About Us and Meet Our Governing Council

Member and Chairperson since 11 April 2023.

Elizabeth’s background spans senior executive roles in both the private and public sectors, including IBM and Macquarie Group, as well as senior positions across politics and government in NSW, WA, PNG and the USA. She is a full‑time non‑executive Director with a board portfolio across Government, Private and Not‑For‑Profit organisations in WA and NSW. Her focus is on strengthening the inter‑dependence between the private and public sectors to support the economic and social fabric of society.

Elizabeth currently serves as Chair of St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School (WA), Amana Living (WA), the Waste Authority & Keep Australia Beautiful (WA), the Department of Community Services Audit & Risk Committee (WA), the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Audit & Risk Committee (WA), and the Corruption & Crime Commission (WA) Audit & Risk Committee. She also chairs the NSW Education & Training & CEO Fund Audit & Risk Committee and is Deputy Chair of the Kokoda Track Foundation. In addition, she is a Member, Fellow and Facilitator of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Past President of the Harvard Club of Australia.

In the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Elizabeth was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) for “significant service to the community through voluntary contributions to the health, aged care, education and social services sectors.”

Her LinkedIn profile can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-carr-am-781b22/

Paula has over 18 years’ experience in the TAFE sector, including three years as an Executive Director at North Metropolitan TAFE overseeing training operations and business improvement across all learning areas.  As a past High School Head of Science and Head of Senior school, Paula has a keen interest in promotion of STEM skills and is strongly committed to developing pathways for school leavers, developing products to meet local needs, and strengthening community connection.

Member since 1 July 2024.      

Julia brings extensive leadership experience in human resources and organisational development across the private VET sector, government and health. She has a strong grounding in corporate governance and board operations, supported by a career focused on strengthening workforce capability and organisational performance.

As an Executive Board Member with Community Skills WA, Julia actively advocates for Aboriginal medical services across WA, including those in the Pilbara. In her role as Executive Director Workforce for the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service, she champions the interests of Kimberley Aboriginal people and organisations, driving initiatives that support workforce development, community wellbeing and culturally informed service delivery.  Julia also played a vital leadership role in the establishment of the Interim First Nations VET Policy Partnership Group a key national skills agreement milestone. 

Member since 1 July 2024.

Henry is deeply committed to community development, with a strong focus on education, innovation and creating opportunities that strengthen the Pilbara region. He generously volunteers his time to support initiatives that benefit his community, serving as Chair of NR TAFE’s Aboriginal Training Advisory Group and as a member of NR TAFE’s Governing Council.

Henry’s passion for his community is reflected in his active involvement across a wide range of local and regional initiatives. He is a member of the Yule River Call to Action Working Group, a current member of the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee for the Department of Justice WA, and an active member of the Hedland Senior High School Board.  Holding a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development, Henry brings strong cultural insight and practical expertise to his work. He currently serves as an Aboriginal Land Management Program Specialist at Fortescue Metals Group, where he contributes to programs that support sustainable land management and community empowerment.

Member since 1 July 2024.

Sharyn brings extensive experience in education and training, with a career spanning key roles across Queensland’s training institutions from 2012 to 2019, including positions at CQ University’s Karratha and Port Hedland Study Hubs. She has developed a strong passion for supporting regional communities, particularly in the Pilbara, both through her professional work and her long‑standing commitment as a volunteer.  Sharyn played a pivotal role in advocating for critical investment in the community services sector, successfully lobbying the WA Government to establish the Bachelor of Nursing residential program in South Hedland. She was also instrumental in launching the inaugural CQU VET in Schools program in Western Australia, expanding education and training opportunities for regional students.  Sharyn currently contributes her expertise to WA Country Health, where she focuses on improving healthcare access and strengthening training pathways for remote and regional communities. Her work continues to enhance opportunities and outcomes for people across the Pilbara.

Member since 1 July 2025.

Alyce plays an active role in strengthening community and regional development across the Pilbara and Kimberley. She works closely with industry, government, and local social and business enterprises to progress priorities such as workforce access, infrastructure, and supply chain resilience that are vital to the North West’s future. Recognised for her collaborative approach, Alyce is passionate about helping create opportunities that strengthen liveability and support the long-term prosperity of regional communities.

Member since 1 July 2026.

Prue Jenkins is the Chief Executive Officer of the Wunan Foundation, a leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based in the East Kimberley. With more than 40 years of experience living and working across regional and remote Western Australia, Prue has held executive leadership roles throughout the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions.

Throughout her career, Prue has worked closely with Aboriginal communities and organisations to address local priorities and create opportunities that support long-term social and economic outcomes. Under her leadership, the Wunan Foundation continues to drive initiatives focused on education, employment, housing, health, leadership and advocacy for Aboriginal people across the Kimberley.

Prue brings extensive experience in governance, strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement, with well-established networks across government, industry and community sectors. She has served on a number of boards and advisory groups, including the Aboriginal Business, Trade and Investment Advisory Board, and currently serves on the boards of Job Pathways and the Kununurra Visitor Centre.

A passionate and collaborative leader, Prue is committed to fostering strong partnerships and delivering positive outcomes for regional and remote communities.

Member since 1 July 2026.

Derek (Jig) Albert is an independent consultant with more than 30 years’ experience across the resources, construction, property, tourism and Indigenous economic development sectors. Based in Broome, Jig has held senior executive and governance roles throughout the Kimberley and Pilbara, including Managing Director of Murujuga Commercial Limited and senior contracting, procurement and sustainability roles with Woodside Energy.

Beginning his career in the trades, Jig has a practical understanding of vocational education, regional workforce development and the importance of training that responds to local industry needs.

He holds a Master of Business Administration is a Certified Management Accountant and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jig is also actively involved in community organisations and currently chairs the Broome Turf Club.

Member since 1 July 2026.

Damien Parriman is the Chief Executive Officer of KRED Enterprises Pty Ltd and the Ambooriny Burru Foundation Group. Damien has worked in the Native Title and Indigenous sectors in the Kimberley for 20 years through various roles with the Kimberley Land Council, Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, Aarnja Ltd and KRED Enterprises. Through these roles Damien has been directly involved with numerous large scale native title processes across the West Kimberley including Land Settlement and Resource Access Agreements.

Damien’s role at KRED includes establishing a sustainable economic base for members and ensuring that engagement with third party stakeholders under complex legal frameworks is consistent with the aspirations and objectives of the Members, whilst balancing the traditional cultural values that underpin our member’s Native Title Rights and Interests.

A Yawuru and Jabir Jabir man himself, Damien has traditional connection to the Broome and surrounding areas in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Damien attended Secondary School in Perth where he also graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Laws.

Member since 1 July 2026.

Dallas McDonald is an accomplished leader with over 20 years working in management roles within the rail and mining industry, human resources management, procurement, and economic development in the Pilbara region.

Dallas McDonald is Chief Operations Officer at Yurra. A multidisciplinary business covering a range of civil, construction and maintenance services delivered in the North West. At the heart of each service line are development pathways to create opportunities and build local capability. A key part of Dallas’ role is the support and facilitation of entry level roles, traineeships and apprenticeships. Prior to Yurra, Dallas served over 10 years at Rio Tinto Iron Ore in leadership and strategic partnership roles.

Dallas is proudest of working closing with delivery teams and local businesses in enhancing service delivery, streamlining operations, and fostering team development. Dallas holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Human Resources & Psychology), a master’s in business administration and management, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Business Management. Dallas is passionate about championing safety, quality, innovation, and sustainable regional development. The growth and investment of local people and local delivery capability is a key enabler.