Zoë is a thoughtful and engaging communications professional with experience in the non-profit and higher education sectors. She joined Supply Nation in 2023, having worked for several organisations that foster education and employment excellence.

With a Bachelor of Communications in Media Arts and Production from the University of Technology Sydney, Zoë is focused on innovating new ways to connect people and tell their stories. She has worked closely with community, government, media, and corporate stakeholders to execute dynamic communications pieces and promote the success stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In 2021, Zoë joined UNSW Global and used her flair for visual communication to enhance the engagement and academic progression of international students.

Zoë is passionate about elevating First Nations voices and is proud to work for an organisation making a positive impact for future generations.

Ash joined Supply in August 2022 as a member of the Certification team with an extensive background in Information Technology Management. Ash also has a background in Client Services including working with Australian Government Departments giving him experience investigating organisations and organisational structures.

Ash has an eye for detail and respects the process and procedures required to ensure Supply Nations Certification Program meets the high standards and integrity the community expects.

Ash spent several years working in Central Australia and assisted remote Indigenous communities with technology and infrastructure to support education and inclusion. Ash has a deep interest in progressing Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses within the wider business community.

Rick joined Supply Nation in January 2019 as a member of the Certification and Audit team, bringing with him extensive experience working with Aboriginal communities, managing Aboriginal controlled organisations and facilitating and supporting Aboriginal economic development and managing business operations.

After an initial career working in information technology, assisting system users to specify their requirements of new information systems, Rick was a foundation partner in a social research consultancy and for over 10 years managed and participated in evaluation, review and information systems projects, focused in the human and community services areas throughout Australia. Through this experience he developed an understanding of and deep interest in Aboriginal economic development and the positive impact business success can achieve for Aboriginal people. Rick completed a Master of Business Administration and moved into project management and senior management positions with Aboriginal organisation in Australia’s East Kimberley region.

Rick’s management, governance, compliance and business experience working with Aboriginal individuals, groups, boards and companies, in particular, experience negotiating, implementing and managing joint ventures is a solid foundation for the certification and auditing of Aboriginal businesses in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Paul Exarhos brings over 20 years of experience working with corporate and government clients across Australia, New Zealand and India and a breadth of experience having worked in a variety of industries from finance, tourism, education and media. He has worked cross-culturally in Asia and Europe, and more recently with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities at SBS TV and Radio.

Paul graduated with a BCom from the University of Canberra and has a Graduate Diploma in Commercial Radio Broadcasting from AFTRS.

Throughout his career, Paul has had a personal interest in equality and diversity and is excited to be making a real difference at Supply Nation.

Alanna is a proud Ngemba woman from Bourke NSW, who brings a wealth of experience from both large corporations and government agencies, where she has liaised with senior executives and board members. Alanna has also worked as an Administrative Support Officer/Executive Assistant and holds a Certificate III in Business Administration. Passionate about Indigenous culture and the issues affecting Indigenous Australians, Alanna has previously served as a Mental Health Coach for Indigenous Australians.

Chris joined Supply Nation in October 2024, bringing extensive experience from the global mining and construction supply sectors. His roles have spanned administration, product and sales management, marketing, training, and factory representation, with a strong focus on customer support and building strong working relationships.

In addition to his professional achievements, Chris has volunteered on boards of organisations that support central Australian Indigenous communities and a secondary boarding college for Indigenous students. He is passionate about fostering educational opportunities, career pathways, and business growth for Indigenous Australians.

Chris is excited to contribute to Supply Nation’s vision of a prosperous, vibrant, and sustainable Indigenous business sector.

Candice is a proud Wakka Wakka woman with ties to the North Burnett region of Queensland. She previously worked within a Reconciliation Action Plan Team, which was part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Partnerships Team. In this role, she led programs focused on First Nations workforce, leadership, and wellbeing.

Candice has a background in employment, training, and consulting. She is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Trainer and a First Nations Mentor. She has built connections within various communities and worked closely with Traditional Owners to ensure relationships and trust are established with the communities and Elders.

As a proud Aboriginal woman, Candice is passionate about her culture and joined Supply Nation with a drive to continue advocating for First Nations peoples’ rights and opportunities.

