Our Board is First Nations–led

Drawing on deep community knowledge, lived experience and cultural leadership,
our Board ensures decisions reflect the priorities, voices and aspirations of our peoples.

Karen Milward AM (Yorta Yorta)

Chair

Karen is a proud Yorta Yorta woman, born and raised in Melbourne, and the owner of Karen Milward Consulting Services, which she has operated since 2004. She holds an MBA and currently serves as Chair of Mullum Mullum Aboriginal Gathering Place and as a Director on the La Trobe University Council. She is also the former Chair of Kinaway Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Victoria Ltd and a former Director of Yarra Valley Water. Her career spans extensive work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at grassroots, organisational and peak‑body levels.

Karen is regularly commissioned by government departments and agencies to lead complex projects focused on policy, program development and service delivery affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her work supports leaders and decision‑makers to design and implement more effective, culturally informed approaches that strengthen outcomes and advance community self‑determination.

Lauren Ganley (Kamilaroi)

Director

Lauren is the Head of Telstra’s First Nations Strategy & Engagement, where she leads the strategy and governance of Telstra’s engagement with First Nations people and communities across Australia. Her work includes providing strategic advice, driving programs that strengthen digital and social inclusion, and advocating for improved outcomes for First Nations communities. Alongside her executive role, Lauren has long been an active contributor to community and currently serves as Chair of Kakadu Tourism and Agency Projects, a board director with Community First Development and Darwin Festival, and a divisional councillor with the Australian Institute of Company Directors NT. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

Lauren strongly aligns with Community First Development’s philosophy of making a difference in the right way, every day. She believes deeply in the organisation’s commitment to genuine partnership, where communities lead and projects are 100% community‑driven. As she puts it, “Community First Development truly works in partnership with communities on development projects that are 100% community‑driven. This is what achieves long‑term results and I’m really proud to be a part of this.”

Karen Jacobs (Whadjuk)

Director

Karen is a bloodline descendant and a Traditional Owner of Whadjuk Country, within the Noongar Nation and the Sole Principal of Indigenous Economic Solutions Pty Ltd, trading as IES Cultural Heritage, IES Enviro Scapes and IES Enviro Clean. With a career grounded in business management, cultural heritage, Native Title, environmental planning, cultural tourism and Aboriginal education, she focuses on creating opportunities for Aboriginal participation in planning, enterprise and business. Her work spans specialist Indigenous services, cultural design leadership in major urban and infrastructure projects, and the integration of cultural heritage into landscapes, structures and placemaking. She has also lectured in heritage management at the University of Western Australia.

With 25 years of experience as a company director, Karen brings strong governance, compliance, strategic planning, financial management and public speaking capabilities. Her leadership is shaped by deep cultural knowledge, extensive facilitation and consultation experience, and a commitment to meaningful engagement of Aboriginal peoples. Alongside her professional achievements, she is a mother of three, grandmother of three and great‑grandmother of three, grounding her work in community, culture and intergenerational responsibility.

Desmond Campbell (Gurindji and Alawa)

Kyle Mathieson (Worimi)

Director

Kyle Mathieson is a proud Worimi man with over 15 years’ experience in executive‑level finance roles across the not‑for‑profit, manufacturing and construction sectors. A Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Kyle brings strong governance and financial expertise to Aboriginal‑led organisations.

Kyle is a Board Member of Novaskill and Warlga Ngurra Incorporated, an Indigenous‑led women and children’s shelter, and is completing a Master of Commercial Law at the University of Melbourne. Kyle is passionate about supporting self‑determination and using his skills and experience to support communities.