Meet the Heart of First Nations Co.

At First Nations Co., our strength lies in our people. We are proud to bring together a nationwide team of passionate and skilled professionals who are dedicated to creating positive change for First Nations communities and beyond.

Together, we work collaboratively to deliver innovative and culturally-grounded solutions that honour the past, address the present and build a brighter future. Get to know the faces and stories behind First Nations Co.—the people who are driving impact, fostering relationships and leading the way in Indigenous consulting.

Our People

Leilani Darwin
Owner & Founder
Quandamooka 

Leilani is a proud Quandamooka woman and the Owner and Founder of First Nations Co. She is widely respected for her leadership in suicide prevention and mental health, informed by her personal lived experience with mental illness and the loss of loved ones. With a strong reputation as a communicator and facilitator, Leilani works across diverse communities and sectors, advocating for the importance of lived experience in shaping mental health policies and programs.


  • Leilani is a passionate and influential leader in the fields of suicide prevention, mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing. A proud Quandamooka woman based in Brisbane, Leilani’s work is deeply informed by her own lived experience of suicide, mental illness, and the loss of many loved ones. Her personal journey fuels her dedication to improving mental health outcomes, and she is widely respected within the sector for her strength, resilience, and leadership.  

    Leilani’s reputation as a skilled MC and facilitator has grown significantly, thanks to her ability to communicate and engage effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders. She has built extensive networks within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and her work spans multiple sectors, from suicide prevention to mental health, eating disorders, and justice.

    With a Diploma of Counselling and five years as a Nationally Accredited mediator, Leilani has been actively involved in developing and delivering suicide prevention and social and emotional wellbeing programs. She is currently a Lancet Commissioner on an upcoming special edition and serves on numerous National and State-based expert advisory groups and committees. Leilani has also played a key role in shaping Federal Government and Ministerial advice, contributing her expertise in engagement models that focus on community-driven solutions. 

    A recognised leader, Leilani has received numerous National and State awards for her dedication to systems-level change, placing community perspectives and lived experience at the forefront of policy and program development. She has been instrumental in creating Nationally recognised resources within the suicide prevention and mental health sectors. 

    Leilani is a committed board member, serving on governance boards for organisations such as Mind Australia, The Haven Foundation, One Door Mental Health, and as the current Chair of the 13YARN Advisory Board. She also spearheaded the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre at the Black Dog Institute, a significant step in elevating the voices of Indigenous people in mental health advocacy. Leilani continues to work with universities and innovative research programs to advance the inclusion of lived experience in mental health and suicide prevention efforts. 

    Leilani’s unwavering commitment to centring lived and living experience in all aspects of her work continues to drive positive change and influence the mental health and suicide prevention landscape. 

Marni Tuala
Chief Executive Officer
Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr & Gomeroi 

Marni is a proud Bundjalung woman, mother of five, and CEO of First Nations Co. With a rich background in governance, executive leadership, and clinical expertise, Marni has worked across both government and non-government sectors. She is deeply committed to eradicating racism and ensuring cultural safety within health and education systems, aiming to improve access and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

  • Marni, a proud Bundjalung woman, is the Chief Executive Officer of First Nations Co. and the former President of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM). A mother of five jarjums, Marni was raised on country in Northern New South Wales and is a Registered Midwife with a wealth of experience across both the clinical and executive leadership sectors. 

    Marni is a transformational leader, known for her culturally informed, outcomes-focused approach to governance, strategy, policy development, and management. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership positions within both government and non-government organisations, with significant clinical expertise in the tertiary hospital and Aboriginal Community Controlled sectors. She is unwavering in her commitment to eradicating racism and ensuring cultural safety in health and education systems, advocating for improved access and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. 

    Raised within her community, Marni brings a unique understanding of cultural frameworks to her work. She owns and operates a business on-country in Northern New South Wales, focusing on providing opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through employment, mentoring, and community connection. Her commitment to creating culturally safe spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can share knowledge and stories has been central to her leadership. 

    Marni’s combination of professional expertise and cultural knowledge has also led to the creation of a thriving social enterprise, a space for community to gather, share stories, receive cultural education, and find connection and healing through food and yarns. This space serves as a living example of Marni’s dedication to fostering healing, connection, and empowerment within her community. 

    As CEO of First Nations Co., Marni continues to lead with vision and passion, driving meaningful change and providing culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Peter Honeyman
Senior Manager
Barkindji

Peter is a proud Barkindii man and Senior Manager at First Nations Co., with a proven track record in leading high-level strategic initiatives across various sectors. Peter’s leadership is defined by his ability to navigate the intersection of business objectives and cultural sensitivity, ensuring sustainable, inclusive outcomes. His commitment to excellence and deep understanding of community needs make him a key figure in advancing impactful, high-level initiatives.

  • As a highly accomplished and respected Senior Manager at First Nations Co., Peter brings a wealth of expertise and experience in driving transformative organisational reform. A proud Barkindji man, Peter has a distinguished background in consulting, with a proven track record of delivering impactful solutions across a wide range of sectors. His strategic insight and ability to drive change have earned him a reputation for achieving outstanding results. 

