Karla Kuliny

Denice Kickett (nee Wilkes)

Denice Kickett is a proud Whadjuk woman from Nyoongar Boodjah and has strong kinship connections to Wongatha, Gidja and Yindjabarndi peoples throughout Western Australia. Denice is a grandmother to 4 wonderful grandchildren and has 3 amazing children. Denice is a passionate advocate for human rights in particularly with the Nyoongar communities and all First Nations peoples throughout this country.

Denice brings with her a wealth of skills and knowledge that includes over 35 years of working throughout Australia in Aboriginal Affairs and has worked across many sectors as a leader throughout the workforce. She has developed many strategies with many organisations and has worked with carers and children over the past 5 years within mainstream organisations as well as doing her own consultancy.

Chris Ryder

Chris is a proud Noongar man from the Whadiuk and Ballardong clans with connections to Wardandi, Yued and Wongatha.

Chris has worked in the community services sector since 2010 where he found it most beneficial supporting people struggling with youth Mental Health and sharing cultural advice in the Out of Home Care practices. I’ve also spent time helping build RAP plans and introducing ways of working with a cultural lens in a therapeutic way that best supports the child.

Chris is a community minded person that has a strong belief that cultural needs and protocols need to be managed better by organisations working with Aboriginal people. He also has been a conduit for Aboriginal people and families to be a source of familiarity when seeking supports and acting as an advocate as needed.

Chris has built up strong connections within the community service sector and within the community through separate volunteer work and networking.

Liz Narkle

Liz a Nyoongar Woman with family connections to the whole Noongar Nation, born on Willman Country where she spent very early years of her childhood living on Pingelly Reserve. Then the family moved to Wardandi Country in Bunbury growing up as a young adult Liz lived between Whadjuk Country, Boorloo (Perth) and Bunbury.

Liz lived in the eastern states in her young adult years and returned to Perth where she Married and started a family. Liz manages the Koolangkas Kreate Youth program which engages and immerses young people in cultural learning and guidance, promoting the importance of giving back to the community and the development of future leaders.

She is a qualified Trainer and Assessor, she has a Diploma of Community Service, qualified Aboriginal Health Practitioner, a Cert IV in Aboriginal Performing ARts from WAAPA, and she has more than 30 years work experience in Education, Government, Health, Community Services, performing arts, which includes acting, singing and dancing. Liz also does voluntary work in the community including the voluntary role work with the NAIDOC Perth Committee. Her experience in Out of Home Care is through lived experience both as a Foster Child and as a Foster Carer for more than 10 years. Liz is passionate and dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people and is currently studying part-time in the Bachelor of Social Work with UWA, she is balancing work life, community commitments, family life and studying. Liz is employed with Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation as the Carer Recruitment and Assessment Coordinator.

Janelle Smith

Janelle is a Wagyl Kaip, Gnaala Karla Boodja Nyoongar Yok living on Whadjuk Boodja. She is a mother to 2 children – 1 biological, and 1 child through family placement with the Department. Janelle is very involved with in her children’s school community, she is on the P&C and the School board, supporting the school community with sharing knowledge and education about culture and school events such as NAIDOC week. Janelle also volunteers with NAIDOC Perth opening day.

Janelle started her career in Early childhood education and development, working at Gurlongga Ninny Childcare Centre (an Aboriginal Childcare Centre) while studying and going to school.

When Janelle finished school, she then moved to Karratha, where she continued to work in Early Childhood education, until moving on to work as an AlEO at a primary school. When Janelle moved back to Perth, she started work at Wungening Aboriginal Corporation (formallyAboriginal Alcohol and drug service) supporting admin staff and programs team.

Janelle’s passion to support and work with Aboriginal people and the community grew from there. She worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor with Wungening for a little over 10 years. Janelle would support people through Counselling and Education, advocate for clients and their families, facilitating group sessions in the community and prison settings, supporting parents with Department involvement. After Wungening Janelle worked briefly with the Mental Health Commission in the Strong Spirit Strong Minds program providing training to other community workers, with in the Aboriginal community and then to Palmerston Association as an Aboriginal Community Worker, supporting individuals and their families. Janelle now works at Karla Kuliny as a Therapeutic Specialist.

Tarlia Davis

Tarlia is a proud Whadjuk/Ballardong Yok, who was raised in Whadjuk boodjah (Perth). I’m a mother of 3 beautiful children 1 boy and 2 girls and a grandmother to 2 amazing granddaughters, all who are my heart.

Tarlia considers herself to be a strong independent person who loves my culture and believes that she is very privileged to grow up with a family that taught her so much about her people and culture, all the ancestors.

Ilove to cook and play darts in I’m spare time. Tarlia also kin cares for her brothers daughter.

Tarlia has worked with the Department of Transport and the DOME.

