Board

Victor is an Indigenous writer, filmmaker, musician and consultant applying traditional knowledge in a contemporary context. Much of Victor’s work has been based on the arts and reviving traditional knowledge values, particularly Aboriginal fire management, with Aboriginal communities and non-Indigenous Australians.

Victor holds an Honorary Doctor of Science and is the author of several books, including the groundbreaking book, Fire Country.

Andry has spent 20 years working in the area of Natural and Cultural Resource Management in government and non-government organisations predominantly in the Aboriginal Community sector. Andry is currently working at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, undertaking community-based, on-Country projects around Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands to promote healthy country and community development.

Gemma is a Wiradyuri, Ngemba and Paakantji woman from a small coastal town on Worimi Country. She’s a freelance writer, support worker and the CEO at Common Ground – a First Nations not-for-profit and collective of First Nations people changing systems through storytelling.

Gemma is a communications professional specialising in strategic communications and storytelling for social impact and systemic change. She sees how storytelling can be a tool to build movements that protect people and Country, and is passionate about truth-telling and creating safe spaces for First Nations people to share their stories, their ways.

ESM, BA, GradDipMgt, MAIES

Brett is a passionate senior executive with a strong record of achievement in government and community organisations, and small business. During a 20-year executive career, he has held senior strategic planning, culture change and operational roles spanning diverse teams, functions and portfolios. His leadership has been shaped by high-pressure assignments and pivotal experiences including oversight of Victorian State relief and recovery efforts during major emergencies and frontline roles during and after Victoria’s Black Saturday Bushfires.

His deep commitment to public service and ability to deliver change in complex, highly regulated settings has been recognised with awards including the National Emergency Medal and Australian Surf Lifesaver of the Year. A number of his initiatives inform state, national and international policies and frameworks. As a leader, he combines strong interpersonal skills with strategic thinking, a deep understanding of operational realities, a demonstrable history of innovation and sound financial management. Brett has been supporting the return and strengthening of cultural fire knowledge into communities since 2015.

Leah Bennett, a proud Wiradjuri woman, and has a successful career spanning over 14 years in the financial services sector. She now dedicates her time to advocating for change within the industry to support the financial wellbeing of First Nations peoples. Leah serves as a RAP consultant, advisor, educator, public speaker, and Non-Executive Director.

A passionate advocate for empowering First Nations Peoples, Leah is committed to driving accurate and authentic representation of First Nations culture and history.

Carmen Douglas, is a proud Tagalaka woman whose career expertise is corporate strategy, portfolio and program management and corporate services. Carmen’s industry experience includes Big 4 accounting consultancy, middle east major project in health and airline and currently utility service of water, power and gas in the Northern Territory.

Carmen’s values, her desire to be Country and commitment caring for Country was reaffirmed after spending over a decade working overseas. Her leadership focuses on preserving Tagalaka heritage and promoting sustainable development within their traditional lands.

Associate Professor Corey Tutt OAM is a proud Gamilaraay man, a passionate advocate for STEM education, and a trailblazer in supporting the next generation of First Nations scientists and innovators. As the Founder and CEO of DeadlyScience, Corey has dedicated his career to providing Indigenous students across Australia with the resources, tools, and support they need to succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Corey’s work is driven by a deep commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from accessing STEM education and pursuing careers in these critical fields. Through DeadlyScience, he has led initiatives to provide books, equipment, and mentorship to schools in remote and regional communities, inspiring countless young people to explore the world of science.

In addition to his advocacy and leadership in education, Corey is an accomplished author with several books that celebrate the intersection of Indigenous culture and science. His notable works include The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples, which highlights the remarkable contributions of Indigenous Australians to science and technology; This Book Thinks You’re Deadly, an empowering book that encourages young readers to take pride in their heritage and follow their dreams; Caution: This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles!, a fun and informative exploration of Australia’s reptiles through an Indigenous lens. Through his books, Corey aims to inspire young readers to appreciate the deep knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous cultures while promoting the importance of cultural heritage in shaping the future of STEM.

Corey is also a passionate advocate for the preservation and recognition of Indigenous languages. He has conducted extensive language research on Australian reptiles, working closely with traditional owner groups to identify and document the traditional names of reptiles and help update their dictionaries. This work is not only essential for the preservation of Indigenous languages but also serves to highlight the intricate relationship between language, culture, and the natural world.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to education, Indigenous communities, and cultural preservation, Corey was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2021. His leadership and impact have earned him numerous accolades, including being named a finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards. He is also an academic, holding an Associate Professorship in the field of Indigenous Science Education, and continues to work closely with universities and other educational institutions to promote inclusivity and representation within STEM.