Co-chairperson / Managing Director, Business Advisory and Impact
Board Member
Leah, a Torres Strait Islander, has over 20 years’ business and not-for-profit experience working collaboratively with governments, community and the private sector. Leah is currently on the Board of Foundations for Young Australians; CSIRO Indigenous Strategic Advisory Council; and BCA Indigenous Taskforce.
Executive Director, Corporate and Head of Legal
Board Member
Passionate about supporting Indigenous-led change, Jane has 25 years’ experience providing strategic and legal advice across both the private and not-for-profit sectors. After working as a corporate lawyer for a decade, Jane has dedicated the past 15 years to supporting a number of significant Indigenous initiatives for social change.
Executive Director, Investments
Steve is a Gomeroi man from North West NSW. He has over 15 years senior executive experience across a broad range of industries, providing advice to governments, corporate organisations, non-profit sector, small and medium enterprises and startup businesses both nationally and internationally. Steve brings a deep passion for social impact and sustainability to his role at FAC.
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Wayne has over 16 years of Finance experience in the not-for-profit/government sector. He has also worked in local government, balancing financial management with strong, sustainable stakeholder relationships. Wayne completed a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Newcastle, and went on to hold several accounting positions there. LinkedIn
Senior Sustainability and Impact Officer
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.
Communications and Research Associate
Bethany is a Wiradjuri woman who is currently living on Awabakal Country. Bethany recently graduated from the University of Newcastle, with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. Throughout her degree she interned in various institutions across the field as well as worked on humanitarian projects as an Associate for YLab. Bethany is excited to share the stories and impacts of Indigenous enterprises as she watches the Indigenous economy flourish.
Associate Director, Portfolio
Allen is a Yorta Yorta man who has recently completed his MBA at Oxford University. Prior to joining FAC he held several roles across the commercial and corporate banking divisions at Westpac Banking Corporation and Commonwealth Bank. Allen is responsible for the development and implementation of the fund investment strategy as well as developing the in-house capabilities of the investment team to deliver on the fund’s strategy.
Investment Manager
Tarni is a Kuku Nyungkal woman from Cairns, who is currently living on Yuggera Country (Brisbane). Inspired by seeing First Nations’ culture and values thrive in modern business practices, Tarni seeks to empower economic justice through her work, and as a Board Member for the AILC. As a member of Chartered Accountants ANZ, she has an accomplished background in corporate finance across a diverse range of industries.
Investment Manager
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.
Fund Advisor
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 his ability to deliver strong commercial outcomes, Peter has worked with a range of small and medium sized companies, including fast growth hi-tech companies.
Investment Analyst
Paul is a proud Wakka Wakka and Kamilaroi man and a passionate business builder, avid learner and pragmatic thinker. He is an accounting and finance degree-qualified corporate professional with deep knowledge and passion for the success of businesses and business owners, working with a wide range of businesses from small to medium enterprises to ASX listed companies, operating in diverse sectors and industries.
Associate Director – Business Advisory
Tiarne Shutt is a proud First Nations woman with ancestral ties to the Worimi people. An experienced strategist and passionate storyteller.
Tiarne excels at pushing boundaries, shifting mindsets, and affecting social change through storytelling and relationship building. Tiarne is at her best when she can use story and compassion to facilitate conversations focused on action. Tiarne is based on Yuggera Country in Meanjin (Brisbane).
Business Relationship Manager
Ebony Caldow is a descendant of the Ballardong region (in Western Australia) on her mother’s side. She has over nine years’ experience in banking and finance in a variety of roles. Ebony is passionate about range of issues within the Indigenous community including economic development, domestic violence, health, and education. Ebony also supports organisations such as Yokai which strengthen cultural connection and healing for survivors of the Stolen Generation.
Business Relationship Manager
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.
Business Relationship Manager
Isaac was born on Awabakal Country and holds Bachelor of Property Economics from The University of Technology Sydney. Isaac excels when he can bring together his skills in financial analysis with strategic business planning. His passion is to empower and grow the Indigenous economy as his own personal values align with the purpose and values of First Australians Capital.
Board Member
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.
Board Member
Carly is a proud Goreng Goreng woman who grew up on Yorta Yorta Country. She is currently the Principal Legal Policy Officer, Truth and Justice Response Unit at the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Politics) from Monash University. Carly is passionate about removing historical and structural barriers to wealth accumulation for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Carly is based in Naam (Melbourne).
Board Member
Clive Ringler is a Portfolio Manager and Financial Adviser with Morgan Stanley. He has over 25 years’ experience in the financial markets and covers both global and Australian investments across all asset classes including fixed interest and currencies.
Board Member
Liandra Gaykamangu is a Yolŋu woman from North East Arnhem Land. She is the co-CEO and Board Director of Enterprise Learning Projects, the Founder and Creative Director of Liandra Swim and a former English and history high school teacher. Liandra’s career focuses on creating opportunities for remote Indigenous entrepreneurs. Liandra is based on Larrakia Country.
Board Member
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).
Board Member
Abhilash is the Chief Portfolio 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.