Tarlia brings a wealth of knowledge about Nyoongar protocols, culture and family lifestyles.

Lauren Tink

First and foremost, I am a proud Aboriginal Mãori Woman. I belong to the Wardandi Nyoongar people from the South-West of WA and the Ngai Tahu and Moriori iwi (tribe) from the South Islands of New Zealand.

My culture is what centers my practice as a Social Worker. I am passionate about utilising Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing, and using a decolonial lens in my practice to critically reflect on current systems and practices.

Prior to joining the team at Karla Kuliny, I was a Youth Worker working alongside children and young people in different residential settings. During this time, I worked in high needs placements in a 1:1 setting; regional placements in Broome with family groups; and at an At-Risk-Youth-Accommodation (ARYA).

I have also worked as a Cultural Support Coordinator, writing cultural plans for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home-care, where I was able to work alongside young people and their families and carers to keep them connected to culture in ways that were meaningful to them. Each plan was individual and unique to the young person, with their voice being central to the process.

More recently I have successfully completed Social Work Honours, whereby my thesis was conducted solely using an Aboriginal paradigm and methodology to explore the experience of an Aboriginal student undertaking a degree in social work. The aim of this research is to raise awareness of the prevalence of colonisation and whiteness in tertiary education. I am aiming to have this body of work published in a peer reviewed journal in 2024.

Leonie Wilkes

Leonie is a proud Binjareb Whadjuk yok from Nyoongar Boodjah. Leonie was born and raised in Whadjuk country, and her family has been involved with Nyoongar culture since her birth and their kaartadjen (knowledge) has been passed down to her from a very early age. Leonie acknowledges her culture and is grateful to have been able to learn from her elders. Leonie’s skin name is Ngarma, this means ‘fresh-water spring in Nyoongar Language. Leonie has grown up performing and showcasing Nyoongar culture and is very proud to of her songline throughout Western Australia.

Leonie has worked with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations over the past 3 years and has developed a strong network throughout Nyoongar Nation.

Over the past few years Leonie has worked casually at a Homeless Shelter dealing with critical incidents with her clients many times having to contact 1st responders to deal with situations.

Leonie has networked throughout many sectors such as health, education, justice, housing and transport due to the nature of her previous workplaces.

Rohan Collard

Rohan Collard is a Balardong Wadjuk man with strong community connections to the Nyungar nation.

He holds a respected position of cultural authority and knowledge in the Aboriginal community. He has demonstrated experience in building strong professional networks with key not for profit agencies, government, and community. This has included his ability to successfully develop and maintain strong relationships with Elders, Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Rohan has vast experience in senior leadership and executive positions within Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander programs and services, including the previous role of Chief Executive Officer, General Manager, and Community Engagement and Funding Manager for Wungening Aboriginal Corporation and currently as Executive Manager – Cultural Lead at Palmerston.

His work experience has included leading, developing and managing Aboriginal specific strategic priorities and strategically managing the service delivery of programs, policy and programs across a multitude of interrelated community services. Rohan has led the successful implementation, strategic and operational oversight of large, culturally secure and holistic programs for Aboriginal children and young people.

Alira Kelly

Alira is a Yamatji woman from Nhanda country in the Midwest region. Born and raised on Noongar Boodjar with her grandparents, Gladys and Owen Clinch.

Alira has strong connections to the Noongar nation. Holding a respected position in, and knowledge of the community whilst also having successfully developed and maintained strong relationships with Elders and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Alira currently holds an Executive position with Communicare as Director Aboriginal Strategy and Capacity Building.

Alira’s journey and achievements reflect her deep-rooted commitment to community and her dedication to fostering positive change. Her extensive experience in various leadership roles, particularly in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander policy and services, underscores her ability to drive meaningful transformation. Her emphasis on maintaining respectful relationships and connections within communities highlights her holistic approach to service delivery. As an executive leader, Alira embodies the values of integrity, transparency, and innovation, striving to be a voice for the community at the grassroots level and ensuring the provision of high-quality services for the betterment of Aboriginal communities and organizations.

Alira’s journey has instilled a profound empathy and insight into the needs of our children, enabling her to advocate effectively for their well-being and cultural connections. She is passionate about leveraging her personal experiences to drive positive change and ensures that our children receive the support and opportunities they deserve to thrive.

Anthony Kickett

Anthony Kickett is a Noongar Whadjuk man who also has strong kin and clan connections to Ballardong, Yuat and Wilman peoples within the Noongar nation. Anthony’s cultural place of belonging is in his grandmother’s country (his father’s mother’s’boodja’), which is in the Cuballing district and includes the Dryandra State Forest.

