Ngaldurrong Yana | Our Team

Davina Wijesinghe – Program Manager
Recognition & Settlement Agreement

Davina Wijesinghe is the Program Manager for Recognition and Settlement Agreement Implementation at Djaara. Born and raised in South East Melbourne, Davina was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria as an Australian Lawyer in 2018. She began working with Djaara on land rights and recognition in her role as Graduate Lawyer at First Nations Legal and Research Services before coming to work at the Corporation in 2019.

Davina has previously facilitated conciliation at one of Australia’s Ombudsman offices; she has also volunteered and interned with NGOs, community legal centres and a statutory office in the areas of anti-corruption, policy and law reform and human rights advocacy. Davina works with our Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) team. She draws on her diverse experience to develop long term partnerships between Djaara, government and the broader community, implement Djaara rights under the RSA, identify areas for further legal or procedural development and arrive at creative and meaningful outcomes for Djaara both now and into the future.

Michele Braid – Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board, Executive Officer

Michele was born on Wurundjeri Country and has lived for the last twenty years in East Brunswick. Michele worked at DELWP where she helped establish the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board and has worked with the Board for the last five years.  Michele brings her incredible depth of experience in government and community sector organisations and expertise in policy, planning, community engagement and project management to her role.

Her experience spans State and local government, the community sector in roles that have varied from health and aged services advocacy, supporting refugee communities, community disaster recovery and community arts.  Michele is a skilled relationship manager and supports the DDLMB in building and strengthening its connections to the Dja Dja Wurrung Community, DELWP, Parks Victoria and broader community networks.

Jenni Chaloner

Jenni was born, raised and educated in Bendigo where she completed two degrees, Majoring in Accounting with minor degrees in Commercial Law, Business Law, Statistics and Economics and and sometime later a degree in Manufacturing Design (Clothing Design)

Jenni spent 13 years in the Pilbara where she undertook positions in many industries including Mining Construction, NGO’s and Housing WA.  Her work with the corporations involved assisting people to improve their life either by mentoring youth or assisting them to find solutions to their current issues. She is passionate about helping people reach their full potential and is family oriented – her friends and work colleagues form part of her family.

Harley Dunolly-Lee

Coming Soon.

Tameeka Kerr

Tameeka is a Descendant of Leonard Kerr, born and raised on Kaurna Land.

Tameeka is relocating to Djandak to continue her role in the Member Engagement Team, while completing a Cert III in Community Services.

While working alongside mob, Tameeka plans to create a positive and meaningful impact that will support future generations.

She loves being with family and creating lasting memories, and enjoys being on the court playing Netball.

Tameeka is eager to expand on her professional skills and is excited to learn and grow culturally.

Freya James

Freya grew up on Djandak and from a young age had a great appreciation for Dja Dja Wurrung Country. The experience of growing up in a sustainability focused community just outside of Castlemaine led to fascination in environmental management and decision-making.

Freya is passionate about finding biocultural solutions for environmental issues and seeing Djaara heal their Country with fire. She has an academic background in environmental anthropology, politics and policy from her time at the University of Melbourne. She has spent years in diverse organizational contexts from not-for-profits, higher education and youth organisations; developing skills in strategy, research, community organising and facilitation.

Her love for Djandak and the opportunity work with Dja Dja Wurrung saw Freya return to her hometown of Castlemaine to work at Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises (DJANDAK) for a year, before commencing as DJAARA’s Djandak Wi (Cultural Fire) Project Manager. She guides the planning and strategic direction of DJAARA’s cultural fire program, finding opportunities for Dja Dja Wurrung to work with fire and to expand their cultural fire program.

Amanda Pavilach

Amanda was born in Mildura and moved to Djaara country in the 1990’s. She has been a Foster carer of Aboriginal children and has 3 Children of her own. An Aboriginal son and a Torres Strait Islander boy in Kinship care.
Amanda has been a Case manager for 6 years in Kinship Care, and recently completed a Diploma in Community Services. During her time as a Case Manager she began an Aboriginal basketball Club for out of home care youth, which now incorporates the wider community. The end goal was to assist Aboriginal people in all sports. Amanda began with basketball as this was familiar to her. The competition started with one team, an now has 14 teams competing in the program.

