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Our People
Donna Jeffries
Founding Director and Senior Researcher
Donna Jeffries
Donna Jeffries is a visionary leader with over three decades of experience spanning Indigenous affairs, healthcare, and consultancy. Her diverse background and wealth of expertise have positioned her as a driving force for positive change within Aboriginal communities and beyond.
Donna's journey in Aboriginal Affairs began with her appointment as Regional Director - Aboriginal Affairs NSW, where she served for six years. In this role, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen, spearheading initiatives to empower Indigenous communities and address pressing issues. Donna's efforts led to the establishment of Aboriginal Community Governance bodies in the Riverina region, fostering representation and advocacy for Indigenous interests.
Drawing upon her business acumen and nursing background, Donna ventured into entrepreneurship as the General Manager of Gannambarra Enterprises LTD. This experience honed her skills in organisational management and provided valuable insights into the intersection of healthcare and Indigenous affairs.
Building upon her extensive experience, Donna founded Yindyamarra Consultancy, a 100% Aboriginal-owned and managed business dedicated to driving transformational change. As the Director of Yindyamarra, Donna leverages her expertise to provide comprehensive business and personal support services to a diverse range of Aboriginal clients. Her consultancy embodies a client-centric approach, prioritising the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities while fostering innovation and sustainable growth.
Donna's educational background further enriches her professional repertoire, with qualifications including an Executive Master’s in Public Administration, a Diploma in Indigenous Leadership, and a Bachelor of Nursing. These credentials underscore her commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex challenges with confidence and resilience.
Throughout her career, Donna Jeffries has been a catalyst for positive change, advocating for social justice, equity, and empowerment within Indigenous communities and beyond. Her passion for driving transformational change, coupled with her unwavering dedication to her clients' success, continues to inspire and uplift those around her, making her a true leader and trailblazer in her field.
Russell Logan
Community Engagement Specialist & Cultural Consultant
Russell Logan
Russell Logan, a descendant of the Traditional Owners of the Coodjingburra Clan, brings over 30 years of experience in the Aboriginal Affairs industry to his role as a Community Engagement and Cultural Consultant. Prior to joining Yindyamarra, Russell held prominent positions as the head of Indigenous engagement for various firms, demonstrating his expertise in Indigenous mentoring, team building, change management, and remote community management.
Throughout his career, Russell has been deeply involved in Indigenous community and industry engagement, serving as a senior project officer for the Aboriginal Housing Strategic Business Unit, where he oversaw operations and initiatives aimed at improving housing outcomes for Indigenous communities.
Passionate about Indigenous affairs and advocacy, Russell holds several community leadership positions, including Board Member of Tweed Aboriginal Co-operative and Minjungbal Aboriginal Museum Trading Company, and Committee Member on the Morley Inquiry into the NSW Aboriginal Lands Right Act. He also served as the former Chair of the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council (2001-2008).
Russell's commitment to Indigenous representation extends to the political arena, where he established the first Indigenous Political Party in NSW, the "Minjungbal ALP Branch," and currently serves as its President. Additionally, he co-founded Corporate Culcha, a private Indigenous enterprise providing workforce training and development to Corporate Australia and Indigenous communities.
Alongside his consultancy role at Yindyamarra, Russell operates ABLE2 Enterprises, offering training programs and services focused on diversity and inclusion of Australian Indigenous people and their culture. Russell's extensive experience, coupled with his dedication to Indigenous empowerment and advocacy, makes him a valuable asset in driving meaningful change and fostering cultural understanding within communities and organizations alike.
Tanya Jackson
Research and Evaluation Consultation
Tanya Jackson
Tanya Jackson was born and raised in Bourke NSW and has worked in Aboriginal Affairs for over 10 years specialising in rural and remote issues, programs and community development She has a vast experience in working in various Commonwealth and State Government organisations and is now working in the Health Sector as the Manager of Corporate and Quality Portfolios. Tanya brings a wealth of knowledge to the team with skills and expertise in Business Administration, Corporate Governance, Human Resources, Project Management and Quality and Risk Auditing and Evaluation.