    Peter’s passion for working with people is evident in his focus on understanding their needs as consumers. He combines this with a sharp business acumen, always thinking strategically to win new business, streamline operations, and seize opportunities for rapid growth. His unique blend of creativity and analytical thinking enables him to craft innovative solutions that maximise efficiency and drive sustainable growth. 

    With extensive experience in consulting and healthcare, Peter is known for his unwavering commitment to excellence. His deep understanding of complex challenges and his ability to navigate them make him a trusted advisor to our clients, delivering solutions that create lasting impact. 

    Beyond his professional achievements, Peter is deeply committed to supporting and empowering Indigenous communities. His work reflects a genuine dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting positive change. Peter brings a unique cultural sensitivity to his role, ensuring that all initiatives respect and reflect the values of the communities we serve. 

    At First Nations Co., Peter’s leadership and expertise make him an invaluable asset, ensuring we remain equipped to tackle the most complex challenges and deliver sustainable, impactful solutions. 

Kulkarawa Barambah Meeanjinu
Senior Associate
Turrbal

Kulkarawa is a Turrbal and Gubbi Gubbi woman with additional bloodline connections to Wakka Wakka, Kamilaroi and Birri Gubba country. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management (International Business) from the University of Queensland and has a strong background in consulting, having worked with EY (Ernst & Young). Kulkarawa is passionate about Indigenous economic development and supporting self-determination for First Nations communities across Australia.

  • Kulkarawa is a Turrbal and Gubbi Gubbi woman with additional bloodline connections to Wakka Wakka, Kamilaroi, and Birri Gubba country. Growing up on her ancestral homelands of Meeanjin (Brisbane), Kulkarawa was immersed in traditional laws and customs passed down by her elders. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management (International Business) from the University of Queensland, which complements her deep cultural knowledge and understanding. 

    Kulkarawa’s professional expertise is rooted in her experience as a consultant at EY (Ernst & Young), where she gained valuable insights into business strategy, governance, and economic development. Her experience extends to serving on a wide range of local, state, and national representative bodies, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities. 

    Passionate about Indigenous economic development, Kulkarawa is dedicated to advancing self-determination for First Nations people and improving outcomes for communities across Australia. She works closely with organisations and communities to foster economic opportunities while ensuring the preservation of Aboriginal culture. 

    With her unique blend of business expertise, cultural knowledge, and commitment to community-driven solutions, Kulkarawa continues to advocate for positive change and empowerment for First Nations peoples.

Amy Smith
Senior Associate 

Amy is a dedicated Senior Associate at First Nations Co., with extensive experience as an AASW-accredited social worker and trauma-informed mental health consultant. Passionate about social justice, systemic change, and mental health, she advocates for the rights of First Nations Peoples, refugees, and people seeking asylum. Amy is also committed to suicide prevention and community-led solutions.  

  • Amy is a committed Senior Associate at First Nations Co., bringing a wealth of expertise as an AASW-accredited social worker and trauma-informed mental health consultant. A passionate advocate for social justice, Amy focuses on issues impacting First Nations Peoples, refugees, people seeking asylum, mental health, and suicide prevention. 

    With a strong foundation in advocacy and community development, Amy has collaborated with grassroots organisations, government departments, health and mental health services, and community leaders to push for systemic change. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in the establishment of community-led suicide prevention networks in regional and remote areas, showcasing her strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.  

    In addition to her work at First Nations Co., Amy founded her own business focused on providing trauma-informed clinical supervision and workplace wellbeing support to those in the human services and community sectors. Her business addresses the critical gap between the support staff offer on the ground and the often-lacking support within the systems and organisations they work for. 

    Amy has a proven track record of implementing effective workplace wellbeing strategies and making key recommendations during organisational changes. She is deeply committed to anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices, ensuring her work fosters meaningful change while amplifying the wisdom and strength within First Nations communities. 

    Her dedication to improving mental health support, advocating for systemic change, and empowering communities continues to drive Amy’s impactful work in creating inclusive, supportive environments for those most in need. 

Nicola Barker
Consultant
Murrawarri & Wangkumara  

Nicola is a Murrawarri and Wangkumara woman from Brewarrina and Bourke, NSW. With a decade of experience in social work, Nicola has worked in mental health, education, Aboriginal health, and child protection. As a co-founder of the National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition (NIYEC), she is deeply committed to improving health, justice, and wellbeing outcomes, particularly in relation to educational participation for young people. 

  • Nicola is a Murrawarri and Wangkumara woman from Brewarrina and Bourke in far west NSW. A qualified Social Worker with over 10 years of experience, Nicola’s career spans mental health (both inpatient hospital and community-based), education, Aboriginal health, and Child, Youth Protection Services. 

