Applicants for membership in the Western Region are listed below. Click on each name to view their biography and photo (if supplied).
Click here to go back to the main 2024 member election webpage.
Applicants (in alphabetical order)
Brett Burt
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
I am the son of a ‘Wiradjuri’ man. I’m recognised by Wagga Wagga community as an Elder. I came from Nyngan with family in Bourke, Dubbo Lightening Ridge, Cobar. I am Wiradjuri.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I have lived in Wagga Wagga for 17 years. I currently visit Aboriginal inmates at Junee and young offenders at Riverina Youth Justice Centre. I am also a YJ Convenor.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I was a policeman in NSW for over 18 years. I’ve worked for 11 years for DOCS (DCJ) as Manager Casework. Currently I am involved with inmates assisting them in gaol and young offenders.
I have a Bachelor’s degree majoring in legal studies.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
I have a master's in Human Services Practice.
I have many diplomas and certificates.
I have a family where 2 sons are Aboriginal doctors. I have great insight into issues involving Police and Aboriginal people involved with them.
I believe my knowledge of legal principles would be a great asset to the organisation especially in the area of juvenile justice.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
Good governance covers the whole regime of management of a company or corporate body or government department. It starts by ensuring that corporate bodies are governed by an appropriate body that implements appropriate processes to enable the organisational goals to be achieved. Ensuring they are accountable to the membership (and often other parties), that they are transparent to all whilst ensuring client privacy, operating within the law, minimising the risk of corruption, using risk management to measure challenges to the company and mitigate those risks.
The nine principles describing good governance are participation, consensus, accountability, transparency, responding to change, efficiency, inclusivity, rule of law, strategic mission and a 10th one I think is most important is being a learning organisation. Being a learning oriented organisation is essential because of change, legal change, inclusivity and strategic techniques that improve as AI comes in which means the business has to be agile enough to move with it.
Robert Carroll
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
I am a proud Wiradjuri man who was born and raised on the sandhills beside the Murrumbidya river in Narrandera.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I returned to live in Narrandera in 2019, and have strong connections to the Aboriginal communities of Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Wagga Wagga and Cowra.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I possess a range of skills and experiences through my elections and appointments to a number of Regional, State and National advisory and governance boards.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
I would bring valuable community grass roots knowledge and perspectives as a member.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
I believe that the ALS needs to ensure that the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and efficiency must be embedded in its everyday operations.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
Every position I have ever held in my life I bring passion and 100% commitment.
Wanita Gibbs
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
My name is Wanita Jean Gibbs and I am a strong Murrawarri woman from Western NSW and recognised across several communities. My mother’s family is the Gibbs and West and my father’s is Toomey and Silk, through their connections I have cultural ties to the majority of western NSW.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I have resided in Dubbo since 2009 and I am an active member of the Aboriginal community. I have both family connections and experience from working within these communities.
I am currently the secretary for the Dubbo Koori Interagency Network which provides an avenue to share knowledge among service providers and community. I’m also a member of the Dubbo NAIDOC Committee and participate in community events.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
After being employed within the NSW Justice System since 2010, my skills are well-developed in understanding the needs of Aboriginal people when coming into contact with the courts.
I have worked extensively in Domestic and Family Violence supporting women and children to provide safety and empowerment by providing court support, advocacy and warm referrals.
I have been a member of the DV NSW Aboriginal Advisory Committee as voted by my peers of the ASW network at WDVCAS.
I have strong advocacy skills of listening to people in a non-judgemental way and providing support for them to make informed decisions. Whilst working at the WWLS I participated in Law Reform activities, specially preparing submissions to state government legislative Hearings.
As previously employed as a field officer at the ALS Dubbo office, I developed para legal skills, communication, welfare, court processes and filing of court documentation.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
My knowledge of being a community member and working in the Western Region, I have a unique skill set. These skills are outlined below:
- Extensive Domestic and Family Violence Knowledge
- Community engagement
- Comprehension of NSW Justice System
- Build Capacity of Aboriginal people
- Focus on strength building
- Trauma Informed service delivery
- Advocacy on a state level
- Ability to openly communicate
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
The principles I believe are most important to ALS are transparency, accountability and providing a voice to vulnerable Aboriginal people. The ALS understands the barriers that Aboriginal face and acts with integrity to ensure they are treated fairly and equitably.