Lisa Oliver
Research Consultant & Community Engagement Specialist
Lisa Oliver
Lisa Oliver is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience spanning various sectors, including academia, research, project management, community engagement, and administration. Since 2009, Lisa has been an integral part of Yindyamarra's team, collaborating closely with CEO Donna Jeffries to achieve the organisation's goals and objectives.
With over two decades of experience as a Project Officer, Lisa brings a depth of expertise to her roles. Her journey in academia began in 2019 when she joined the University of Queensland as an Academic and University Lecturer, where she played a pivotal role in shaping teaching and learning activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies until 2023. Lisa's commitment to education and research is evident in her contributions during this time.
Prior to her tenure at the University of Queensland, Lisa served as a Project Officer at Queensland University of Technology from 2014 to 2016. In this capacity, she led various research initiatives, overseeing every aspect from literature review to data collection and reporting. Her meticulous approach and attention to detail ensured the success of numerous projects under her stewardship.
Lisa's experience extends beyond academia into the realm of administration, where she has held key roles at prestigious institutions. She served as an Administration Officer at Queensland University of Technology from 2013 to 2014, demonstrating her organisational prowess and administrative acumen. Additionally, Lisa served as an Executive Support at Saltwater Freshwater Aboriginal Arts Alliance from 2010 to 2011, where she provided invaluable support to the organisation's leadership.
Lisa's commitment to community involvement is underscored by her role on the Queensland Children's Hospital - First Nations Advisory Group since July 13, 2020. Through this position, Lisa leverages her expertise and perspective to advocate for the needs and interests of Indigenous communities, contributing to the improvement of healthcare services and outcomes.
In every facet of her career, Lisa Oliver has demonstrated a passion for excellence, a dedication to fostering positive change, and a deep-rooted commitment to serving her community. Her multifaceted background and unwavering determination make her a valuable asset in any endeavor she undertakes. Yindyamarra are proud to have Lisa as part of the team.
Brad Steadman
Language & Cultural Consultant
Brad Steadman
Brad has years of experience in Indigenous languages and culture and offers his in-depth knowledge for our clients.
Geoff Simpson
Indigenous Cultural Consultant & Environmental Sustainability Advisor
Geoff Simpson
Geoff Simpson, a proud Gamilaray man hailing from Walgett in North West New South Wales, embodies a profound commitment to Aboriginal culture, environmental sustainability, and societal integration of Indigenous wisdom. As the General Manager at Chemrose, a leading Indigenous-owned business specializing in Australian-made cleaning chemicals, Geoff stands as a beacon of leadership, advocating for a better future for Aboriginal communities and all Australians alike.
From the outset, Geoff has championed the fusion of traditional Indigenous values with contemporary business practices. Under his stewardship, Chemrose achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indigenous-owned business to attain GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) Certification, marking a significant stride towards environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Geoff's passion for Aboriginal culture and community engagement is palpable. As a seasoned presenter and facilitator, he encourages individuals to unearth their purpose and values, compelling them to discover their intrinsic connection with the world around them. Through his work, Geoff aspires to instill a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal wisdom, particularly within the facilities management sector, advocating for a cultural approach to reducing carbon footprints and nurturing our shared land.
Central to Geoff's philosophy is the belief that the land binds us all, transcending cultural divides. He underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard it for future generations, drawing upon ancestral teachings that emphasize harmony with nature. For Geoff, true sustainability emanates from a profound understanding of our interconnectedness with the environment and the reciprocal relationship we share with it.
