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.
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 – 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.
Manager – Business Advisory
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. Isaac is based in Mulubinba (Newcastle).
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.
Manager – Business Advisory
Josh is a proud Wonnarua man currently based in Naarm (Melbourne). Prior to joining FAC, he was a consultant working with clients from various sectors to create community-aligned strategies and improved outcomes for Indigenous businesses and communities. Josh holds a Bachelor of Business from Monash University and recently completed the Murra program at Melbourne University. Josh is passionate about the power of economic development to create sustainable success.
Chairperson / Managing Director – Business Advisory and Impact
Board Member
Leah, a Torres Strait Islander, has over 25 years’ business and not-for-profit experience working collaboratively with governments, community and the private sector. Leah currently holds committee roles as a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy, Director Karalumba Ltd and a member of Philanthropy Australia’s Executive RAP Working Group.
Investment Analyst
Born and raised in Finland, Meeri decided to move to Australia at the beginning of 2023. Meeri holds an MSc in Economics and has worked in the Nordic finance industry since 2017, mainly in data analytics and impact investing with a keen focus on environmental impact. As an extroverted person, Meeri is excited to utilise her skills in analytics to support Indigenous businesses in unlocking the capital.
Manager – Business Advisory
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.
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 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).
Associate Director – Investment
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).
Associate Director – Operations
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 Analyst
Thulasi holds her native roots to the tropical island of Sri Lanka. She has over six years of investment management experience working in a single-family office of Asia’s leading apparel manufacturer and an investment bank managing portfolios of listed, unlisted equity and fixed income investments. As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Thulasi has strong financial analysis and corporate finance background.
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).
Chief Financial 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.
Board Member
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.
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 Naarm (Melbourne).
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
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
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.
