Our Team

Acting CEO

Deadly Ally

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Fresh from the skies of Victoria, Alex spent his time during Covid-19 achieving his Commercial Pilots License. Prior to flying the skies, he was the National Partnership Manager at The Institute of Managers and Leaders, and the Membership and Business Development Manager at the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.

Alex is looking forward to making a positive impact with our Corporate Partners and connecting some amazing opportunities with our Kinaway members.

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Deadly Ally

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Vera is a proud woman of African descent who has lived in Australia for the past ten years. Born in the US, Vera appreciates the resilience and strength of the global diaspora of Black and Indigenous communities and is proud to be an ally. Having completed an undergraduate degree in Politics and Sociology, Vera is currently studying a Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. Vera hopes that obtaining her law degree will provide a new language through which she can advocate for marginalised communities, not based on limitations but on highlighting and nurturing the innate strengths of Black and Indigenous communities around the world.

Vera is thrilled to bring her strong analytical skills, desire to learn, and passion for advocacy to the Kinaway team. In her role as Receptionist and EA she hopes to be a friendly face welcoming you into the opportunity to connect with the broader Kinaway mission and family. Vera has always had a strong interest in community organising and the public sector, and believes economic empowerment is a path to autonomy for all.

Vera looks forward to being your point of contact at Kinaway and wholeheartedly supporting all of our valued members and stakeholders.

Chief Financial Officer

Deadly Ally

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Sam brings over 25 years’ successful management, commercial, and financial experience in small, medium, and large organisations. Sam’s experience spans a wide range of businesses and industries, including Coles, Ford, Woolworths as well as international organisations such as the Brandix Group.

A devoted family man, Sam loves spending time with his family. His interests include history, literature, music, sports, movies, driving, and traveling. Sam believes everyone must be given the opportunities & help to succeed and contribute to society, and is passionate about all that Kinaway does to achieve this ideal.

HR Manager

Gunditjmara, Muthi Muthi, Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta

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Illana is a singer-songwriter who performs around Australia. A strong, proud yet humble Victorian woman from the Gunditjmara (Framlingham), Muthi Muthi (Deniliquin/Balranald), Wemba Wemba (SwanHill) and Yorta Yorta (Wolithica Tribe of Shepparton/Echuca/Moama areas) tribes respectfully recognising all four points of her cultural lineage.

Illana is passionate about her Aboriginal community and Aboriginal self-determination being realised for all our people, locally and nationally. Illana is a leader and asset to the Victorian Aboriginal community.

Corporate Relationships Manager

Tiwi

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Jake is a proud Aboriginal man who is passionate about working with his mob. He has a strong connection to culture growing up with some amazing role models in his life.

Jake joins Kinaway after spending time with Aboriginal organisations in the Northern Territory and in Far North Queensland.

Jake is looking forward to making a positive impact in his role working with our Corporate Partners and connecting some amazing opportunities with Kinaway members.

Corporate Relationships Manager

Deadly Ally

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Gary is a family man who resides in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. He brings a wealth of experience to Kinaway in regard to relationship management and key stakeholder engagement. A real company man, he does the best he can to achieve the necessary results.

Gary is looking forward to providing major opportunities to our Kinaway members via our corporate partners.

Head of Corporate Partnerships

Noongar

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Kim is a proud Noongar on her father's side who was born and raised in NAARM alongside her mother. She recently became aware of a disconnection from her culture and felt a strong desire to immerse herself in its teachings and share her knowledge within her community. Drawing on her experience in relationship management and customer service, she is grateful for the chance to utilise her skills in her current position at Kinaway, where she contributes to the growth of the Victorian Indigenous Business economy.

In her position as a Government Relationship Manager, she works closely with various Victorian State Government Departments and Agencies to provide guidance throughout their procurement process, in accordance with the Social Procurement Framework. She thoroughly enjoys establishing strong relationships and serving as a valuable asset to multiple stakeholders. Her objective is to foster a sense of trust and create a secure atmosphere for her partners, ultimately facilitating enhanced knowledge, awareness, and engagement.

Events Director

Birri Gubba

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Naomi is a descendant of the Birri - Gubba people in North Queensland, and is currently living in the southern suburbs of Melbourne.

She has worked in the private, community and government sectors (state and federal) and comes to Kinaway with a broad range of experience. She has developed an array of plans and programs that have assisted in the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Events and Admin Coordinator

Gamilaroi, also known as Gomeroi, Kamilaroi

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Coming from Gamilaraay Country (Tamworth), I bring a diverse set of skills shaped by years of hands-on experience across different industries and continents.

I worked as an MC for Voices of Colour Queensland, where I had the privilege of holding space and hosting First Nations and Indigenous artists from across the globe. In this role, I facilitated musical and artistic showcases, introduced emerging talents, and supported the celebration of culture, community, and storytelling. A key part of my work involved honoring and holding space for Elders, First Nations guests, and allies—ensuring a respectful and inclusive platform for all voices.

My background in hospitality is extensive, having worked in venues across London, France, and Australia. In Melbourne, I’ve held roles as a manager and venue manager in some of the city’s most well-known establishments. My passion for event organising and creating inclusive spaces has been shaped by working closely with Indigenous communities and allies, always aiming to foster connection, culture, and community.

Alongside my hospitality work, I am a self-employed barber with a creative edge. I’ve had the opportunity to work on major fashion weeks and contribute to commercials for well-known brands. This side of my work allows me to combine precision with artistry, bringing a high level of detail and expression to every client and project.

I take pride in my ability to adapt, lead, and connect—whether behind the chair, coordinating an event, or managing a busy venue.

In my spare time, I’m a passionate guitar player and visual artist. I practice both traditional painting and abstract art, often working with acrylic paints to explore culture, identity, and creative expression through different forms and textures.

Senior Graphic Designer

Wamba Wamba

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Keagan is a proud Wamba Wamba man from Swan Hill. He grew up in Bendigo and after completing high school in 2015, he decided to pursue his passion for art and studied at RMIT University in Melbourne.

After recieving his Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design, followed by a Diploma of Digital Media Technolgies, Keagan landed his job here at Kinaway.

While working at Kinaway, Keagan has now created his own business creating Aboriginal Art and other areas of Graphic Design called Neonic.

“I am grateful to have had the chance to learn more about Aboriginal businesses and my culture while working and gaining experience in a field I love and am passionate about..”

You can view Keagans Business (Neonic) here:
www.neonic.com.au