The ALS is a leader in the national justice field and has proven its legitimacy as the organisation is Aboriginal owned and operated. I believe good governance is important to create a credible
[Biography cut off due to exceeded word limit]
Shelby Hannah
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
- Worimi/Birpai person.
- Living on Wiradjuri land and accepted by the community.
- I have strong connections to Gamilaraay and Darkinjung lands.
- Current masters of social work student with keen interest in social justice, advocacy, and community support specifically aimed at mob. I have found a gap/lack of Indigenous voices in support services for Indigenous people and hold a passion for becoming one of these.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
- Currently volunteering for local Indigenous organisation, Wambinya Enterprise to facilitate community connection programming.
- Have previously worked with the local Aboriginal Medical Service.
- Study Gathang (my mother language) through Tafe and balance living between countries e.g. on Country that is not my own, practising protocols and active listening whilst engaging with my own Country and returning to Worimi/Birpai Country when I can.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
* professional skills listed above.
- Have worked with local community legal services, FDR, and support services in legal issues e.g. advocacy, investigation, court support.
- Previous lived experience of family court process (both self represented and solicitor assisted).
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
As a social work student and keen knowledge/education seeker I always look for opportunities to better community, especially in the realm of family legal support.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
Accountability, transparency, responsiveness and discourse leading to consensus. These are all mechanisms that I believe are vital as they are two way: Community <-----> ALS. Without curious discussion and critical analysis trust and rapport cannot be obtained by community, but also sharing this with community in simple language for feedback means the key objectives of the organisation are community driven. Being responsive in action, in engagement, in receiving feed-back alleviates the tensions of ‘us’ and ‘them’ in terms of servicing.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
This is my first attempt and I understand if it is not my time however, I would love the opportunity to further learn and engage so that I might be able to apply again in the future. Our legal system needs passionate people because it is overwhelmed and this won't change. I hope to be part of creating a mechanism that can grow with policy, legislation, time and the ever-changing needs of our nation.
Keshia Keed
Biography not provided
Raymond Keed
Biography not provided
Valda Keed
Biography not provided
Maxine Kirby
Biography not provided
Fiona Mackay
Biography not provided
Shehana McKellar
Biography not provided
Elaine Ohlsen
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
I am a registered traditional owner from Cobar area and my ancestral ties are the Ngiyampaa Aboriginal people.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I live in Cobar. I was born in Cobar. I have always been a permanent resident of the area.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I have been a continuing member of the Aboriginal Legal Service since the Western Aboriginal Legal Service (WALS) and still a current member of A.L.S. (ACT/NSW) Limited.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
Knowing where to direct clients/persons to connect with legal support when required.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
Representation and support to all Aboriginal people who may face the judicial system.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
That because I am known in the local community, I can direct them to seek service needed.
Janine Ohlsen
Biography not provided
Dorothy Whyman
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
I am a senior Aboriginal woman. I was born in Leeton NSW. I am a proud Wiradjuri woman and raised on my parents’ traditional country.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I have been a resident of Wagga Wagga since 1974. I identify as an elder and am accepted within my community as such, in which I live.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I was a former employee of the ALS Wagga Wagga over the past 30 years. My role was in the area of legal secretary, field officer for criminal, prison support, care and protection – family support.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
Knowledge of the above. Graduated Tranby College, Diploma of National Indigenous Legal Studies on 2 year block release, 1997-1998.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Compliance
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
A good strong advocate for ATSI people.
Hewitt Whyman
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
- I am known and identify as Hewitt Whyman and accepted in the community in which I live.
- Deniliquin NSW – birth place.
- Yorta-Yorta – Wembawemba – Wiradjuri.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
- Wagga Wagga.
- Resident 50 years.
- Aboriginal senior man.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
- Former employee 25 years.
- F/O – Western zone Deputy Zone Manager.
- UNSW Law faculty field officer graduate certificate of achievement.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
Justice for our mob acknowledging the overrepresentation of our mob in custody, juvenile and adult.
