Co-chairperson / Managing Director
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. LinkedIn
Executive Director, Impact Capital
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. LinkedIn
Director, Business Development
Steve is a Gomeroi man from North West NSW. Steve has over 15 years senior executive experience across a broad range of industries including; health and social services, financial services, technology, agribusiness, social impact investment, housing and business advisory services. Steve has a deep passion for social impact and sustainability. Steve has broad experience providing advice to governments, corporate organisations, non-profit sector, small and medium enterprises and startup businesses both nationally and internationally.
Impact Partner
Craig North is in the business of Indigenous investments with long-term positive impact. A senior Indigenous executive for over 15 years, Craig operates across government and commercial sectors nationally. Craig is passionate about the possibilities of Indigenous economic development and impact investment outcomes.
LinkedIn
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
Head of Business Development
Tara was born and raised on Awabakal lands and lives in Newcastle NSW. Tara brings over 25 years of diverse experience including 6 years as CEO of Hunter Wetlands; Chairman and Director on regional tourism boards; Head of Digital Transformation for a national NFP; and as a consultant to Government Departments and NGOs. LinkedIn
Impact Research Officer
Erin leads the development and implementation of the FAC Impact Management 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.
Investment Analyst
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.
Investment Analyst
Isaac was born in Newcastle NSW and is now located there after spending 10 years in education and working in Sydney. Isaac has over 3 years’ experience as an Investment Analyst and graduated with a Bachelor of Property Economics at The University of Technology, Sydney. His passion is to empower and grow the Indigenous economy as his own personal values directly align with the purpose and values of First Australians Capital.
Business Relationship Manager
A proud Bundjalung man by descent, Garry was born and raised on Gadigal lands and now lives on Wiradjuri Country in Temora, NSW. He has managed diverse small and medium enterprises, with over 30 years involvement in the building industry from hands-on tool work to senior management. Garry’s business achievements extend to include finance, engineering, tourism and aviation enterprises. For the last 20 years Garry has been a Chief Flying Instructor, training over 300 private pilots and over 200 commercial and military pilots.
Business Relationship Manager
Michelle is an experienced, pragmatic, and innovative thinker who is passionate about empowering and equipping Indigenous business owners to live a life of impact and growth. Michelle has owned and run her own businesses for over 15 years in regional Victoria, building practical tools and strategies that develop sustainable, resilient business in uncertain times. Michelle has influenced a wide variety of businesses, extending from building, construction and manufacturing all the way to not for profit community groups through coaching and mentoring.
Business Relationship Manager
Living on Pangerang country in North Eastern Victoria with his wife and two daughters, Paul’s story covers over 30 years of practical experience working in small to medium size businesses, many of which were family owned. Working in diverse roles, from the factory floor to senior management, he has gained practical skills 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 Partnerships Advisor
Born and raised on the Central Coast, now residing in Newcastle, Chris has a passion for helping people achieve their goals, and is currently on a number of Boards and Committees. Chris has a diverse work history, with many years active participation in professional and volunteer sectors, echoing exposure across several highly regulated sectors such as Government, Commercial, Environmental, and Community Services, including key roles in community engagement and business development. Chris has a track record of transforming business development processes and building successful relationship pipelines.
Co-chairperson
Shane is a Wakka Wakka and Bundjalung man from Queensland. Currently the CEO of Evolve FM, Shane is a respected leader with executive experience across corrective services, housing and professional services sectors in government and corporate enterprises. LinkedIn
Board Member
A proud Bundjalung woman by descent, Jocelyn was born and raised on Gadigal lands and now lives with her family at Djanaba Farm on Wonnarua Country in the Hunter Valley. Jocelyn has worked with many Indigenous organisations to facilitate economic development opportunities across Australia.
LinkedIn
Board Member
Carly is a proud Goreng Goreng woman who grew up on Yorta Yorta country. She has recently completed a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at Monash University. Carly’s interest areas are in Indigenous Affairs, Social Justice and Education.
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.