Amanda is community minded and loves to help people where she can.

Garry Richards

Garry was born in Seymour and lived his early years in country Victoria with stints in Horsham and Wodonga and settling in Mornington in later years.

Starting his building career as a tradesman and soon after completing his apprenticeship started his building company. Retiring at 42 Garry soon found retirement unfulfilling and started looking at ways to apply his learnings and experience to assist other people to achieve better outcomes.

Working in Western Australia, Northern Territory and even Fiji managing projects and training and mentoring many young people on the journey. Returning to Country Victoria was always in the back of Garry’s mind and led him to return with his family with a deep sense of being “Home “on arrival.

Jacinta Douglas

Jacinta is a Djaara woman, descending from Caroline Malcolm, who has lived on Country for her entire life. She is currently studying criminology and psychology and is passionate about seeing systemic change and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

In her spare time Jacinta enjoys spending time with her friends and has recently learned how to weave.

Harley Douglas

Harley Douglas is a descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Bangerang People, and a direct descendant of one of eighteen Djaara apical ancestors- Caroline Malcolm. Harley was born on, lives on, and works on Djandak (Country).

Harley grew up in Campbells Creek with the family property adjoining onto the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. Whether it was exploring mineshafts, watching animals, kicking the footy, creating cubby houses, climbing rocks or trees, riding bikes, or hiking, Harley well and truly grew up in the bush. Harley maintains a strong connection to the environment now and spends every opportunity he gets outside on Djandak.

Harley entered the business in a traineeship role with DJANDAK about five years ago and has since shifted to DJAARA to lead Program Management of Galkangu (Joint Management). Harley is filled with a deep pride walking in the footsteps of his ancestors on Djandak. Harley enjoys being given the opportunity to promote Djaara culture and bring forward traditional land management practices into a contemporary setting through the work that we achieve at DJAARA/DJANDAK.

Cameron Ritchie

Cam was born on the neighbouring Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country and returned to the area 14 years ago with his young family. Having worked in transport (aviation) for over 20 years, he took the opportunity to switch from the corporate to not-for-profit sector in mid-2021. Holding a Graduate Certificate in Business and majoring in Human Resources, he joins us with a focus on developing people and supporting Djaara to continue the work they undertake for their community.

Renee Affleck

Renee relocated from Melbourne to Dja Dja Wurrung country 5 years ago and is proudly raising a young family on Djandak.

She is an experienced administrator and newly certified Human Resource officer with an extensive administrative background across private and government organisations.

Renee is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work for Djaara and plans to use her experience to aid the Dja Dja Wurrung people in achieving their goals and ambitions.

Ron Kerr – Project Coordinator Malamiya Statutory functions

Ron Kerr Jnr  is a direct descendant of the great Leonard Kerr who was born at Mt Hope on Dja Dja Wurrung Country around 1854. Ron is an extremely passionate Dja Dja Wurrung man and lives and works on djandak.

Ron has worked for the Corporation for 14 years and is an integral member of the Malamiya (Cultural Heritage) Team. He is an appointed Aboriginal Heritage Officer and also holds a Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management. Ron has a passion for sharing Dja Dja Wurrung Culture and ensuring the protection of Malamiya on Country.

He is also a very talented artist who has designed artwork for local sporting teams, local Council projects and numerous artwork pieces when commissioned.

Caleb Dunolly-Lee  – Project Officer
Land Use Activity Agreement

Caleb Dunolly-Lee is a djaara man who is a Descendant of Thomas Dunolly. Caleb currently lives on djandak in Bendigo. Caleb has experience in construction such as landscaping and working in the Department of Justice and Community Safety on the upgrades of HM Barwon Prison.

He has previously been the Alternative Director for the Dunolly Family 2017 – 2020 and he currently works as the Project Officer for the Land Use Activity Agreement (LUAA). His role is to regulate compliance with the LUAA, enforce and enable Djaara LUAA rights on country.

