Board of Directors
Jess Morris
Co-Founder/Executive 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
Ronald Knight
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.
Jamie Donovan
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.
Tristram Morris
Co-Founder/Executive 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.
Mel Fernando
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.
Our staff
Lori-Ann McKinnon
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.
Darryl Simpson
Youth Worker
Darryl is a proud Gamilaraay man with experience supporting young people, families and community members across youth justice, community services and disability sectors. He brings demonstrated skills in case management, case note documentation, stake holder engagement, rapport building, advocacy, and culturally responsive practice.
Darryl is committed to delivering person-centred and strengths-based support that promotes positive outcomes for Aboriginal people and their families. He is passionate about supporting individuals to strengthen their connection to culture, family, community, and overall wellbeing while fostering resilience, self-determination, and meaningful participation in their communities.
Darryl strives to create culturally safe environments where individuals feel respected, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals.
Shakaya Barry
Case Worker
Shakaya is a proud Dunghutti and Māori woman living and working on Biripi Country. As an Aboriginal Family Preservation Caseworker, she is passionate about supporting Aboriginal children, young people, and families through culturally safe, strengths-based practice. Shakaya is committed to walking alongside families, promoting child safety and wellbeing, and supporting children to remain connected to their family, culture, community, and Country.
Shakaya has five years of experience working in the community services sector, supporting children, young people, and families. Her background includes youth work, wellbeing programs, and over three years as a Family Time Supervisor, supporting children and families to maintain safe and meaningful connections.
With a strong connection to her own family and community, Shakaya understands the importance of relationships, culture, and belonging. She brings a gentle, person-centred approach to her work, creating safe and trusting environments where families feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Shakaya is currently completing a Diploma of Community Services and is committed to providing compassionate, culturally responsive support that recognises family strengths and contributes to positive outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Tamika Edwards
Case Worker
Tamika is a proud Dharug Aboriginal woman, born and raised on Birpai Country, with a deep passion for supporting Aboriginal children, young people and families.
With over 10 years of experience across Child, Youth and Family Services and Intensive Family Preservation, Tamika has worked alongside families through life's challenges, advocating for their needs and empowering them to build on their strengths. Her practice is grounded in respect, compassion, and a strong commitment to providing culturally safe, family-centred support.
Tamika is passionate about strengthening cultural identity, empowering families to achieve positive outcomes, and creating safe spaces where children and young people feel heard, valued, and connected to their families, culture, and community. She believes in building strong, trusting relationships and working collaboratively with families, communities, and partner organisations to create lasting, meaningful change.
Tamika is excited to be joining Strong Spirit Services and looks forward to continuing to support families, strengthen connections to culture and community, and make a positive difference. She is proud to be part of an organisation that shares her commitment to empowering Aboriginal families and ensuring children and young people grow up strong in their identity, connected to their families, community, and Country.