    As a co-founder of the National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition (NIYEC), Nicola has developed a deep passion for the intersection of health, justice, and wellbeing, particularly how these factors impact the educational participation and future outcomes of young people. Throughout her career, Nicola has observed how the integration of Indigenous knowledge in various spaces can significantly influence the wellbeing and engagement of young people, helping to promote healthier futures and educational success. 

    In 2018, Nicola was invited to speak at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) at the UN Headquarters, where she addressed members of the Human Rights Council regarding the rights of children in detention, further amplifying her advocacy on critical issues facing Indigenous communities.  

    Nicola holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Australian Catholic University, a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion from the University of Sydney, and is currently studying a Masters of Counselling at the University of Southern Queensland. 

    Her diverse background and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young Indigenous people make Nicola an invaluable advocate for social justice, educational equity, and community health.

Bradley Gordon
Consultant
Ngemba & Barkindji  

Bradley is a proud Ngemba and Barkindji man from Brewarrina, NSW, with a lifelong commitment to community work. Specialising in youth wellbeing, youth justice, and diversionary programs, Brad is highly respected across NSW and South East Queensland. With extensive experience in the youth wellbeing and justice sectors, including roles with Youth With a Mission Australia (YWAM), Queensland Department of Justice, and Deadly Choices, Brad is passionate about improving outcomes for young people on Country. 

  • Bradley is a Ngemba and Barkindji man born and raised in Brewarrina, NSW. With a deep cultural connection to his heritage, Brad has dedicated his life to working in and for his community, focusing primarily on youth wellbeing, youth justice, and diversionary programs on Country. 

    A highly regarded cultural leader, Brad has made significant contributions to youth justice and wellbeing programs throughout NSW and South East Queensland. His expertise spans a range of roles, including his work with Youth With a Mission Australia (YWAM), the Queensland Department of Justice, and the Family Wellbeing team with Deadly Choices. 

    Brad’s passion lies in empowering young people, offering alternative pathways to the justice system, and supporting programs that improve youth engagement and health outcomes. His lifelong commitment to improving the lives of young people and fostering cultural understanding has earned him a reputation as a trusted and respected figure in his community and beyond. 

    Brad’s work continues to positively impact youth and communities, with a focus on culturally safe, community-led solutions that promote wellbeing and reduce harm.

Mark Richards
Consultant
Wiradjuri 

Mark is a proud Wiradjuri man and a devoted father, with over 13 years of experience in First Nations health and community sectors. As the founder of his own training and consultation business, Mark has delivered tailored education to over 130 communities across Australia, empowering over 3,800 individuals. Specialising in Domestic and Family Violence, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Cultural Safety, Mark is deeply committed to driving positive social change.

  • Mark is a proud Wiradjuri man and a father of two boys. Starting his career in First Nations health and community services at just 18 years old, Mark has amassed 13 years of invaluable experience in these critical fields. For the past seven years, Mark has led his own training and consultation business, where he has demonstrated strong leadership and entrepreneurial spirit while making a profound impact across Australia. 

    Mark is passionate about community wellbeing and empowerment. He has worked with over 130 communities nationwide, delivering tailored education and training packages that have helped upskill more than 3,800 workers and community members. His expertise spans key areas such as Domestic and Family Violence, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Cultural Safety and Education, and Appropriate Community Engagement and Communication Strategies. 

    Rooted in cultural respect, Mark’s approach ensures that his work is always culturally sensitive and inclusive, fostering meaningful connections and conversations. His dedication to driving social change and supporting communities is evident in every aspect of his work, where he continues to inspire positive change and create lasting impact. 

    Mark’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to making a difference have earned him widespread respect in the community sector, and his influence continues to inspire many young people in his community to follow in his footsteps.

Jess Morris
Consultant
Wiradjuri & Wailwan

Jess is a proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman from Western NSW, and the co-founder of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services. With over 15 years of experience across the health sector, Jess holds a Bachelor of Health Science, a Master of Public Health, and several qualifications in project management and fitness. Her expertise spans health promotion, Aboriginal health, mental health, and community development, and she has a strong track record in project management, grant writing, and program development.

  • Jess is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri and Wailwan Nations from Western NSW and the co-founder of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services. With over 15 years of experience in the health sector, Jess holds a Bachelor of Health Science, a Master of Public Health, a Certificate IV in Project Management, and a Certificate III in Fitness.

    Jess has an extensive background in health promotion, public health, mental health, Aboriginal health, management, primary healthcare, and workplace training. Her expertise includes project management, grant writing and management, reporting, financial management, service and program development, commissioning, project evaluation, community development, staff training, and stakeholder engagement.

    Throughout her career, Jess has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing and delivering health programs and services, particularly in the Aboriginal community sector. In 2006, she was awarded the Deans Award for Academic Excellence, and in 2021, Jess was recognised by the Parliament for her significant contributions to the local Aboriginal community.

    Her wide-ranging experience in health management and community engagement has positioned her as a trusted consultant who is passionate about improving health outcomes and building self-sustaining communities.