Meet Our Board

Alanah Scholes, a proud Gamilaroi woman with ties to Dunghutti and Anaiwan through her father. Alanah comes with a profound dedication to community empowerment and creating educational and professional opportunities for mob. With 14 years of experience in Indigenous engagement, employment, strategy, and HR, she is a pillar of strength in fostering Aboriginal business through effective governance. 

Alanah has completed the Emerging Indigenous Executive Leadership (EIELP) program at UNSW and is currently pursuing an MBA. As the RAP Program and Social Impact Manager at National Rugby League, Alanah leads the implementation of the NRL’s 2nd Elevate RAP, aiming to meet and exceed the organisation’s RAP goals. 

Alanah’s commitment is to drive generational change and empowering culturally strong young leaders. 

Alanah sits on several Boards including the Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation and Campbelltown Family Support Services Inc.  

Victor was born in Armidale and raised on Bellbrook Aboriginal Reserve on the North Coast of NSW, a dedicated Dunghutti & Aniwan family man from strong cultural values. Victor retired in 2022 at the age of 74, as Regional Aboriginal Project Officer (RAPO), for the Northern Cluster within Corrective Services NSW after 30 years of service to Aboriginal men and women in custody across 11 gaols around NSW. 

Victor’s life of leadership around social justice and advocacy has been selfless an inspiring.  He has been a voice for reform within the criminal justice system and commitment to Aboriginal people. He was and still is a voice for those who are disadvantage, the minority and his vision for cultural education and healing within our communities lead him to initiate a land acquisition in 1996 and that we secured in 2003.

Victor is also one of the 6 Founders of the NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival which has been running for over 53 years. The NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival promotes, fosters and encourages cultural well-being, health, children, family and community through the game of Rugby League.  It is the one event on the Aboriginal calendar that has purpose and meaning for so many, especially given that this Carnival evolved 4 years after the 1967 Referendum.

In 2022, Victor was the recipient of the Inaugural NRL Indigenous Community Award and the NSW Rugby League Indigenous Community Volunteer Award for his lifetime recognition and achievement in rugby league at grassroot level. The NRL commented that Victor showcased the power of Indigenous leadership not only on families but also communities. Victors’ legacy has been one of passion and pride for his people. His contribution over so many different life accomplishments is admired by many.  He is deeply respected by Aboriginal people an Non-Aboriginal people throughout communities in New South Wales and Australia.

David Scholes is a proud Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr man deeply committed to preserving his culture and heritage. With a profound respect for his ancestors and a passion for his community, David is dedicated to nurturing and protecting the land that has sustained his people for generations.

 

His love for the outdoors drives his efforts to reconnect others with the environment and its rich traditions. Through his work, David seeks to give back to his people, fostering a stronger, united community and ensuring that Aboriginal knowledge and practices are passed down to future generations.

 

His unwavering dedication to cultural preservation and community service continues to inspire and empower those around him.

Stacey is a proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman born in Gilgandra in the Central Western NSW. She is the second eldest of 9 children. She resides on Awabakal Country and works for Department of Community Justice Child Protection on Darkinjung Country.  

Stacey’s is a third generation of a Stolen Generation person, her grandmother and 7 siblings were removed from Brewarrina Mission in the 1940’s. 

Stacey’s believes recent initiatives that focused on empowering Aboriginal communities through self-management and culturally sensitive approaches to child protection. These efforts aim to address the over-representation of Aboriginal children in child protection systems by harnessing the strengths of community and culture. Stacey’s commitment to being proactive in policy and practices that ensure that Aboriginal children can grow up safe, connected to their family, community, and culture. 

Stacey’s passion is to be part of the process to ensure our children are provided the skills to be safe, connected to country, maintain and strengthen their identity and sense of belonging. 

Brendan is a proud Gamilaroi/Wiradjuri man, born and raised on Darkinjung Country. He is the Head Teacher of Aboriginal Education and Transitional Pathways at Lake Munmorah High School and has nine years of experience in education.

 

Brendan has been connected to Yula-Punaal Education and Healing Aboriginal Corporation for six years, collaborating on school programs that foster cultural and educational engagement.

Lousie is very strong and proud Gumbaynggirr & Dunghutti woman who has lived most her life on Awabakal Country.

Louise with her brothers and sisters, was stolen from her parents in Bowraville in the early 1960s. She and her siblings were further separated and for the next 20 years had no knowledge of each other’s whereabouts until they were finally reunited by their father.

All this has given Louise a strong sense of what it means to be wrenched from your family and culture. Throughout her life it has been the Catholic Church and her faith that provided a thread in her life. Louise developed a strong sense of social justice working with disadvantaged Aboriginal people, overseeing land and environmental issues, advocating within the criminal system and working with Aboriginal people.

Louise completed a Bachelor of Education (PE), has undertaken studies in a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (LLB) and has a Diploma in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education. She recently completed a Bachelor of Education.

Louise is passionate about promoting awareness of the Aboriginal story and its links with the Christian story. This passion has led to involvement in many projects and initiatives the Awabakal Dreaming Stories Kit and Aboriginal Stations of the Cross and the development of education programs and resources with an Aboriginal perspective.