The BBY Board of Directors is made up of up to six Aboriginal leaders from across the East Kimberley who are passionate about change and ‘walking the talk’ of the 6 social norms. The Board oversees the strategic direction of BBY, sustaining the success of Empowered Communities in the East Kimberley, and leads the Joint Decision-Making process with Government.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this page contains images and names of people who have passed away.

Sally Martin grew up in Wyndham , but works in Kununurra for the Education Department as the Early Years Coordinator, engaging parents to prepare their young children for school . After 38 years within the education system, Sally remains a passionate educator , and loves working with children.

Sally is the Mum to one daughter , and has recently become a brand new grandmother to a beautiful baby boy! She has joined the BBY to learn more about what’s happening in community , especially what’s on offer in regards to the early years space and how that important work is being supported, so families can be empowered around their children’s education.

Sally supports her partner Ben, in the business Kimberley Dreaming, taking people on fantastic adventures through our Kimberley landscapes, sharing Country and Culture.

She is a passionate supporter of Aboriginal empowerment, and one of her favourite quotes is ‘Determination today, leads to success tomorrow’.

Philomenta Hunter is a proud Aboriginal woman from Wyndham with deep family ties across the Kimberley. She brings rich cultural knowledge and a commitment to lifelong learning shaped by historical challenges. Philly attended school in Wyndham and Perth, and is a graduate of the Jawun Emerging Leaders Program. With over 20 years in the East Kimberley training sector, she has worked extensively in remote communities and the mining industry.

Driven by the value of education, Philly earned an associate degree in Community Management and Development from Notre Dame and Curtin University. She honors the legacy of her late parents, who made significant contributions to Wyndham after relocating there in 1975 following Cyclone Tracy.

Philly has held leadership roles including Director of Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation, Chairperson of St Joseph’s Wyndham School Board, and Aboriginal Development Officer at North Regional TAFE. She also played a key role in establishing the Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation.

As a single mother, Philly raised three children with strong values and a focus on education. Today, she is a proud mum of three independent adults who contribute meaningfully to the East Kimberley community.

Mary Baird is a local Gajerrong woman, born and raised in Kununurra. She is a dedicated individual with excellent communication and multi-tasking skills, and has gained valuable experience both in office administration and as a heavy machinery operator.

Mary is known for her positive and proactive approach to work, which she undertakes with pride and integrity. She communicates effectively with people from all backgrounds and is committed to becoming a positive influencer within her community. Her goal is to help her people develop lifelong skills for a better future by demonstrating leadership grounded in strong morals and values.

As a local Gajerrong woman, Mary holds herself accountable to uphold fair and just processes in all aspects of her work. She embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. A strong advocate for fairness and equality, she places a particular focus on preventative primary health care.

Mary currently resides in Kununurra with her partner and two daughters, aged 5 and 8. She serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Services.

Aaron Matthews is a Ngarinyin and Gurindji man with family connections to the East Kimberley and Northern Territory. Aaron grew up on Doon Doon Station and later completed his education in the NT and QLD.

Aaron works for Horizon Power in Kununurra as the Manager of Traditional Owner Relationships and Reconciliation, and he is passionate about fostering social justice, building and maintaining meaningful relationships, and self-determination.

Aaron's professional career began in academia at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University, where he dedicated himself to advancing the education and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. His commitment to education, community development, social justice, and his expertise in Indigenous affairs have been instrumental in shaping programs that promote two-way learning, reconciliation, equity and inclusion.  

Aaron joined BBY to contribute to community empowerment and local decision making and would like to see positive social outcomes for the East Kimberley region.  

Courtney Topliss’ Bio coming soon

Ribnga Greene’s Bio coming soon

Ian Trust

Position: Co-Chair of Empowered Communities’ National Leadership Team

Ian has lived and worked in the region for most of his life and currently serves as the Chairman and Executive Director of Wunan Foundation.

He sees Empowered Communities as the structure that will break the cycle of passive welfare dependency and create fundamental change in his community and other communities across Australia.

Watch Ian's presentation on Empowered Communities, at Garma Festival 2014.