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Our People
Donna Jeffries
Founding Director
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.
Dane Parnaby
Youth and Healthy Lifestyles Consultant
Dane Parnaby
Dane was born in and raised in Bourke and is of Barkindji descent. He has worked closely in the western region with several communities, primarily Bourke and Brewarrina with the main focus on youth. Dane's past employment includes Juvenile Justice, Bourke High School and Far West NSW Medicare Local. He is passionate about reconnecting disengaged Youth and to reengage them through sport, mentoring and education. Dane is currently studying a Bachelor of Sport Studies and Certificate IV in Aboriginal Clinical Health. He is the President of Bourke Junior Rugby League and a committee person of Bourke Little Athletics, Dane is involved in numerous community projects incorporating mentorship and educating the Bourke community. His vision is to create culturally strong, healthy, educated communities with Western NSW leading the way.
