Snapshot of my work and career

I inspire and influence positive change within Australian Society and foster talent and growth. My professional working career is based on using positive thinking and action, integrity and credibility to encourage belief in what I can do to make a difference at a local, state and national level.

With nearly 30 years’ business and community leadership expertise, I lead with inspiration, vision and beliefs based on Australian cultural values, including values from my Aboriginal and Maltese ancestral connections. A country boy at heart, I am from a large family, completing schooling in a rural town in South Australia, playing sports, working for local business people, undertaking tertiary studies in Adelaide and building strong, lifelong relationships.

With a strong focus on people and community development, I have had and still have excellent teachers and mentors from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including professionals of high standing and reputation, who have helped to build attitude and strengthen values. I have a strong understanding of and respect for cross-cultural sensitivities.

As a results-focused, energetic and strategic leader, I have delivered nationally significant results and have a proven track record of leading large-scale projects to successful outcomes, and of managing programs effectively in complex social and economic contexts. I have a proven record of achievements recognised by government and in publications, and apply my skills, substantial expertise and intense commitment to positive social change at national, state, regional and local levels, including in urban and remote communities.

I possess superior communication, negotiation and representational skills, including the ability to initiate and manage change across a diverse range of sectors. I have also worked with the media to make effective strategic statements, tell a story, inspire and present a face of positivity. I believe in the power of words and vision to inspire and encourage change.

I have proven tools for placing people in the driver’s seat to determine their own future. I use vision, inspiration and belief to encourage people to move from resistance to engagement, open communication and joint decision-making. For example, I have a strong record in managing and resolving complex legal and sensitive multi-lateral, bilateral conflicts among Native groups, third party respondents, industry peak bodies and government agencies.

Key Positions in Leadership and Management:

Chief Executive Officer: South Australian Native Title Services Ltd (SANTS)

Executive Officer: Aboriginals Legal Rights Movement Inc., Native Title Unit (ALRM NTU)

Regional Manager: Department of Human Services and Health. Commonwealth Government

District Manager: Department of Community Welfare (DCW). South Australian Government

Key Board Positions and Committees and their tasks:  

• Presiding Member
• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Board Member / Director
• Independent Specialist
• Chair of Board Subcommittees

Board Charter Committee

Develop the organisational culture, based on the Vision, Mission and Values

Organisational Branding, image and external perception

Working relationships and collaborations

Role of Board’s sub-committees and terms of reference

Working relationship between Board & Management

Roles of Board and Executive positions

Role of CEO and Management

Change Management Strategy

Oversee Board’s s approved change management plan

Review CEO Action Plan and performance

Understand internal and external impact of Strategy

CEO Performance review committee

Remuneration

360 degree performance criteria and assessment

Stakeholder considerations

Audit and Risk committee

Review quarterly performance (acknowledge performance)

Approve recommended actions with remedies (initiate internal reviews and act on recommendations)

Examine and make recommendations for delegations and roles of delegates

Compliance with relevant legislation including delegations (e.g. OH&S, Fair Work Commission)

Financial Committee

Budget preparation, forecasting, analysis

Established and recommended yearly business plans review performance

Review performance funding agreements and contracts

Service delivery and clients services (from finance perspective)

Processes, procedures, guidelines and delegations

Policy Development and Strategic Develop working group committee

Development and implementation of Board’s approved Strategic Plan

Interface Board’s policies into plan

Encourage stakeholder’s feedback

Project Committees

Alinytjara Wilurara  Water Plan; The Water Strategy and Planning (WaSP) Committee

Key Competencies

(please go to LinkedIn to view overall strengths and there is a  the ability to leave your recognition /acknowledgement )

Strategic organisational and services including operational planning & management	Strategic thinker and business planner	Manages change including restructures including articulating and including Boards, people and staff the implementation of change
Risk assessment & management	Develops businesses & builds capacity of people and organisation	Brokers strategic partnerships
Resource planning & management	Runs & evaluates major projects / programs	Mentor and Develops key staff & community leaders
Corporate governance & compliance	Implements internal policies & processes within contemporary policy development and framework of governments	Conflict resolution & negotiation