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.
Troy Cook
Director
Yamatji – Former AFL Footballer and General Manager of Community Development at the Waalitj Foundation
Josie Janz-Dawson
Director
Merrium Mer Torres Strait Islander – Former Professional Netballer and General Manager of Education Programs at the Waalitj Foundation
Brad Collard
Director
Noongar – Aboriginal Engagement Consultant at Western Power
Amanda Healy
Director
Wonnarua – Director of engineering group, Warrikal and Chief Executive Officer of clothing brand, Kirrikin
Alan Cransberg
Chairman
Former Chairman of the West Coast Eagles Football Club, Former President of Alcoa Australia, Adjunct Professor in Corporate Strategy at the UWA Business School.
Trevor Nisbett
Deputy Chairman
Former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the West Coast Eagles Football Club.
Richard Godfrey
Company Secretary and Director
Chartered Accountant and Chief Operating Officer of the West Coast Eagles Football Club.
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
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
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
GM – Strategy and Performance
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.
Ben Webb
GM – Justice and Employment
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.
Nicole Grubb
GM – Waalitj Hub
Nicole is a proud Noongar Warrwa woman. She is a qualified Forensic Scientist and Ornithologist with over ten years’ experience in ASX Top 20 companies within various roles including Environmental, Security and Emergency Management, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs functions. She is passionate about supporting the self-determination of First Nations Communities with a particular passion for promoting First Nations businesses, recognising the broader ripple effects beyond the transactional economic benefit that this creates.
Dale Kickett
Manager – Education Programs
Megan D’Agostino
Team Manager – Deadly Sista Girlz
Fiona Dann
Team Manager – Deadly Sista Girlz
Jacinta Anderson
Team Manager – Deadly Sista Girlz
Alicia Janz
Career Pathways Manager – Deadly Sista Girlz
Leann Carsburg
Program Manager – Indigenous Scholarship
Leah Ashwin
Manager – Community Engagement
Nyasha Mupakaviri
Manager – People and Capability
Dezarae Pau
Regional Manager – Goldfields
Lina Fernandez
Manager – Quality, Compliance and Safety
D’Arne Corr
Manager – Contracts and Reporting
Nicole Baroni
Manager – Partnerships
Jaime Silva
Client Engagement Manger – Waalitj Hub
Hamish Johnston
Corporate Engagement Manger – Waalitj Hub
Matt Selby
Contract and Data Manager – Waalitj Hub
Kerrie Stones
Program Manager – Workforce Australia
Suzanne Wilson
Manager – Onslow Family Support
Laura Pages-Oliver
Manager – Communications and Marketing
Sabrina Lewis
Manager – Events
Empowering futures together
Get in touch to learn how you can support our mission to build strong, thriving communities through education, training, employment and business opportunities.