Shaun is a procurement professional with over 15 years’ experience, obtained in both functional and senior leadership positions. Shaun has managed large value procurements across a range of indirect products and service categories and is highly proficient in all facets of sourcing, category management and supplier relationship management. He has a history leading and developing procurement teams, particularly in the areas of strategic sourcing, tendering and capability building. Shaun is also experienced in developing and implementing bespoke e-procurement frameworks and technology.

Shaun has also been recognised as a supplier diversity specialist through multiple Supply Nation industry awards, both individually and at the corporate level. More recently, he has applied his procurement skills in training and facilitation as well as providing specialist procurement services to private and public sector clients.

With a career encompassing law enforcement, banking & finance, manufacturing, the not-for-profit sector and most recently, local Government, Mark brings strengths to Supply Nation in the areas of Corporate Governance, Risk Assessment & Mitigation, Industrial Relations, and Financial Compliance.

Mark’s future vision for the business is development of strong research and data driven innovation and service development for our suppliers and further building on the cultural strengths embodied in the Supply Nation business.

It took Colleen all of two seconds to decide to take on her role as Reception and Administration Coordinator – now Office Coordinator – for Supply Nation. Colleen is committed to being as useful as possible and is toe-curlingly excited about the opportunity to support the Supply Nation enterprise to grow and flourish.

Colleen has highly developed coaching and listening skills, and a wealth of experience in business, leadership and social justice, in Australia and Cambodia. Colleen likes to participate in thought – provoking conversations, that lead to innovation, fresh ideas and clarity and is here to make a difference.

Geetha joined Supply Nation in 2022 as an Indigenous Business Customer Care Officer and possesses prior experience in strategic sourcing and supply chain.

An active participant in various social welfare activities as part of her corporate social responsibility, Geetha is deeply committed to supporting diversity and inclusion, encouraging suppliers to achieve sustainable growth within the Indigenous business sector and  being a part of solutions that promote social justice and equity.

Geetha holds a Bachelor of Science and is currently working towards a Master of Enterprise Resource Planning at Victoria University, Sydney.

Jessica joined Supply Nation in July 2022 and brings over six years of experience in membership and relationship management roles within museums and NGO’s. She had exposure to Supply Nation in her past role at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), which is what first sparked her interest and desire to work for the organisation.

She had the privilege of studying a variety of Indigenous subjects through her arts degree at university, focusing specifically on archaeological and historical sites.

Jessica is excited to work with an organisation whose values and purpose align so closely with her own, and she looks forward to supporting Supply Nation members on their supplier diversity journeys.

Ryan has over 14 years of experience designing, developing, and implementing software solutions to address complex business challenges. Skilled in multiple programming languages and frameworks, he quickly adapts to new technologies. As a Scrum Master, Ryan has facilitated Agile transformations and is passionate about driving innovation and continuous improvement.

With expertise in managing and optimising digital systems, including CRM and CMS platforms, Ryan has a proven track record in enhancing business operations through data analysis, strategic planning, and vendor management. His strong technical background in web technologies, database architecture, and systems integration is complemented by exceptional team-building and communication skills.

Ryan is committed to ethical conduct and integrity, demonstrating a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a desire to take on new challenges.

Tarran is a proud Birrbay, Warrimay and Dhanggati man, who expresses himself through his artistry, culture and design – which are intrinsically part of his identity. Tarran completed a Diploma of Graphic Design at Billy Blue College of Design in 2022 and has since been freelancing within the design industry, specifically cultural design, focused on contemporary story and truth-telling. Tarran has also recently established his own contemporary design agency, Malu Industries.

Tarran also previously worked as an Indigenous Educational Worker in primary education, to develop and deliver cultural programs and establish invaluable connections with community.

Driven by creative and cultural connectivity and expression, Tarran aims to bring his diverse skills and knowledge to Supply Nation to advocate for the now and future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Candace is a best practice engaging, opportunity making, kayak racing, barra chasing, cowboy boot wearing, knit and crochet daring, home renovation exploring, music adoring, straight shooting kind of woman.

Candace joined the Supply Nation team in June 2018 after four years living and working across the Kimberley region of WA. Candace brings an eclectic mix of experience in strategic supply chain and change management, supporting Aboriginal economic development, managing business operations and training from her roles in the corporate, government, not-for-profit and tertiary educational sectors across urban, regional and remote communities. 