Geoff's vision for the future is one of inclusivity, sustainability, and reciprocity. He envisions a world where Indigenous wisdom coalesces with modern practices to forge a harmonious existence rooted in respect, restoration, and social cohesion. His insights and experiences serve as a guiding light in navigating complex issues such as environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, propelling us towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
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Albert Murray
Cultural Tools & Weapons Consultant
Albert Murray
Albert is a proud Wiradjuri man who has been demonstrating the use of Aboriginal cultural tools and weapons for the past 21 years. During his demonstrations Albert reveals that the key to the success of Aboriginal technology is an intimate understanding of the natural environment coupled with a specific skill set for designing artefacts which are flexible and adaptable for the purpose you are using them for. Albert has a Bachelor of Education and has worked in public education since 1991.
Reba Jeffries
Community Engagement and Research Officer
Reba Jeffries
Reba Jeffries, is a proud Wiradjuri woman and leader in culturally safe and trauma-informed community engagement, has recently joined the Yindyamarra team as an experienced Community Engagement Officer and Researcher. Reba stands out as one of Australia's emerging Aboriginal leaders, bringing over a decade of dedicated experience within the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector. Reba's work is deeply characterised by her extensive knowledge and practical application of culturally safe, strong, and trauma-informed care and practice.
Reba champions equitable opportunities for Aboriginal people, consistently prioritising equity over equality in the design and delivery of services and programs for grassroots individuals and communities. For over ten years, Reba has been instrumental in driving and delivering culturally safe and holistic programs within the Aboriginal communities where she has lived and worked. As a young leader, Reba is acutely aware of the specific needs of both the younger generation and Elders within these communities, ensuring her engagement strategies are inclusive and responsive.
Reba’s expertise is profoundly rooted in a comprehensive understanding of inter-generational trauma and the lasting impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This insight has enabled her to develop an exceptional grasp of the social-emotional wellbeing needs of these communities, informing her research and engagement approaches.
Beyond her hands-on program delivery and research, Reba's management background has shaped her leadership style to be open, supportive, and deeply grounded in cultural connection, with a strong focus on team wellbeing. Reba also possesses strong insight into trauma-informed practices, stakeholder engagement, and funding processes, further solidifying her capacity to lead and implement effective, culturally appropriate initiatives.
Jyedn Murray
Community Engagement and Research Officer
Jyedn Murray
Jyedn Murray: An Emerging Leader in Indigenous Health, Driving Change Through Research, Consultancy, and Deep Community Engagement
Jyedn Murray stands as a compelling figure in Indigenous health and community development, a proud Wiradjuri and Ngemba man hailing from Cowra, NSW, with profound ancestral connections to the Byrock and Brewarrina regions. As a qualified physiotherapist and a highly respected educator, Jyedn embodies a rare blend of clinical expertise, academic rigor, and visionary leadership. His extensive professional journey is underpinned by an unwavering commitment to cultural integrity, the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and a relentless drive to foster improved outcomes for his people. He is unequivocally an emerging and very impressive young leader whose influence is rapidly expanding across the sector.
A significant facet of Jyedn's professional identity lies in his incisive research and strategic consultancy skills, particularly as they pertain to the health and wellbeing of youth and young people. In his pivotal role as a Project Lead at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), Jyedn is instrumental in the crucial work of building robust Aboriginal community-controlled workforces. This involves a meticulous process of strategic development, culturally informed education, and the cultivation of meaningful partnerships. His efforts are directly aimed at strengthening the inherent capacity of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to autonomously lead health and wellbeing outcomes, while simultaneously advocating for systemic change that unequivocally centres cultural safety and self-determination. This work directly impacts the creation of supportive environments and expanded opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous leaders and community members.
Jyedn’s approach to his work is deeply collaborative, reflecting his impressive skills in community engagement. He holds a deeply committed involvement in the ACCO sector, driven by a profound passion for supporting community-led solutions. He consistently works in close partnership with Aboriginal community organisations across Victoria, ensuring that programs are not merely culturally sensitive, but are truly culturally safe, fit-for-purpose, and genuinely responsive to the unique and evolving needs of local communities. This includes a keen understanding of the specific challenges and aspirations of Indigenous youth. Through this direct and respectful engagement, Jyedn actively contributes to sector-wide reform and capability building, continuously drawing upon his research into what constitutes effective, sustainable, and community-driven solutions. His ability to bridge diverse perspectives and facilitate meaningful dialogue is a testament to his exceptional interpersonal and leadership qualities.