His job gives him an opportunity to work towards communicating, benefiting, and helping djaara through LUAA negotiations for community benefits, work opportunities, recognition of culture and raising awareness of djaara LUAA Rights. Working at Djaara has given Caleb an outlet for his creative thinking, his helping nature and vision for a better future for the generations to come.

Cassandra Lewis – General Manager, Corporation

Cassandra Lewis is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Wamba Wamba women raised on the beautiful Murray River Country of Wamba Wamba.

The Granddaughter of Nola Charles and Bruce Baxter and Great Grand Daughter of Leonard Charles and Cora Day, she is a descendant of John Charles. She is a mother of five children born and raised on djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country).

Cassandra joined the team initially working in the Repatriation of Dja Dja Wurrung Language and Malamiya (Cultural Heritage) before her more recent appointment as General Manager. She is very humbled by this opportunity and feels a great responsibility to achieve the goals and aspirations of Dja Dja Wurrung people.

Jackson Dunolly-Lee – Aboriginal Heritage Officer

Jackson Dunolly-Lee is a direct descendant of the great Thomas Dunolly who was born on Dja Dja Wurrung Country around 1854. Like many Aboriginal children born during this early frontier period, Tommy was given the surname of the place where he was born. Jackson is an extremely passionate Dja Dja Wurrung man born on djandak and has lived on djandak for all of his life.

In 2019 Jackson was appointed as an Aboriginal Heritage Officer by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs to investigate and monitor compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and holds a Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management and has a passion for ensuring Malamiya (Cultural Heritage) is protected and preserved on djandak.

Jackson has been working for the Corporation for six years.

Riz (Hafiz) Qadeer – Senior HR Generalist

Riz is an MBA in Human Resources Management, AHRI Member and Certified Practitioner of Human Resources (CPHR), a Law Graduate, and an Artificial Intelligence/Digital Business Strategist equipped with a Global 18 Years of HR Management experience covering all the core HR functions/knowledge areas. Also, he has worked as an Operations Manager, HR Business Partner, HR Manager, and HR Consultant in varied industries across 3 continents. He is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (FIML), and a Member of the Recruitment, Consulting, and Staffing Association (MRCSA).

new person – Traditional Owner Treaty Engagement Officer

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Ron Marks – Traditional Owner Treaty Engagement Officer

I introduce myself to you and your families as Ron Marks, the newly appointed Traditional Owner Treaty Engagement Officer for Djaara.  Over the next two years, my role is to bring the subject of Treaty into the conversations with everyone to encourage Dja Dja Wurrung voices to have a say and to support our Dja Dja Wurrung community representative, Trent Nelson.

I work with a great team, and we will work with you to come up with thoughts and ideas on how to reach out to members of our Dja Dja Wurrung community to talk about Treaty.

Rhianna Kerr – Board Administration and Project Officer DDLMB

Rhianna Kerr is a Dja Dja Wurrung woman. She is a descendant of Leonard Kerr. She currently resides on Country in Bendigo. Rhianna has been an employee of the Corporation since late 2015 in various roles, and now works with the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board (DDLMB)providing administration and project support.

Over the last five years working with the Corporation, Rhianna’s experience has allowed her to move into her role, supporting the DDLMB.

Janine Heisler – Business Support Officer (Accounting & Payroll)

Janine Heislers is originally from Melbourne and moved to Dja Dja Wurrung Country 25 years ago where she has raised her family. Janine has run a business providing services to clients in the community Not-for-Profit Sector, an area that is of particular interest. Janine has enjoyed working for the Corporation in the Business Services section since December 2018 providing accounting and payroll services, to support Djaara in the work they do on behalf of the Traditional Owners.

Hasith Gunasekare – Accounts Administration Officer

Hasith Gunasekare is originally from Sri Lanka who has more than five years of experience In Accounting. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public management (Special) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

He is an ASA Associate Member and is studying towards CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) to complete his professional studies.

