About Us and Meet Our Governing Council

Elizabeth’s background incorporates both the private and public sectors. She has worked in senior executive positions for IBM and Macquarie Group and within senior levels of politics and government in NSW, WA, PNG and the USA.

Elizabeth is a full time non-executive Director with a board portfolio covering Government, Private and Not-For-Profit organizations in both Western Australia and NSW. Her focus is to maximize the inter-dependence of the private and public sectors in order to strengthen the economic and social fabric of our society.

She currently chairs St Mary’s Anglican Girls School (WA), South Metropolitan Tafe, North Regional TAFE, Waste Authority (WA), the Murrumbidgee Local Health District Audit & Risk Committee, the Department of Community Services Audit and Risk Committee (WA) and Department Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA), Deputy Chair Kokoda Track Foundation and Past President of the Harvard Club of Australia.

In the 2017 Queens Birthday Honours she was recognized as a recipient of the Order of Australia (AM) “for significant service to the community through voluntary contributions to the health, aged care, education and social services sectors.”

Elizabeth holds a BA (Hons) from UWA, a Master's Degree from Harvard University and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

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

With a passion for promoting equal and quality education opportunities, Karen has been dedicating her career to positively impacting the community.  Currently serving as the President of the Northwest Multicultural Association WA Inc., she has successfully advocated for diverse communities' needs and facilitated initiatives promoting inclusivity and cultural understanding.  For the past four years, Karen's extensive experience working for the WA State government has equipped her with a deep understanding of policy-making processes and governance.  Her involvement in the Pilbara Universities Centre's community program further demonstrates her commitment to empowering individuals through education. With her higher education background, career experience, and dedication to promoting inclusive education opportunities, Karen would love to bring distinct perspectives and commitment to advocating for the needs of diverse communities and contribute to the council's strategic decision-making process.

Member since 11/4/2023      

Julia has a leadership background in HR and organisational development, in the private VET sector, government and Health, along with knowledge in corporate governance and board experience. As a board member with Community Skills WA, Julia actively advocates for all Aboriginal medical services in WA, including the Pilbara. Julia currently heads up Workforce for  Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service, advocating for the interests of Kimberley Aboriginal people and organisations, and has played a vital role in COVID-19 management.

Member since 01/07/2019  

Passionate about giving back to the community and volunteering her time, Barbara O’Driscoll embraces every challenge, including her appointment as a member of North Regional TAFE Governing Council. Barbara has been a resident in Newman for more than 24 years growing her experience, local knowledge and empathy for the East Pilbara region of WA and this is what drives her need to help and nurture her community. 

Coming from a scientific background, Ellen learnt early in her career the importance of being able to translate research and analysis into practical on-ground solutions. This led her into public policy, a space in which Ellen felt she could deliver meaningful change to regional Western Australians based on sound scientific reasoning. Ellen's focus has always been on understanding the issues which face our communities and solving these problems through innovative solutions.  She has filled leadership roles in State Government over a period of seven years across fisheries, northern agriculture and primary industries workforce development. More recently, Ellen has stepped into the Chief Business Development Officer role at Nyamba Buru Yawuru, an Aboriginal corporation representing the Yawuru people of Broome.

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Aquatic Science and Coastal Zone Management, a Master of Public Policy and Management, and is an alumnus of the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program (2012), CEDA Copland Leadership Program (2019), and the Australian Rural Leadership Program (2022). Ellen is also a Board Member of the Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network of WA.

Member since 01/07/2021  

Joseph (Joe) Grande has over thirty years of experience in Training, Employment Services and Community Development with Indigenous Communities and Corporations in the West Kimberley Region of WA. As a qualified accountant he also brings sound financial management and corporate governance knowledge in the Not-for-profit sector. Joe is passionate about working with Indigenous Australians, in particular youth, in delivering real outcomes including long term sustainable employment and improved personal well-being. Currently Joe is the CEO of a Broome based Aboriginal Corporation that delivers a diverse range of services throughout the Kimberley. 

Member since 01/07/2023 

Shay is a Traditional Owner for the Greater Kununurra area (Mirriuwung and Gajerrong) and Central/West Kimberley areas (Bunuba and Nyul Nyul), an Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service board member. Shay has substantial experience in Human Resources and Vocational Training, including on-the-ground East Kimberley knowledge.