Managing Partner
Benson is a proud descendant of the Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara people of Western Victoria, and from New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea. Benson brings over 18 years of experience spanning finance, international engagement, economic development and social impact. Prior to FAC, Benson was the first Indigenous person to be appointed an Australian Consul-General with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission based in Houston, where he spent close to three years driving forward Australia’s diplomatic, economic and trade agenda.
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.
Director, Investments
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.
Managing Partner (Fund Manager)
Brian is a Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinea man who has over ten years of investment, portfolio and strategic advisory experience. Brian holds a Bachelor of Business, a Masters of Financial Planning and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Currently, he is completing a Masters of Social Change Leadership at the University of Melbourne. Brian holds an Investment Committee role with the Noongar Boodja Trust and is a board member of the Australian Regional and Remote Community Services Limited.
Manager – Business Advisory
Chanelle has a diverse background across investment banking, financial counselling, and policy as a founder and venture capital investor. Chanelle has worked on impact projects in remote First Australians communities to improve economic security. She is driven by contributing and supporting meaningful, equitable outcomes. Chanelle is based in Naarm (Melbourne).
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.
Executive Director – Head of Legal
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.
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).
Director, Business Development
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).
Portfolio Manager
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).
Investment Analyst
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.
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.
Investment Analyst
Jason joined FAC’s Investment Team in July 2023 and took valuable corporate banking and financial modelling experience from HSBC and PWC respectively. Formerly a lead investment analyst at MaxCap’s private equity team, Jason made recommendations to the Investment Committee on commercial real estate transactions, researching and modelling the deals and writing detailed investment memos. Jason graduated with First Class Honours in his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.
Co-Founder, Chairperson and Board Member
Leah, a Torres Strait Islander, is a senior professional with over 25 year’s business and not for profit experience. Throughout these years Leah has led the establishment and growth of some of the premier national Indigenous economic organisations and currently Leah is leading First Australians Capital in innovating how Indigenous enterprises access capital and support. This includes an ambitious Indigenous-led and managed impact investment fund. Leah currently serves on several Boards including a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy (Australia), Reserve Bank of Australia – Chairperson First Nations Advisory Group, Philanthropy Australia (PA) – member of the First Nations Governance Committee and Co-Chair of the First Nation Funders Network.
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
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.
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.
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.