Samantha Howden – Business Support Officer

Samantha Howden was born & raised in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria. She briefly lived on the coast in central WA and currently lives on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo. Sam has studied within the business & accounts fields. Her experience within the construction industry in administration & business support has been advantageous at gaining employment at Dja Dja Wurrung as a Business Support Officer.

Samantha continues to develop her knowledge of Australia’s First People’s history, culture & affairs through her role at Djaara.

Geethu Koshy – Program Manager Business Services

Geethu Koshy is multifaceted & has lived and worked in multiple countries globally the including United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. A commerce graduate, Geethu boosted her analytical skills & strategic thinking with a post-graduation in Human Resource Management and is an Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

With her diverse background in Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Learning & Development and Strategic Business Management – Planning and Research, Project management and Leadership in various industries, she brings working with people to achieve common objectives, to the forefront of organisational design.

She is a passionate learner & likes to be at the forefront of innovation, transformation & evolution by applying strategic design thinking & behavioural economic principles.

Kim Campbell – Malamiya Administration Officer Malamiya

Born and raised in the Macedon Ranges, Kim Campbell made the move up from Melbourne to live on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in 2018.

Kim has enjoyed her numerous roles with Djaara and is currently supporting the Malamiya (Cultural Heritage) Team with the amazing work they do on Country along with managing the Cultural Ceremony bookings and requests.

Kim is passionate about animal rescue and environmental issues and wants to ensure we leave the world in a better shape for generations to come. Kim is a Certified 6Sigma Green Belt with an extensive background in Process Reviews & Mapping, Business Development, Transport & Logistics, Human Resources and Event Management.

Jon Marshallsay – Program Manager Malamiya

Jon’s family migrated from England in 1963. He lived on Kaurna Country in South Australia before moving to Bendigo to work for Djandak Enterprises and then the Corporation.

On leaving school in 1974 Jon took up a printing apprenticeship just as computers were overtaking the industry. From there he moved into mainstream IT roles gaining skills in networks, programming, technical writing, and training.

In 2001, Jon enrolled in Archaeology at Flinders University graduating in 2012 with an Honours degree and Graduate Diploma. Jon worked as an archaeologist in WA and SA until 2016 when he joined Djaara.

Through his work he has been able to expand on his photography and illustration skills while maintaining his IT skills. Working with djaara; being able to support and assist in the protection and promotion of Dja Dja Wurrung culture has been a great and rewarding experience.

Mike Hayes – Project Manager Galkangu

Mike Hayes grew up across Queensland and Victoria and now lives in Castlemaine on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. He has a background in both environmental science as well as media and communications, through blending the two disciplines, his career has seen a strong focus on community engagement in environmental settings.

By working in conservation and eco-tourism through local and state government, he brings a passion for connecting people with Country and is a strong supporter of traditional land management practices. This has allowed him to easily transition into his current role as the Project Manager for Galkangu (Joint Management) at Djaara where he continues to deliver on the Joint Management Plan.

Tim Hoogwerf – Program Manager Galkangu

Tim Hoogwerf is passionate about working with people and communities to create positive change. He has been involved in leadership, management, and community development for over 30 years, as an officer in the Australian Army, as a health practitioner, and working for government and non-government organisations in environmental and natural resource management. These different paths have allowed Tim to work with a diverse range of people and live in communities throughout Australia and overseas. Tim loves working at the DDWCAC and with Djaara to help right the wrongs of the past and heal Country. He continues to have more questions than answers about life that keeps him grounded, and he likes nothing more than to spend time with his family and get outdoors.

Mariaa Randall – Communication Relationships Manager

Mariaa Randall is a Gidabul, Gulibul, Yaegl woman from the Far North Coast of NSW. She currently resides on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung in Bendigo. Mariaa has an extensive 20-year dance background as an independent artist. Her work has enabled her to work with communities, artists and companies in Australia, Japan, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.

Her expertise in dance as a producer, director and event manager has allowed for a seamless transition into her role at Djaara as the Communication Relationships Manager. Mariaa continues to find ways to enable daily practices of cultural revitalisation and resurgence in her work.

