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 11 April 2023.

Member since 1 July 2021.  

Joe brings more than thirty years of experience in training, employment services and community development across the West Kimberley region of WA. As a qualified accountant, he contributes strong financial management expertise and a deep understanding of corporate governance within the not‑for‑profit sector.  Joe is dedicated to working alongside Indigenous Australians to achieve meaningful, long‑term outcomes, including sustainable employment opportunities and improved personal wellbeing. His approach is grounded in respect, collaboration and a commitment to strengthening local capacity.  He currently serves as CEO of a Broome‑based Aboriginal Corporation that delivers a diverse range of services throughout the Kimberley. Through this role, Joe continues to champion initiatives that support economic participation, community empowerment and positive social impact across the region.

Member since 1 July 2023. 

Shay is a Traditional Owner for the Greater Kununurra area (Mirriuwung and Gajerrong) and the Central and West Kimberley regions (Bunuba and Nyul Nyul). She brings cultural knowledge and strong community connections to her role, supported by her service as a board member of the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service. Shay has substantial experience in human resources and vocational training, complemented by extensive on‑the‑ground knowledge of the East Kimberley. Her work reflects a commitment to strengthening opportunities for local communities and supporting culturally informed approaches to workforce and community development.

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.