Board of Directors

CO-Founder/Director

Jess, a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri & Wailwan Nations from Western NSW, resides in Port Macquarie and brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in the health sector. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Public Health. Additionally, Jess holds certifications in Project Management (Certificate IV) and Fitness (Certificate III).

Throughout her career, Jess has held diverse roles in health promotion, public health, mental health, Aboriginal health, management, primary healthcare, commissioning, and extensive workplace training. She demonstrates proficiency in project management, grant writing, reporting, financial management, grant management, health services management, service and program development, project evaluation, community development, staff training, self-care practices, stakeholder engagement, and community relations.

Jess's commitment to excellence was recognized with a Deans Award for Academic Excellence in 2006, and her significant contributions to the local Aboriginal community earned federal parliamentary recognition in 2021. As the Co-founder and Managing Director of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services,  Jess continues to spearhead initiatives that empower and uplift Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal businesses

Director

Ron is a Kurnu Barkindji & Ngemba Elder that grew up in Brewarrina and Bourke in Far West NSW.

Ron has lived on Kamilaroi Country in Tamworth for over 40 years and is a well respected Elder in his community. Ron has extensive experience working in Education with Aboriginal Youth, providing mentoring and cultural guidance to support our young people to  be supported and thrive. 

Ron is actively involved in Traditional Owner land and cultural preservation with the Kurnu family group. 

Ron Brings a wealth of lived experience and knowledge to Strong Spirit. 

Director

Jamie Donovan is a proud Aboriginal man, of Worimi, Biripi and Bundjalung descent on his Maternal line. He also maintains strong familial ties to the Dunghutti and Yuin Nations.

With 25 years of diverse experience spanning Land Councils, Federal and State government bodies, and private enterprises, Jamie excels in fostering relationships between agencies and Aboriginal communities. His focus is on promoting and achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal Peoples.

Jamie is nearing completion of his Bachelor of Education (Primary) and holds Diplomas in Business and Aboriginal Studies, along with a Certificate in Aboriginal Mentoring. He has a longstanding commitment to numerous community groups in the Hastings, Macleay, and Manning Regions.

In recognition of his contributions, Jamie was awarded the Port Macquarie Hastings Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 2022.

CO-Founder/Director

Tristram, a descendant of the Ngemba and Barkindji nations from western NSW, brings extensive experience in the health sector, encompassing health promotion, chronic disease management, Aboriginal health, and Human Resources (HR). His career spans operational and management roles across diverse sectors including housing, education, and disability services.

Tristram holds certifications in Disability, Mental Health, and Business Management (Certified IV), underscoring his proficiency in project management, financial oversight, reporting, staff leadership, program delivery, and cultural competence. He is skilled in delivering cultural workshops, managing grants, providing mentorship, and fostering community and stakeholder engagement.

As Co-founder of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services, Tristram is dedicated to advancing initiatives that support and empower Aboriginal communities. 

Director

  Mel Fernando, a proud Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi/Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi Woman, has resided on Birpai Country for the past six years, maintaining strong ties to communities throughout the Mid North Coast of NSW.

With over 17 years of comprehensive experience, Mel has dedicated her career to serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across various sectors including Education, Legal and Justice, Public Health, Private Hospitals, Local Health Districts, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Her roles have encompassed positions as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner and Health Worker, specializing in Chronic Care, Public Health Immunisation, Palliative Care, Smoking Cessation, and Maternal and Infant Health.

Mel holds a degree in Indigenous Health Promotion and certifications in Qualitative Research, Indigenous Methodologies, Evaluation, and Contexts in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. Currently, employed as an Aboriginal Research Project Officer, Mel is actively engaged with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services and communities nationwide. Her focus lies in collaborative projects addressing infectious diseases, supported by additional certifications in Introduction to Qualitative Research, Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research, Introduction to Evaluation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Contexts, and Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge Translation.

Chief Executive Officer

Tristram, a descendant of the Ngemba and Barkindji nations from western NSW, brings extensive experience in the health sector, encompassing health promotion, chronic disease management, Aboriginal health, and Human Resources (HR). His career spans operational and management roles across diverse sectors including housing, education, and disability services.

Tristram holds certifications in Disability, Mental Health, and Business Management (Certified IV), underscoring his proficiency in project management, financial oversight, reporting, staff leadership, program delivery, and cultural competence. He is skilled in delivering cultural workshops, managing grants, providing mentorship, and fostering community and stakeholder engagement.

As Co-founder of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services, Tristram is dedicated to advancing initiatives that support and empower Aboriginal communities. 

 Program Manager/Director 

Jess, a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri & Wailwan Nations from Western NSW, resides in Port Macquarie and brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in the health sector. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Public Health. Additionally, Jess holds certifications in Project Management (Certificate IV) and Fitness (Certificate III).

Throughout her career, Jess has held diverse roles in health promotion, public health, mental health, Aboriginal health, management, primary healthcare, commissioning, and extensive workplace training. She demonstrates proficiency in project management, grant writing, reporting, financial management, grant management, health services management, service and program development, project evaluation, community development, staff training, self-care practices, stakeholder engagement, and community relations.

Jess's commitment to excellence was recognized with a Deans Award for Academic Excellence in 2006, and her significant contributions to the local Aboriginal community earned federal parliamentary recognition in 2021. As the Co-founder and Managing Director of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services,  Jess continues to spearhead initiatives that empower and uplift Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal businesses 

 Aboriginal Programs Officer

Lori-Ann is a proud descendent of the Birpai and Dunghutti nations on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

Lori-Ann has a certificate lll in Early Childhood Educational & Care who has been working in the Early childhood Industry since 2018 and has implemented learning on country programs & supported educators to develop culturally appropriate practices. 

Lori-Ann has a Certificate lll in Aboriginal Languages for community use in the Gathang Language and has delivered language programs in preschool and primary school settings. 

Lori-Ann is very active in her continuation of her language journey and the revitalisation of her mother tongue, receiving the 2023 Koori Curriculum Educator of the year award. 

As a talented and well renowned contemporary Aboriginal Artist, Lori-Ann is always pushing her creative boundaries in her creative work. 

Lori-Ann is passionate and motivated to promote culturally rich opportunities and creating safe spacing for our young people to thrive in their learning.