First Australians Capital (FAC) provides First Nations entrepreneurs business growth support and financing.
We are trusted advisors that work directly with business owners to find the right capital solution that is appropriate for the business. We focus on addressing barriers to suitable finance, and work through a culturally informed investment framework that aims to put First Nations businesses at the centre. Our relational approach helps us consider a holistic assessment of the business and its pathway to success.
Board Members
Bundjalung by descent, Gadigal by birth, and Wollombi by lore, Jocelyn bases her personal and professional skills on culture. With over 25 years of experience in Government, NFP, and Indigenous business sectors, she is a results-driven Executive. As the founding Director and CEO of First Australians Capital, she led innovation and investment in Indigenous economic development. Jocelyn excels in leadership, strategic partnerships, and trend analysis. Her vision is to democratise capital, address racial inequity in finance, and create long-term social and environmental impact, emphasising First Nations governance principles and ‘Radical Transparency’ to involve the community in capital deployment.
Abhilash is the Chief Impact Officer at the Paul Ramsay Foundation. He has over 17 years’ experience in impact investing, philanthropy, research, evaluation, and social enterprise. At the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Abhilash focuses on breaking cycles of disadvantage by deploying impact investments and undertaking evaluations to inform future strategies. Through his background, Abhilash brings to FAC a wealth of experience in structuring and managing an impact fund, measuring, and managing (financial and impact) performance, and learning through ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Gordon Cole is a Noongar man recognised for his leadership and contribution to Australia’s Aboriginal Community. He is the Managing Director of G Cole Consulting and CEO of Cole Supplies. Gordon specialises in Indigenous Services, Business, Economic Prosperity, Wealth Creation, Coaching, Mentoring and Leadership, along with exploring Global Markets. He led the establishment of the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Gordon is based on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar (Country) in Boorloo (Perth).
Hylton Mathews is a seasoned financial services executive with a proven track record of success in complex international business environments. With over 20 years of experience in the wealth management, investment management and superannuation industries, Hylton has consistently achieved outstanding results, met business goals, and spearheaded transformative initiatives. As a qualified Chartered Accountant and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Hylton brings a wealth of expertise.
Karen is the Founder and Principal Solicitor of Violet Co Legal & Consulting, a for-purpose legal and consulting practice dedicated to making a material difference in the lives of women and Indigenous people. Her career is focused on blending legal and consulting services to provide unique, innovative solutions and viewpoints on organisational challenges. Karen also has over 20 years’ experience as a non-executive director on not-for-profit boards.
We are a passionate group of leaders working to create an inclusive economy.
Adrian Appo OAM is a proud Gooreng Gooreng man from Southeast Queensland. He returns to First Australians Capital as Managing Director – Partnerships. His most immediate previous position being the senior-most First Nations position in philanthropy where he led a large anonymous Trust and the sector more generally in approaches to better First Nations philanthropic giving. As the founding CEO of Ganbina, Adrian supported over 500 Indigenous youth in securing education and career opportunities. For his significant contributions to Indigenous youth development, he has been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia, Centenary Medal, and Australian Defence Medal. Adrian is the inaugural Australian board member of the International Funders for Indigenous People and the Salvation Army Australia Board and senior advisor to the Maniferra Collective.
Andrew brings eight years of finance experience to FAC from his previous role at Macquarie Group Limited, where he worked within the Banking and Financial Services Business. He has acquired a breadth of experience across a variety of roles at Macquarie, including as Client and Risk Analyst in Business Banking, and in both Retail and Wholesale Credit Analyst roles in the Asset Financing Space. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance), a Masters in Finance, and is a CFA Institute program participant who completed the level II exam in 2023. Andrew is currently based in Naarm (Melbourne).
Bethany Dance is a proud Wiradjuri woman living on Awabakal Country, holding a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Newcastle and an Advanced Diploma in Screenwriting. Over the past five years, she has held various roles in communications, journalism, and humanitarian projects, including roles with The Daily Telegraph and YLab. Currently with First Australians Capital, Bethany is dedicated to amplifying the stories and successes of First Nations enterprises, supporting their growth and impact.
Erin leads the development and implementation of the FAC Impact Measurement Framework. Erin has over 10 years experience in sustainable business management and worked in the UK and Australia as a Responsible Investment Analyst. Erin was born and raised on Awabakal lands and lives in Newcastle NSW.
Felicity is based in Naarm (Melbourne) and has over 8 years of experience in finance across retail, oil and gas and financial institutions. Before joining FAC, she held credit and lending roles in business banking and worked across various sectors including health, franchises and asset finance. Felicity holds a Bachelor of Science and Graduate certificate of Business from Monash University and utilizes her diverse background to drive creative and impactful outcomes.
