Our People

Giving Aboriginal people the chance to drive Aboriginal solutions and investment.

The AbSec Board and team members are a diverse group of people, united by our shared commitment to building a brighter future for Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities. Our vision is that all Aboriginal children and young people are looked after in safe, thriving Aboriginal families and communities, raised strong in spirit and identity, with every opportunity for lifelong wellbeing and connection to culture, and surrounded by holistic supports. 

Board of Directors

Our team is governed by a Board of Directors, responsible for determining strategy and overseeing the implementation of our strategic directions. Comprised of representatives from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across New South Wales, our board includes organisational members of AbSec, ensuring a diverse and representative governance structure.

AbSec operates under the guidance of a dedicated Aboriginal governing board, led by an Aboriginal Chief Executive Officer. This structure includes both representatives of Aboriginal organisations and Aboriginal individuals, reflecting our commitment to inclusive and culturally-informed leadership.

John Leha

Chief Executive Officer

Dana Clarke

Chair

Retired CEO, Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation

Petrice Manton

Vice Chair

CEO, Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation

Wendy Knight

Director

Executive Director, Life Without Barriers

Mykol Paulson

Director

CEO, Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation

Ursula Donohue

Director

CEO, Ngunya Jarjum

Jai Kilroy

Director

CEO, Wandiyali

AbSec leadership

Alira Tufui

Director, Sector Operations

Sally Cowling

Director, Policy and Advocacy

Isabel Borg

Director, Corporate Services

Gillian Brannigan

Project Manager, Guardianship Commissioning

Lakin Orcher

Project Manager, Carer Support

Penny Magann-Jones

Project Manager, Strong Families, Our Way

Shantelle Common

Project Manager, Aboriginal-led Commissioning

Diane Potter

Manager, Learning and Development Centre

Carina Stokes

Manager, Communications and Memberships

Ariane Dol

Manager, People and Culture

Dakota Torrens

Office Manager

Contact our team

We value open communication and are here to support you. Whether you have questions about our services, need advice, or want to get involved, please feel free to reach out to us.

Get Help Now

If you need immediate assistance, AbSec is here to support you.

We offer resources and guidance for children, young people, carers, and families at risk. Find the help you need and connect with the right support services.

About Us

AbSec is the peak organisation advocating for the rights and well-being of Aboriginal children, young people, and families in NSW.

Learn more about AbSec, our mission, and our commitment to supporting Aboriginal children, families, and communities through advocacy, capacity building, and sector leadership.

Strengthening Our Sector

Building a resilient and effective sector that can better support Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

Our initiatives and programs are designed to enhance the capacity and capability of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and NGOs.

Our Voice

This section offers insights into the key policies and initiatives we champion, representing our commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

Closing the Gap

AbSec is dedicated to closing the gap in health, education, and wellbeing for Aboriginal children and families.

Explore the various initiatives and programs we support to drive systemic change and improve outcomes for our communities.

Get Involved

Discover how you can make a difference with AbSec.

From donating to becoming a carer, there are numerous ways to support our vision and help Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities thrive.  

AbSec would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land in which we work and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this website may contain images of deceased people.