the protection and strengthening of First Nations cultural heritage.

Anne-Sophie brings more than six years of experience in not-for-profit finance, payroll and systems administration, with a strong focus on building clear and reliable financial processes that support community-led work. Before joining the NNTC, she worked in finance roles at CERES Community Environment Park and Free to Feed, where she managed end-to-end financial operations and strengthened systems that promote transparency, autonomy and long-term organisational sustainability.

Anne-Sophie is deeply committed to supporting First Nations rights and heritage. In her role at the NNTC, she is driven to ensure that strong financial governance underpins the aspirations, rights and interests of Traditional Owners.

She holds both a Diploma of Accounting and a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, and will commence the Chartered Accountant (CA) program in 2026.

As a Legal Policy Officer, Xena has expertise in legal research, public policy, and advocacy. In her current role, Xena contributes to work across the areas of clean energy and critical minerals, native title compensation, and water rights, including the implementation of the inland waters targets under Closing the Gap. Xena’s day-to-day includes research, developing policy positions, preparing submissions, and contributing to reform that supports informed government decision-making and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Xena graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts and was admitted to legal practice in 2022. Prior to her current role, Xena completed legal and policy internships with Oxfam, the Child Protection Litigation Office and Allen’s, providing her with experience across the private, public and community sectors. She then gained legal experience as a law graduate with Legal Aid before moving into the role of family law solicitor in private practice.

Outside of her professional role, Xena tutors Monash University students through the Indigenous Academic Engagement Program and works as a Research Assistant in the Faculty of Law at Monash University, supporting legal and policy research projects.

Devereau has approximately four years of experience working in the native title sector across the Commonwealth government and PBCs. Most recently, she worked in native title funding at the National Indigenous Australians Agency, contributing to the redevelopment of the government’s funding agreements with NTRB/SPs for the performance of native title functions. Devereau brings a wealth of knowledge in areas of future acts, native title compensation, cultural heritage and First Nations affairs.

Devereau is passionate about native title and cultural heritage law reform, constitutional recognition of First Nations sovereignty and the repatriation of First Nations ancestors and cultural objects from international collections. She hopes to continue to support progress within these important areas through her work at the NNTC.

Devereau has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology) and was admitted as a Lawyer in 2025. She is also currently undertaking her Masters in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies with her final thesis looking at the restitution of foreign state movable cultural heritage from Australian museums as acts of cultural diplomacy in the context of current international and domestic legal frameworks.

Moving to Perth in 2023, Rashin immediately saw parallels to life in Tehran and that of Aboriginal people since colonialism. This has motivated her to learn as much as possible about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture to become a strong advocate for First Nations Peoples rights in Australia.