Candace has an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business and is a life-long learner, currently undertaking a master leadership program with Woman and Leadership Australia in conjunction with Monash University.

With a strong community focus and passion for instigating educational and organisational change that empowers people to take decisions that positively improve their lives and the lives of others, Candace is proud to be surrounded by a talented team of thought leaders for Indigenous business growth and and seeks to empower diversification of supply chains which drive social good.

Jessie is a proud Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba man who joined Supply Nation in 2024. He brings eight years of experience in finance and banking, specifically business banking (retail, SME, and commercial). Jessie has a strong passion for Indigenous business and financial education and is dedicated to seeing Indigenous cultures and businesses represented and thriving not only in Australia but around the world.

Kirstie is a seasoned tourism professional with over 20 years of expertise in First Nations business development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.

Kirstie’s strong relationship-building skills have been instrumental in supporting Indigenous operators and forging partnerships with corporate and government stakeholders. Her extensive experience spans strategic positions at NSW National Parks, Tourism Australia, and various consultancy projects, where she has contributed to destination planning, industry education, and cultural tourism initiatives.

Driven by a passion for empowering Indigenous businesses and promoting sustainable tourism, Kirstie brings a collaborative approach and deep industry knowledge to her role, supporting Supply Nation’s mission to foster Indigenous business growth and enhance cultural awareness.

Imogen is an experienced marketing and communications professional, with an excellent record of building brand equity, driving innovation and revenue.

Imogen has held leadership roles responsible for developing best-in-class marketing communication, acquisition strategies and brand experiences. As previous Head of Marketing ANZ at Yahoo Australia, Imogen lead a team of specialists throughout APAC to deliver growth strategies for Yahoo’s suite of brands and products.

Imogen has a passion for leading and building best-practice, technology and metrics-driven marketing teams, functions, and processes, and for working with brands and organisations with a purpose.

Elsie is an accomplished Corporate Relationship Manager with over seven years of diverse experience across multiple sectors, including energy, insurance, superannuation, and finance. For the past five years, she has excelled in cultivating and managing strategic partnerships, leveraging a deep understanding of client needs to drive mutual success.

Starting her career in the energy industry, Elsie honed her skills in stakeholder engagement and account management, developing a keen insight into the intricacies of corporate relationships.

Elsie’s extensive experience spans across various sectors, where she has consistently delivered results through effective communication and tailored solutions.

Gautam is a social impact evaluator with extensive experience in planning and executing large-scale projects in a variety of settings, ranging from large multinational corporations to small organisations. He previously worked as an Evaluation Officer at the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) where he was responsible for managing and reporting on the UTS Social Impact Framework. He was also the primary evaluator for UTS’s Athena Swan accreditation which recognises the advancement of gender equality in higher education.

Gautam holds a PhD in Social Sciences from UTS, focusing on Indigenous identities and right to self-determination. He presented his research at international conferences, published articles in peer reviewed journals, and is the author of the forthcoming book “Indigenous Question, Land Appropriation, and Development: Understanding the Conflict in Jharkhand, India”. He currently serves as a member of Huber Social Ethical Review Board and previously served as a member on UTS’s Academic, Faculty and Research Boards.

Prior to his PhD, Gautam worked at IBM for six years as a cybersecurity consultant and managed the overall security compliance of major financial institutions and large multinational corporations, bringing a wealth of experience in managing complex projects and delivering fit for purpose solutions with a broad range of stakeholders.

Khaila is a proud Wiradjuri woman who has dedicated the last decade to the State and Local government sectors, specialising in all facets of human resources. With a keen interest in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment initiatives and enhancing workforce cultural capability, Khaila has made significant contributions to creating inclusive and culturally aware workplaces.

In 2015, she was part of the inaugural cohort for the Bachelor of Business Administration at UTS, a degree tailored specifically for Indigenous Australians to develop their skills in managing enterprises and organisations. Khaila’s academic and professional journey reflects her commitment to empowering Indigenous communities and fostering a diverse and capable workforce.