As a strong advocate for representation and equity, Jyedn’s leadership is defined by his commitment to increasing Aboriginal leadership not only across the ACCO sector but in all spheres of influence. He firmly believes that Aboriginal people must be at the forefront of decision-making in all spaces that impact the lives of First Nations communities—including, but not limited to, health, education, justice, child protection, and policy development. This forward-thinking perspective positions him as a vital voice in shaping a more equitable and self-determined future.
Jyedn's foundational experiences have significantly honed his core competencies. Previously, as a First Nations Health Lecturer and Curriculum Development Officer at the University of Melbourne, his consultancy skills were meticulously developed through the critical work of researching, designing, and embedding Indigenous knowledges and perspectives into mainstream medical education. This involved navigating complex institutional landscapes and advocating for culturally appropriate pedagogical approaches, skills directly transferable to his current work. Furthermore, as the founder of The Koori Physio, he has demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to research, develop, and deliver impactful cultural safety training and First Nations-led education to a diverse range of organisations across Australia, including those whose work directly impacts young people.
Beyond his formal professional roles, Jyedn continues to demonstrate his innovative and highly effective approaches to engaging with young people. As an alumnus of the Indigenous Marathon Project, he powerfully leverages storytelling, sport, and social media to connect, inspire, and promote wellbeing in community. This multi-faceted approach showcases his understanding of contemporary communication channels and his ability to resonate with and motivate youth. His leadership is profoundly informed by his own lived experience, passionately driven by the aspirations of the communities he serves, and singularly dedicated to creating a more just and equitable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by supporting their pathways into further education, leadership, and employment opportunities across all sectors influencing their lives. Jyedn Murray is truly a force for positive change, embodying the strength, wisdom, and vision of his people.
Tahli McHughes
Community Engagement and Research Officer
Tahli McHughes
A Dedicated Leader in Disability Advocacy and Indigenous Community Development
Tahli McHughes is a proud Murrawarri woman, distinguished by her unwavering dedication and extensive experience as a Community Support Worker and Service Manager within the disability sector. With three years of impactful experience, she is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, culturally safe, and supportive environments that empower individuals to thrive.
Tahli's professional passion is rooted in her strong advocacy for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Her work extends beyond direct service delivery; it is informed by a deep knowledge of the history, rich culture, and ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This profound understanding is not merely acquired but is continually enriched through her inherent research-driven approach to identifying systemic barriers and understanding the nuanced needs of communities. She consistently applies an analytical lens to her work, ensuring that her advocacy and service management are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of complex social and health determinants. This enables her to develop and implement strategies that genuinely promote equity and justice in all areas of her work.
A key strength in Tahli's profile is her exceptional ability to engage with the younger Aboriginal Community. Through her roles in community support and service management, she frequently interacts with Aboriginal families, naturally extending her compassionate and culturally informed approach to young people. Her deep understanding of Indigenous youth experiences, coupled with her commitment to creating safe and empowering spaces, positions her as a trusted and effective figure for the next generation. She is adept at fostering environments where young Aboriginal individuals feel heard, respected, and supported in navigating their unique journeys, whether in the disability sector or broader community life. Her advocacy for rights and well-being inherently encompasses the specific needs and aspirations of young Aboriginal people, ensuring their voices are uplifted and their pathways to opportunity are clear.
Tahli's leadership is characterised by her commitment to promoting equity and her proactive stance in addressing disparities. She is not only dedicated to her direct responsibilities but also to contributing to broader systemic improvements that benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her blend of practical experience, cultural acumen, and a continually evolving, research-informed perspective makes her an invaluable asset in the ongoing work of building stronger, healthier, and more equitable futures for all.
