Meet Our Team

The Waalitj Foundation prioritises the employment of strong and passionate First Nations roles models. 72% of our 121 staff identify as First Nations Australians, ensuring our diverse workforce is always guided and led by First Nations voices.

Senior Leadership

Lisa Cunningham

Lisa Cunningham

CEO

Lisa is the CEO of the Waalitj Foundation and has been in this role since 2007. Prior to joining the Foundation Lisa was the State Manager of AFL Sportsready for 7 years and was instrumental in developing its Indigenous Employment Program in WA. Lisa has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education and for over 17 years and has focused on consulting with the First Nations community.

Troy Cook

Troy Cook

GM - Community Development

A Yamatji man from Carnarvon, Troy spent 14 years playing AFL Football for the Sydney Swans and the Fremantle Dockers. Troy’s passion for helping his community led him to the Waalitj Foundation where he has been instrumental in the development of the organisation since joining in 2007. In his role he works with community and businesses to help foster partnerships with the Foundation, leading to tangible opportunities for First Nations peoples.

Josie Janz-Dawson

Josie Janz-Dawson

GM - Education

Josie is a Merrium Mer Torres Strait Islands woman who grew up in Derby. Josie represented West Coast Fever in the ANZ Championships as an elite netball player from 2008 to 2016, before joining Severn Stars and Team Bath in the UK Netball Super League. In her role as GM of Education Josie leads the implementation of programs that empower and enable First Nations youths to lead positive and healthy lifestyles.

Carly Davis

Carly Davis

GM - Education and Employment

A Noongar woman, with three daughters of her own Carly strongly believes that education sets our kids up to make informed decisions and access opportunities that will lead to change for future generations. Carly graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Health Science degree, majoring in Public Health and her professional experience includes 15 years in the Australian Public Service working across WA, NT and QLD with a number of health programs.

Gohar Rind

Gohar Rind

GM - Waalitj Hub

Gohar Rind is a proud Badimaya Yamatji man. He has completed tertiary qualifications in Commerce, Commercial & Resource Law (Masters), and Cyber Security (Masters) and developed a strong skillset in Supply Chain & Logistics, Strategic Planning, and IT & Cyber Security. Gohar is passionate about promoting digital innovation and advancing the careers of his fellow First Australians.

Ben Webb

Ben Webb

GM - Justice

Ben Webb, a proud Wiradjuri man, leads our Justice department with a fervent dedication to reducing recidivism rates. Prior to joining the foundation in 2020, he spent years in Employment Services, gaining firsthand insight into the daily struggles faced by First Nations people. This experience fuels his passion for helping individuals rebuild their lives. Over the years, Ben has seamlessly transitioned between roles in both Justice and Employment programs whilst fostering meaningful relationships.

MANAGEMENT

Dale Kickett

Dale Kickett

Manager - Education Programs

Megan D'Agostino

Megan D'Agostino

Team Manager - Deadly Sista Girlz

Fiona Dann

Fiona Dann

Team Manager - Deadly Sista Girlz

Jacinta Anderson

Jacinta Anderson

Team Manager - Deadly Sista Girlz

Leann Carsburg

Leann Carsburg

Program Manager - Indigenous Scholarship

Leah Ashwin

Leah Ashwin

Manager - Community Engagement

Melissa Lamb-Justins

Melissa Lamb-Justins

Manager - People and Capability

Piri Parker

Piri Parker

Operations Manager - Community Development Program

Dezarae Pau

Dezarae Pau

Regional Manager - Goldfields

Lina Fernandez

Lina Fernandez

Manager – Quality, Compliance and Safety

D'Arne Corr

D'Arne Corr

Manager - Marketing, Communications and Events

Nicole Baroni

Nicole Baroni

Manager - Partnerships

Matt Selby

Matt Selby

Operations Manager - Waalitj Hub

Kerrie Stones

Kerrie Stones

Program Manager – Workforce Australia

Suzanne Wilson

Suzanne Wilson

Manager - Onslow Family Support

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