A First Nations executive with experience in strategy and finance across a variety of industries including Government, Management Consulting and Private Equity. Jacob is passionate about the Indigenous business sector and promoting opportunities within it to bridge the gap between economic and social outcomes. Building successful and rewarding relationships by advising and guiding clients in the value of diversity and the inclusion of First Nations-owned business and community.
Kent is a Yamtji man living in Boorloo (Perth) situated on Whadjuk Noongar Country. He has over 25-years’ experience in corporate advisory and investment covering a broad range of industry sectors. He holds innovation management credentials with the Global Innovation Management Institute, has an MBA from Curtin University, a Diploma (International Company Directors Course) from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is presently studying part-time his Doctor of Business Administration with Curtin University.
Kenton joined FAC in October 2023. Prior to joining FAC, Kenton gained accumulated experience in funds management working for over 7 years at First Sentier Investors across a variety of asset classes, with a specialisation in equity research. In his most recent role as an Investment Specialist for the Australian Equities Growth team at First Sentier, Kenton was responsible for conducting industry deep dives, updating company models, and presenting portfolio insights. Kenton holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University and became a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in 2022.
Kyah Bell, a Wulgurukaba, Bindal, and Juru woman, brings seven years of global capital markets experience across multiple continents and sectors. Most recently, she founded an investment vehicle that raised $12M and achieved a successful public merger. Currently, she directs BEF, an impactful initiative investing in First Nations businesses.
Mi-Lin is a proud Anaiwan and Maltese woman who has over twenty-five years’ experience in the finance industry as a business leader and senior finance professional. Mi-Lin has expertise in business banking, credit, and risk. Mi-Lin is deeply passionate about empowering women to be successful, and advocates for the ethical and equitable delivery of finance aiming to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities to flourish. Mi-Lin holds a Master of Business Administration, Leadership major from Curtin University.
Paul lives on Pangerang country in North Eastern Victoria with his wife and daughters. With over 30 years of experience, working from the factory floor to senior management, he is skilled in business planning, domestic and international sales, marketing, product and packaging design and development, manufacturing operations, and logistics. Paul looks to share this knowledge to support growing businesses.
Peter has specialised in the finance, marketing and investment areas and has developed an extensive knowledge of funding companies and investment vehicles. Well known for his lateral approach and ability to deliver strong commercial outcomes, Peter has worked with a range of small and medium-sized companies, including fast growth hi-tech companies. Peter is based on Guring-gai Country (Sydney).
Ruairidh was born and raised in Scotland and lives in inner-west Melbourne with his family. With a broad career in finance across four continents, and exposure to aerospace, hedge funds, retail and investment banking, Ruairidh has gained a rounded and global appreciation of financial markets. He understands the true value of investment extends much wider than a simple financial return. Ruairidh is based in Naarm (Melbourne).
Ryan joined FAC in August 2024. He has extensive experience across the primary healthcare and social services sector serving in senior management and executive roles for the past seven years. Ryan is passionate about empowering First Nations businesses to reach their potential and create meaningful impact across our economies. He holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Nevada and an MBA Finance from AGSM at the University of New South Wales.
Sarah has a breadth of Corporate Service knowledge and experience across the Public and Private Sectors. At FAC, Sarah is responsible for the centralised Corporate functions. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently completing her MBA. Based in Naarm (Melbourne) Sarah currently resides with her family on the outskirts of Melbourne in the Dandenong Ranges.
Stuart has worked with over 500 small to medium sized businesses across Australia and New Zealand, providing innovative strategies, marketing, advisory and executive leadership support. He has worked with both the Australian and New Zealand Governments on initiatives to support the growth and international impact of small businesses, has owned and operated several small businesses and was a licensed business broker. Based in Brisbane with a passion to help businesses become bigger, better, stronger.
Tiffany joined FAC as a Portfolio Manager in September 2023. Working closely with the Managing Partners and the investments team, Tiffany is primarily responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of FAC’s Impact Capital team. Tiffany’s previous experience includes roles in the superannuation, asset consulting, insurance, and investment management industries. She understands the importance for impact to be embedded in companies’ business models, offering value beyond financial returns. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University and currently lives with her family in Naarm (Melbourne).
To create a new economy driven by First Australians. A new economy driven by First Australian business is a powerful economic contributor to community and inter-generational wealth creation.
We back First Australians’ cultural, creative and economic strength to become full, free agents in driving their own economic futures.
Our Investors
