Jenene Murray is a proud Wiradjuri woman from central NSW who has lived and worked in the Mildura community, bringing over 30 years of experience in the education sector to our area. Jenene is passionate about supporting positive change across health, education, housing, and unemployment. She has represented the Aboriginal community in the justice sector and on the local council, and she serves as Chair of the Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (LAECG) in Mildura. Jenene is known for her warm, unwavering commitment to strengthening her community and inspiring others through her work and dedication.

Jemmes Handy is well known for her work in health and justice services in the Mildura region over the past 30 years, where she has helped to develop culturally appropriate policing and health services. Jemmes has worked in the education sector on both sides of the river and has also been a volunteer on the Aboriginal Community Justice Panel. She has received numerous high-profile awards for her contribution to Indigenous communities in Victoria, including a Public Service Medal.

Thelma Chilly is a proud Multi-Clan First Nations woman, who has ties to the Wiradjuri, Muthi, Wemba, Wadi, Barapa and Yorta Nations. Born in Robinvale, Thelma has worked with Aboriginal communities in the Mallee for more than 38 years and is a strong advocate for our Koori Community. She has worked for the Department of Human Services in the Indigenous Family Violence Support Officer role and has also worked for The Mallee Domestic Violence Service in mainstream Services. She has extensive knowledge of family violence and its impact on community. Thelma has worked for Aboriginal Victoria/ First Peoples State Relations and been a Public Servant for more than 17 years. She was responsible for the Local Aboriginal Networks in Robinvale, Mildura and Swan Hill in the Northern Loddon Mallee Region and served as Manager for the Northwest of the State of Victoria prior to her early retirement. Her work was Community Development, focused on working closely with Local Governments, some of which have accepted/endorsed inaugural Aboriginal Community Plans. Thelma has served on the Board at MDAS for 3 years now, sits on The Elders Standing Group for Treaty in Victoria and has just commenced as a Board member of RDHS in Robinvale. She is also the Founder of her own Consultancy Business. Thelma also serves as a Youth Leader at her local Church. She is a strong advocate for the Koori Community and will do all she can to impact change at MDAS to ensure sound passage for our future generations.

Mark Morgan has significant experience in health and education, variously as an Aboriginal Health Worker, Chronic Care Co-Ordinator and at Meminar Ngangg Gimba. Mark has also worked as Practice Manager at Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative. Mark’s interest in fairer outcomes and justice for his community has seen him hold senior positions in the Magistrates Court of Victoria and the Children’s Koori Court in Mildura and has trained as a Mediator. A long-time advocate for better outcomes and more respectful education for Indigenous students, Mark has worked as a conduit between the Education and other State departments and community, to inform input about best practice in Aboriginal education, to elevate the quality and experience of education for Koorie Learners, culminating in the Statewide “Wurreker Awards”.

Steve Portelli is a proud Aboriginal man of the Wotjobaluk tribe from the Wimmera. With over 22 years of experience working in the field of health and community services, Steve is a passionate, dedicated and ethical person who will always have the best interests of his communities at heart. Over his career, he has worked within mainstream organisations such as The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Wimmera Health Care Group, Mildura Base Hospital (Ramsay Healthcare), Marie Stopes International, NSW Health and Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. He has also worked within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. Steve has a Diploma in Indigenous Primary Health Care, post-graduate qualifications in Indigenous Health Promotion, and a Graduate Certificate in Health (Diabetes Management & Education). He has represented his community on many committees and Directorships at a local level and across Australia.

Perlin has a proven track record in community capacity-building, strategic investments, profit and loss management, and government advocacy. Her leadership has driven projects that enhance outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly in remote areas. Notably, she co-authored a peer-reviewed article on telehealth implementation during COVID-19, reflecting her ability to drive innovation in challenging circumstances. The study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, highlights her commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery in regional and remote communities.

A Singapore-born Peranakan Eurasian, Perlin brings a unique perspective to her work, informed by her rich cultural heritage. Outside of her professional achievements, she is passionate about creating opportunities for diverse communities and contributing to sustainable development in rural and remote areas of Australia.