Anthony has had a comprehensively diverse working background including the Federal and State Public Service in WA, NSW and QLD in Indigenous employment and education. He has also worked extensively in Indigenous health and cultural education with the University Department of Rural Health, University of Sydney, Broken Hill, NSW and Curtin University, Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS). Anthony has also worked with ACCO’s with a focus on supporting the Stolen Generations and also as a Counsellor/Educator in the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector.

Anthony is currently an Associate Lecturer and Cultural Educator at the CAS, Curtin University, which also includes lecturing within the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Science and the School of Media, Creative Arts, and Social Inquiry (MCASI).

Anthony leads the Ways of Working (WOW) Cultural Awareness Program Coordination Team in the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, which is delivered to all Curtin University staff. The WOW Program aims to create a better understanding of Indigenous Australian culture and identify aspects of cross-cultural communication to enhance working relationships. Participants develop their own personal knowledge, understanding and awareness of Indigenous Australian history, cultural diversity and cultural issues, past and present, and how current social and political issues impact on the lives of Indigenous Australians. It is about truth-telling of Australia’s history and the impacts on Indigenous Australians since colonisation and is aimed to better improve non-Indigenous Australians’ ways of working with Indigenous Australians. Promoting participants’ self-discovery in their future practice, focusing on topics such as Self-as-Worker in the Workplace, Identity and Everyday Ways of Life, Communicating, Relating, Working in my Local Area, and Working Together – Planning.

Tash Kickett

Tash is a Kariyarra/Bunuba woman who grew up in the Pilbara town of Port Hedland and now lives in Perth with her husband and three children. Tash holds a Bachelor of Social Work and has experience in frontline child protection, cultural consultation, research development, social policy and strategic development across both government and non-government sectors. Tash always seeks opportunities that result in better outcomes for Aboriginal people and is passionate about trauma informed, culturally safe, and family led approaches that embrace the importance of family, kinship and cultural connections.

Tash is well connected across the community and has a reputation as a person who demonstrates integrity, respect, and knowledge of working with Aboriginal people. Tash uses her cultural knowledge and understanding to complement her experience as a Social Worker to work towards better outcomes for Aboriginal people, families and communities.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tash is known for her compassionate and empathetic nature, which enables her to connect with individuals and communities on a deep level. Tash’s unwavering commitment to social justice and tireless efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly Aboriginal people, make her an exceptional advocate and catalyst for positive change.

Emma Truman

Emma is a proud Ngarluma woman on her mother’s side. Her mother’s family line comes from Roebourne, Ngarluma country, in the northwest of Australia.

Emma is a proud Whadjuk woman through her father’s family line. Within Emma’s family, there is lived experience of the impact of the foster care system, which caused a loss of identity, culture and self. Emma’s father was placed in the care of a non-Aboriginal family under the age of one. As the only one of his siblings to enter foster care, he experienced significant trauma, which has directly impacted Emma. Emma’s younger sister, now 22, was placed in care at a young age as well, deeply impacting her.

While Emma’s sister continuously requested to be connected to family, culture and community, sadly her requests were not supported throughout her childhood.

Given her intergenerational lived experience of trauma, Emma is passionate about addressing the issues of cultural disengagement in the foster care system. Speaking openly of her concerns around systemic abuse and ongoing harms post colonisation, Emma hopes to create lasting change for First Nations children and young people Emma works diligently to advocate for change and a shift towards prioritisation of the social, physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Emma is a Social Worker and graduate of Edith Cowen University, currently working at Family Inclusion Network of WA (FINWA).

Jeremy Wolf

Jeremy is a Tasmanian Palawa professional with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia, majoring in Accounting and Business Law.

With six years of experience across professional service firms, digital agencies, startups, and established businesses, Jeremy has developed a solid foundation in business strategy and operations.

His work focuses on partnering with leadership to drive strategic initiatives and streamline operations, contributing to improved sales, operational efficiency, and staff satisfaction. Jeremy’s background equips him well for a treasury role on a board, offering valuable expertise in financial oversight and strategic decision-making.

Jodie Wyatt

Jodie Wyatt is a Yued Noongar woman from Moora. Jodie is passionate about supporting and advocating for Aboriginal children and families, especially in the areas of child protection, out of home care, and youth justice.

As a board member, Jodie brings extensive knowledge and experience of working with youth, primarily in the Education setting and Not for Profit sectors. Jodie also has experience in oversight agencies, various Government positions and Aboriginal Leadership. Jodie currently works in the Not-for-profit sector, providing Aboriginal Cultural advice to an organization that works with some of the most vulnerable people who find themselves in various stages of homelessness.

Jodie has been an advocate for children on National boards representing Western Australian children as well as currently holding board positions in Education and Women’s Refuge services. With a good understanding of Governance, both organizational and cultural, Jodie brings a wealth of knowledge in her role as Deputy Chair.

Jodie looks forward to ensuring Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation fulfils its vision and purpose and operates with accountability and transparency.