Rodney Carter – Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO

Rodney Carter is a descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta People and resides on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo, Central Victoria. He currently works for his people, the Dja Dja Wurrung as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd.

A defining moment in Rodney’s career has been negotiating the Dja Dja Wurrung People’s Native Title settlement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.

Rodney strongly believes that Dja Dja Wurrung people are best placed to manage our own history, places, and materials for the benefit of all Victorians.

“We manage our Culture and our Heritage, not just for the benefit of our own mob but for all People that come to our Country.”

Harley Dunolly-Lee – Project Officer Language Repatriation

Nikita Charles – Program Manager, Member Engagement

Nikita is a djaara woman and descends from John Charles. She has spent most of her working career at the Corporation and has worn many hats over the years including CH field representative. Nikita is currently the Program Manager – Member Engagement & is currently doing a Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership and Management. She is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board.

She is passionate about engaging and ensuring that djaara voices are being heard, that mob participate in events and can practice their self-determination. Nikita also is passionate about learning more about Cultural practices and knowledge.

Nikita has a three-year-old son, she would like to be able to have the knowledge and resources to guide him through life as a djaara descendant

Robert Trew – Management Accountant

Robert was born in southern NSW and grew up in central Victoria where he went to school and eventually attained a degree in Accounting at the local university in Bendigo.

He moved to Melbourne to start his career as an Accountant and has worked across Central Victoria and Melbourne for the duration of his work life.

His career spans various industries such as retail clothing, dairy, and employment before coming to work at the Corporation.

His status with CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) Australia is as a Fellow and he has been a member with them for almost 40 years.

Nate Perry – Program Manager Dhelkunya Dja Policy

Nate Perry grew up in rural Ohio in the United States and is a dual United States and Australian citizen. He currently resides on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo. Nate has extensive and diverse experience across the government, community and research sectors in Australia, the United States and Latin America. His experience across these sectors includes strategic policy development, environmental and conservation policy, anthropology, community development practice and community engagement.

His passion and experience in building policy to bring together Natural Resource Management and Traditional Ecological Knowledge will be essential in the Program Manager – Dhelkunya Dja Policy role. Nate strongly values the opportunity for his skills to be utilised to realise Djaara self-determination.

Dominika Balwin – Governance Officer

Dominika Balwin is the first generation of her Polish and mixed European family to be born in Australia. She has spent many years of her life happily residing on beautiful Dja Dja Wurrung Country, as well as extended periods living overseas.

Dominika is passionate about social justice and the arts in every form. She studied politics, history, and linguistics, and has been a freelance translator and university tutor, as well as working for Japanese organisations in Tokyo and Sydney.

Dominika’s work in executive support and administration across various industries led to a position with the State government funded initiative Regional Centre for Culture 2018 and from that connection came the opportunity to work with the DDWCAC starting in early 2019.

As Governance Officer supporting the Board, Chair and CEO, she is enthusiastic about contributing to the work of the Corporation during these exciting times for Djaara self-determination.

Hannah Morton – Human Resource Officer

Hannah Morton is originally from Wagga Wagga, NSW and now resides on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and has extensive experience in Human Resources, professional services, business administration and project management. Hannah is people-focused with a passion for ethical practice, employee engagement and wellbeing. This will allow her to implement positive change within the Corporation to support the Dja Dja Wurrung team to continue their invaluable work and ultimately strive for the Corporation’s core mission of promoting the laws, culture, property rights and human rights of the DDW People.

Jim Brooks – Executive Team Manager

Jim was born on djandak, at Rochester, where his mother still lives. He is a lawyer with a background in management and conflict resolution. Jim managed regional offices of the first Human Rights/Anti-Discrimination Commission and National Native Title Tribunal, was General Manager of the Cape York Land Council, and – as a lawyer in his own practice and accredited mediation specialist – has taken great pleasure in conflict resolution.  Jim managed the Stolen Children (Bringing them Home) inquiry and report. In his own time Jim reads, enjoys music and gardening, and openly acknowledges he has no sporting ability at all.

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