Chris joined Supply Nation with an extensive background in international business including almost 20 years experience living and working in Asia. After over a decade in international business development in Australia and Japan, he became a trade diplomat, working as a trade commissioner in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, helping Australian companies enter overseas markets, attracting productive foreign direct investment into Australia and promoting Australian education worldwide. He has helped Australian’s achieve success in a range of industries including housing, marine, agribusiness, aerospace, consumer products, professional services and the arts. Chris has developed Austrade’s Indigenous International Business Strategy and was responsible for Austrade’s Northern Australia investment program as well as their partnerships program.

Chris is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a graduate of Griffith University and the University of New South Wales.

Chris is passionate about helping Indigenous companies succeed internationally.

Claire joined Supply Nation in July 2022 and brings over 15 years of corporate experience to her role. She has held positions in relationship management, project and change management and information design; across the property, finance, human resources and procurement sectors.

Claire has a strong passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. She completed Indigenous studies as part of her Arts degree at the University of Sydney and has also had the privilege of working in Indigenous communities while volunteering in Arnhem Land.

She is passionate about diversity and inclusion and is excited to bring her skills and experience to an organisation that supports a prosperous future for Indigenous Australians.

Neil is an enthusiastic and resourceful professional with a background in salary packaging/financial services and a combined 20 years’ experience in business development, client relationship management, project management, customer service and stakeholder engagement across the public, private, and NPF sectors. As a strategic and creative thinker, Neil thrives on improving processes, driving growth, achieving positive results and ensuring exceptional customer experiences.

Kevin is a proud Gamilaraay man with 30 years of experience in business, sales, operations, and branch and general management. Over the past 10 years, Kevin’s work has intersected with social justice, Peak Indigenous Bodies, and the not-for-profit sector.

Kiana joined Supply Nation in 2024 as an Indigenous Business Officer and has dedicated most of her career to the not-for-profit sector. Kiana’s background is predominantly in program and stakeholder management, and her strengths lie in her keen eye for detail and love for building strong relationships. Kiana holds a Diploma of Community Services and, in 2021, was awarded the St Augustine’s College Order of Indigenous Australia Medal for her compassion, patience, dedication, cultural awareness, and professionalism when engaging with First Nations students.

Jenny is a Wiradjuri woman from Central West NSW.  Jenny joined the Supply Nation team in October 2013. She brings with her extensive experience from working within Government Departments such as the Department of Education Employment and Work Place Relations (DEEWR). Most recently she worked with the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Prior to working within Government she worked for the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council for approximately 12 years. Jenny has also sat on the Board of Darkinjung Land Council and was also elected as Chairperson. Jenny holds a BA in Adult Education and Community Management, obtained from the University of Technology Sydney, she graduated in May 2013 and was the first member of her family to attend university.

Jenny is extremely passionate about creating genuine opportunities for Aboriginal people, and is aware of the barriers Aboriginal people face on a day to day basis, she is very excited about where this journey will lead with Supply Nation.

Elynn brings extensive experience in events management, with a proven track record of delivering successful conferences, exhibitions, and virtual events. Recently joining Supply Nation, Elynn is passionate about advancing Indigenous business opportunities and fostering collaboration within the community and looks forward to contributing to Supply Nation’s mission of creating a sustainable Indigenous business sector through meaningful and impactful events.

Penny Bingham-Hall is a non-executive director of Fortescue and Co-Chair of Supply Nation. She is the Chair of Vocus Group and Deputy Chair of both the Salaam Foundation and the Advisory Council of the Climate Governance Initiative, Australia.

Penny has broad industry experience in construction, mining, property and infrastructure development and is an experienced company director in publicly listed, government and not-for-profit organisations. She has developed deep expertise in the oversight of people, culture and remuneration issues and has been a vocal advocate for environmental sustainability, workplace safety and Indigenous employment for more than a decade.

She was a senior executive at Leighton Holdings Limited (now CIMIC Group) and is a former director of Dexus Property Group, BlueScope Steel Limited, Australia Post, Port Authority of NSW and Macquarie Specialised Asset Management. Penny was also Chair of Taronga Conservation Society Australia, the NSW Freight and Logistics Advisory Council, the inaugural Chair of Advocacy Services Australia, Deputy Chair and Life Member of the Tourism & Transport Forum and a director of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, SCEGGS Darlinghurst Limited and the Global Foundation.

