First Australians Capital is pleased to announce the appointment of Liandra Gaykamangu and Gordon Cole to the FAC Board.
As FAC grows, so does our Board; therefore, FAC is proud to welcome Liandra Gaykamangu and Gordon Cole to the FAC Board.
The diversity of Indigenous Australians’ culture and the difference amongst the lived experience of Indigenous people suggests that there isn’t a “one size fits all” model of “good Indigenous governance”1. What is important is that Indigenous purposed organisations are Indigenous-led and governed. FAC’s cultural legitimacy is built upon self-determination and Indigenous governance; it is the foundation that will ensure we are best placed to serve our communities.
Liandra and Gordon are joining a diverse and experienced group of leaders; all purposed to guide FAC’s team to support the delivery of our 10-Year Strategy and to create the best outcomes for our community.
Both accomplished business and community leaders, Liandra and Gordon, will enhance FAC’s impact and access to Indigenous enterprises in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Read on to get to know Liandra and Gordon.
Liandra Gaykamangu
Liandra Gaykamangu, a Yolnu woman from East Arnhem land, is a driving force in changing the narrative and opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs in remote communities.
Liandra wears many hats; she is a trained high school teacher, mum of three, Co-CEO, remote communities advocate, artist, business owner and fashion designer.
Liandra is the founder and creative director of Liandra Swim, a swimwear business founded to share the success and achievement of the ‘unseen’ Indigenous women in remote communities.
Shaped by her upbringing, culture and family, Liandra has used her expertise in entrepreneurship to amplify remote communities’ perspectives in the Indigenous economy. As a co-CEO of non-for-profit — Enterprise Learning Projects, Liandra focuses on supporting remote Indigenous communities to achieve their goals in business and entrepreneurship.
Gordon Cole
Gordon Cole is a Noongar man from Western Australia who is highly regarded for his leadership and contribution to Western Australia’s Aboriginal Communities.
Gordon is the CEO of Cole Supplies, an award-winning business specialising in supplying Workwear and PPE, Health, Medical and Industrial Supplies. Gordon is the Managing Director of G Cole Consulting, a firm that provides various services, such as Business Development, Mentoring, Coaching, Leadership Development and Strategic Indigenous Services. Gordon is currently exploring Digital Technology, Renewable Energy, Water and Food Security and Financial Investment.
Gordon is the Chairperson of the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Gordon also plays an active role in community affairs. He currently occupies and has several voluntary positions across a variety of fields. Is a member of the National NAIDOC Committee and Director of the National Aboriginal And Torres Strait Housing Association.
[1] D.E. Smith, Researching Australian Indigenous Governance: A Methodological and Conceptual Framework, 2005