Bring about [handwriting unclear] objectives.
Monitor local and Regional legal needs.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
- Transparency
- Compliance
- Accountability
- To ensure that service delivery is paramount
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
I have strong knowledgeable community connections in the Western Zone and at a Local and Regional level.
Lorraine Wright
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
Lorraine Wright, I am a Wiradjuri Elder from Dubbo
Wright/Lake – Nolan/Shipp
WRIGHT was my fathers last name and NOLAN my mothers last name before she married my father.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
Dubbo.
67 years connected, born bred here worked the Region over 35 years of working life with Government, Community, Education, Employment, on programs and delivery of a range of Government programs.
My Connection to Wright, Nolan, Lake, Shipp families, span over a number of western towns, Warren, Narromine, Dubbo, Walgett, Colli, Lightning Ridge, Peak Hill, Parkes, Brewarrina, Bourke, they are some of the Region, and I have a well known connection with communities throughout the Far West, North West, West, Dubbo Surrounding Regions.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
Been in and I have experience of 35 years and more with working in the Western Region with different roles and skills. Worked in ATSIC with the CTP Programs that was transferred from Com Employment to ATSIC and was Community Training Program incentive was managed by myself for the whole of the State.
I am passionate about the Justice systems that are a direct impact to Indigenous, 1st Nations peoples by the way of laws, changes to legislation impacting on 1st Nations people.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
I have a vast knowledge span that comes across Employment, Health, Education, training, housing which all impacts a life and wellbeing of Aboriginal person in Australia today.
Been on a number of committees to make changes within areas of need that have significant impact on delivery of services throughout Region.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
- We are proudly Aboriginal;
- We are community focused;
- We are fearless in our advocacy;
- We are accountable;
- We make a difference to create better futures; and
- We acknowledge and respect land, traditional values and cultural practices.
Is there anything else you want to tell community about why you want to be a member and why they should vote for you?
I believe I have the ability, sound knowledge and history on the ALS. The new organisation NSWACT Limited was established by the Coalition of Aboriginal Legal Service which had 6 individual stand alone services within the State of NSW , came together to form the ALSNSWACT Ltd through the Open Tendering Process which in 2006 it was announced by the Commonwealth Attorney General we were the successful Organisation. We must not forget the 6 Aboriginal Legal Services for all their hard work and commitment Boards , all Staff, Company Members and Communities in NSW Thanks to all.
I have been on Board for 9 years currently and I have contacts and networks across the Region (Western Zone). I have also worked and set up networks to create better outcomes for ATSI peoples culturally and traditional values in different practice in government, community, other service providers.
Wudhadhuray
Who are you, where are you from, and who is your mob?
My name is Wudhadhuray - my totem is a wombat and I am an earth spirit. My family are from the Goodooga/Brewarrina area of New South Wales.
Where do you live and what are your connections to your local community?
I live in Bathurst and am active in both the Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal community both professionally and in voluntary capacities.
How do your professional experiences and skills relate to the work of the ALS?
I am currently an Aboriginal Associate Lecturer in the School of Indigenous Australian Studies at Charles Sturt University – I am able to teach, speak and command the attention of large groups and lay bare the truth and systems of practice in the Criminal Justice System as I have firsthand knowledge of how that system works and what constraints affect Aboriginal People and the Justice system as a whole. I am a NSW Justice of the Peace and am a current Court Appointed Questioner and work with all facets of the Justice and court system to help both Non Aboriginal People and – mainly – Aboriginal People navigate the Justice system when community members are representing themselves.
What knowledge and perspectives would you bring as an ALS member?
I have knowledge of people's experiences within the criminal justice system and have supported many people as they go through different interactions in the system. I bring Indigenous perspectives as well as having insights gained from completing a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Honors in Criminal Justice.
What principles of good governance do you believe are most important to ALS? / Why does good governance matter?
Good governance to me is the ability to patriate, be a team player when consensus is apparent, be totally accountable and be transparent. These are some of the key principals I would bring to the ALS because these encourage staff, clients, community, governmental/departmental and other industry confidence in the ALS as a whole.
Good governance is related to how well an organisation can achieve good outcomes for their clients.