Penny is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and a member of Chief Executive Women and CorporateWomenDirectors.

Mr Barnes is the founder and Managing Director of YIMBA Legal & Consulting. He is the Chair of Westpac’s Indigenous Advisory Council, Member of Westpac’s Stakeholder Advisory Council, Chair of Nguluway DesignInc Pty Ltd, a Director of The Aboriginal Housing Office NSW and a Member of UTS’ Indigenous Industry Advisory Group, Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building. He has been a Director of The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre, a Member of the NSW Law Society Indigenous Issues Committee and a founding member of Ngalaya Indigenous Lawyers Association. Damien has an extensive background in law, commercial management and engineering, providing advice on a range of areas including: infrastructure; construction; transport; resources; renewables; environment; Indigenous Business; native title; cultural heritage; RAPs and ESG. His employment experience includes; King & Wood Mallesons, DLA Piper, UGL, Power Minerals, NTSCorp and government. Damien is a Bidjara man from central QLD with family connection to Woorabinda and he provides extensive pro bono assistance to Indigenous communities and organisations. He holds an Executive MBA, Law Degree, a Civil Engineering Degree and a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Leadership.

Glenn Johnston has over 25 years’ experience in procurement and logistics management across different industries, market leading companies and government. He is currently Director of Procurement and Business Support at Infrastructure NSW.

Glenn is a nationally recognised procurement expert and thought leader with a deep and proud passion for Indigenous business engagement. By helping Indigenous businesses grow and develop, Glenn firmly believes that this will lead to greater opportunities for Indigenous employment and a more inclusive economy.

Glenn was the recipient of the 2016 Supply Nation Procurement Professional of the Year Award in recognition of his work developing and engaging Indigenous businesses. He is a Fellow (Chartered status) of CIPS and Chair of the NSW Chapter of CIPS, the globally recognised peak procurement and supply professional body with over 120,000 members. Glenn is also a Board Member of the AIATSIS Foundation and, Director and Chair of NSW Aboriginal Land Council Employment & Training Ltd.

In August-September 2016, Glenn became a Jawun program secondee and spent 6 weeks living with the Aboriginal Community of Lockhart River (Far North Qld), considered to be the most remote Aboriginal Community in Australia. During this time he helped the Mayor, CEO, Councillors, Elders and motivated locals develop a framework to enable less reliance on welfare and employment by the Council, through building small businesses with a goal of achieving self-determination though economic opportunities. Living with the
Aboriginal Community also highlighted the importance of preserving the Indigenous culture through language, songlines, music, dance and art.

Glenn is a Burramatta (Parramatta) man of the Dharug Nation of Western Sydney and still lives on traditional Dharug land in Glenhaven.

Scott Wharton is a globally-recognised senior executive with a strong track record leading and transforming organisations across Australia, Asia, and the United States. With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, Mr Wharton specialises in Business Transformation, Strategy, Global Leadership, Operations & Outsourcing. He has a reputation for successfully driving innovative and complex change programs and performance improvement initiatives.

As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Smartgroup Corporation Ltd, an ASX- listed specialist provider of employee management services, Mr Wharton is committed to leading the acceleration of growth, digitisation and innovation.

Prior to Smartgroup Mr Wharton was CEO of The Star Sydney, focussed on stabilising the business. Previously he was a member of the Commonwealth Bank’s Executive Leadership team. In this role he led efforts critical to making CBA a Simpler, Better Bank. This included the successful delivery of the Remedial Action Plan, in response to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s Inquiry into governance, culture, and accountability in 2018, delivering the CBA’s multi-year productivity effort, and the establishment of the CBA talent centre in India. Mr Wharton has also held senior management positions with Citigroup in Hong Kong and New York, where he was a Managing Director and a member of the Operations & Technology Global Operating Committee.

Mr Wharton is a Fellow and Adjunct Professor (Industry) at the University of Technology Sydney and a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Industry Advisory Board. He is Co-Chair of Supply Nation and is an Ambassador of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation.

Mr Fa’Aoso is a director of SBS, Screen Queensland, Interim Truth & Treaty Body (QLD), and the Indigenous Connections Committee of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. He is a film producer, director, screenwriter, and actor. Since 2013 he has been the Managing Director of his own production company, Lone Star. Aaron is the producer and presenter of Strait to the Plate, an NITV SBS Food series featuring the culture and culinary traditions of the Torres Strait. Aaron has also starred in many films and TV series. Aaron actively supports and mentors other film practitioners and was previously a board member of Media RING—an industry group that developed and enhanced career opportunities for First Nations Australians in the media. He is also the ambassador of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Aaron is a proud Torres Strait Islander committed to working with, and for the benefit of, driving positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. He holds a Masters Degree of Film Business from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.

Anita Lee Hong M HumRights, BSc (ACMD), Grad Cert Tchng is a Butchulla and Darrba woman. Ms Lee Hong’s work has provided considerable leadership, expertise and advice in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters. She is currently the General Manager of the Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service at Yarrabah, Far North Queensland.

Ms Lee Hong’s academic career was as Lecturer and Program Coordinator at the Curtin Centre for Aboriginal Studies before becoming Associate Professor Director of the Centre 2002–2010. She later served as Professorial Director of the Oodgeroo Unit at the University of Queensland 2010–2019. She received many honours and awards for her outstanding contributions to academic excellence, corporate excellence, leadership, teaching and learning and teaching innovations. She has an impressive list of publications in respected academic journals and has made numerous presentations at academic and professional conferences.

Matthew (Matty) commenced with Price Waterhouse in Perth as a graduate in the Audit division in 1989. His first 11 years with the Firm were spent working on the audits of listed and unlisted companies across a diverse range of industries, including mining, transport, manufacturing and financial services.

During his time in Perth, Matty became one of the financial services experts for the office, and prior to making partner was responsible for coordinating the audits of all of the office’s financial services clients, including banks, superannuation funds, asset managers and financial services licensees. His financial services experience also led to overseas secondments to Singapore, Poland and Russia, in each case to provide specialist support on the audit of banking clients in those jurisdictions.

Matty was admitted to the partnership in 2000 in the Sydney office of PricewaterhouseCoopers. His first two years as a partner were as one of the Firm’s National Accounting Technical Partners, and at the same time he was also appointed to the Urgent Issues Group, the accounting interpretations committee of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, a position he held for 3 years.

Matty’s career since becoming a partner has been focused on the audits of large listed companies, primarily in the financial services sector. Matty has been the signing partner on many of PwC Australia’s largest audit clients and is recognised as one of the Firm’s most senior and experienced audit partners. Matty’s broad sector expertise includes working with clients in the Construction, Resources, Banking, Manufacturing and other capital intensive industries. He has experience advising clients, in both his audit and special advisory roles, in relation to a diverse range of accounting, auditing and structuring issues.

During his 32 years with PwC he has worked in Sydney, Perth, Singapore, Poland, Russia and Papua New Guinea. Matty has previously held firm leadership roles as the Financial Services Assurance National Business Unit Leader, the Risk Assurance Leader and the Resources Services and Government Sector Leader. Matty incorporates the extensive use of contemporary digital and analytical audit tools and techniques into his practice for the delivery of high quality audit outcomes and insight, and is passionate about helping his clients improve their environmental and social sustainability.

From 2006 through to 2015, Matty was a member of the Assurance Leadership Team responsible for leading the PwC Assurance practice in Australia. Matty held a number of different leadership roles, including leading the Resources, Services and Government practice, and the Financial Services practice.

In addition to his audit roles, during his career Matty has also been involved in a significant number of transaction services assignments including acquisition due diligence, debt and capital raisings, and initial public offerings

Matty has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia and is a Fellow of CA  Australia and New Zealand.

Personal Life

Michael McLeod has been described by a senior Federal politician as one of Australia’s most valuable sons. Michael and his family are part of Australia’s stolen generations. At the age of two, Michael and his siblings were taken from their parents – never to be reunited as a family. Michael grew up on his own in state ward homes and foster homes. He first met his mother at his father’s funeral. By his mid-twenties, he struggled with addiction and by his early thirties Michael was homeless and living on the streets of Sydney. A successful rehabilitation program has seen Michael clean and sober for fifteen years. He then started his own niche telecommunications business and today Message Stick is a growing multimillion dollar business that has no debt. The business paid back the initial start-up capital in its third year.

Message Stick Group

Message Stick is owned by Aboriginal Australians and was started in 2003 to show that Indigenous Australians can own and manage a services business that engages with large corporations and government agencies. The business does not seek any sponsorship, donations or social grants whatsoever. The principals of Message Stick are business ownership, asset ownership, wealth creation and personal accountability are the key features for ending poverty of Indigenous Australians.

Message Stick has two core competencies; Unified Communications (comprising of Audio, Video and Web Conferencing services), and Professional Services (including SAP Consultants and services).

Message Stick’s customers include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, Leighton, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, Gilbert + Tobin, Lend Lease, BUPA, Allens Linklaters, Qantas, Accor Hotels, Clayton Utz, Salmat, Compass Group, Staples and Johnson & Johnson.  Michael is particularly proud of his numerous New South Wales state and federal government customers who include Prime Ministers and Cabinet, AusAID, and Reconciliation Australia.

Message Stick is also working closely with the federal government, the Chamber and the Business Council of Australia to change government policy approach to Indigenous Australians – with significant success. The government is now shifting from a complete welfare and subsidy based focus to developing policies around supporting real economic development, including business ownership and entrepreneurialism.

Building Supply Nation

After building Message Stick into a shining example of how an Indigenous business can engage with large corporates and government, Message Stick were being regularly asked “What do you give back to the community?” It decided to give back the most valuable commodity it had – it’s intellectual property.

Message Stick had proven that the idea of Indigenous businesses engaging with corporates and government would work, now it just needed to share that knowledge with other Indigenous businesses. Message Stick researched what other western nations (with socially and economically marginalised Indigenous minorities) had done in the area of Indigenous economic development.  Whilst researching, they came across the USA experience of supplier diversity.  They then contacted the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) in New York and asked if they would be willing to support their efforts to learn about the USA experience. These discussions started in 2006 and only in 2008 did things start to take form.

The timing of Kevin Rudd’s 2008 ‘Apology’ speech raised awareness and acknowledged that the federal government were serious about ‘Closing the Gap’.

Message Stick took on the project of formalising business plans and funding submissions and on the 18th of September 2008 were joined by their American supporters who flew into Canberra to assist. These supporters included Ms Harriet Michel (then President of NMSDC) and Mr Ronald Langton (National Director of Minority Business Development Agency, US Department of Commerce). This influential group attended various meetings with key government agencies with the goal of obtaining government funding and support for the set up of an AIMSC pilot.

One year later on the 1st of September 2009, the Minister for Employment Participation, Senator the Hon Mark Arbib and the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP announced that the government would invest $3 million to pilot AIMSC over 3 years.

Message Stick along with their many other supporters had finally achieved their goal of acquiring the government’s support in creating Australia’s first ever minority supplier development council. The next year saw the development and planning phase of AIMSC and on the 15th of September 2009 at Mural Hall in the Australian Parliament House in Canberra the official launch of AIMSC was held.

Ms Templeman-Jones is a director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Worley Limited, New South Wales Treasury Corporation, the Cyber Security Research Centre Ltd and Trifork AG, and an Ambassador for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. Anne brings a wealth of experience as an executive and non-executive director in strategy, risk and governance, financial management, customer service, cyber security, AI and complex supply chains. Anne is a Chartered Accountant with a Masters in Risk Management having served companies in Australia, the USA, Switzerland, Belgium and in diverse sectors including banking and insurance, health and education, engineering services in the energy sector, consumer and manufacturing, agribusiness and next-generation IT services and solutions. During her 30-year executive career, Anne held a number of leadership positions in corporate and private banking with domestic and offshore banks including Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd and Bank of Singapore. Anne is the former Chairman of Commonwealth Bank’s financial advice companies and has also served on the boards of Blackmores Ltd as Chair, and is a former Director of GUD Holdings Limited, the Citadel Group Ltd, Cuscal Ltd, HT&E Limited, Pioneer Credit Ltd, Notre Dame University, TAL Superannuation Fund and HBF’s private and general insurance companies.