Ariadne Gorring

As Co-CEO of Pollination Foundation, Ariadne starts where change takes root: with community. She bridges local knowledge with global expertise to spark practical, early-stage nature solutions. Her approach draws on decades of experience in multi-partner collaboration, Indigenous-led conservation, nature enterprise, Australia’s carbon industry and emerging nature credit markets.

Ariadne serves on the Board of the Aboriginal Clean Energy Partnership, was appointed to the 2022 Expert Panel reviewing Australia’s Carbon Credit Framework, helped convene the 2014 World Indigenous Network Conference in Darwin, and received The Nature Conservancy’s Barbara Thomas Fellowship in Conservation Financing finance fellowship. She is a Global Atlantic Fellow at Oxford University and holds a BA in Sustainable Development & Entrepreneurship and a Master’s in Social Change Leadership.

Jane Hutchinson

As Co-CEO of Pollination Foundation, Jane is passionate about achieving nature conservation at scale by flowing finance to the people best placed to do the work. Over more than two decades, she has led and governed across Australia’s conservation landscape, previously serving as CEO of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, a founding member of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance, and Executive Director for Strategy & Innovation at The Nature Conservancy Australia.

Jane currently serves on Australia’s Nature Finance Council, she is an alumna of The Nature Conservancy’s Barbara Thomas Fellowship in Conservation Financing and the Harvard Club of Australia Fellowship. In 2016 she was Tasmanian Australian of the Year for her contribution to nature. Jane holds a combined Science/Law (Hons) Degree from the University of Tasmania.

Manuwuri Forester

Manuwuri is a member of two Traditional Owner groups in Northern Queensland. On her mother’s side she is from the Lama Lama Clan of Princess Charlotte Bay, Cape York and on her father’s side, she is from the Nywaigi Clan, located near Ingham.

She currently works as the Indigenous Partnerships Coordinator for AIMS (Australian Institute of Marine Science). Manuwuri has worked with and represented the Lama Lama People, especially in regard to their sea country aspirations and planning through her previous position as the Traditional Use of Marine Resource Agreement (TUMRA) Coordinator. She grew Lama Lama’s TUMRA program from its inception to a strong program that has a holistic approach to all aspects of looking after sea country.

Manuwuri is a consortium member of the Reef 2050 Traditional Owners Aspirations Project and the Queensland representative on the Indigenous Reference Group of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). She is also a member of the Traditional Owner Advisory Group with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which provides strategic advice on the Reef Trust Partnership.

Manuwuri is passionate about assisting Traditional Owners to share their knowledge, experience and wisdom of our natural environment with others.

Duane Fraser

A Wulgurukaba and Bidjara Traditional Owner, Duane Fraser has dedicated his career to the advancement of Traditional Owner-led governance and cultural authority across a vast array of sectors. As the CEO of the Council of First Nations, he spearheads the creation of a unified national body, amplifying the voices of First Nations organisations across Australia. His journey has included pivotal roles in government, research, tourism, and conservation, where he consistently champions Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship, blending policy expertise with cultural insight.

In addition to his current roles as Co-Chair of the Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO), Board Director at the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia, Deputy Chair of the National Environmental Science Program and a Leadership Group Member at the National Indigenous Environmental Research Network, Duane has previously held Board Member Positions on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Tourism & Events Queensland. He was elected as a AIATSIS Council member in 2021 and served as Chairperson of the Indigenous Advisory Committee EPBC Act, serving four Ministers over eight years.

Duane is a passionate advocate for the empowerment of Indigenous peoples globally, striving to protect their biocultural landscapes and ensure they have full and effective participation in all facets of public life. His life’s work is driven by a dedication to creating lasting, positive impact for Indigenous communities. As a father of a young daughter, he remains committed to a future where First Nations peoples hold full control over their own futures.

Tyronne Garstone

I am a Bardi man, Born in Broome on Yawuru Country, Western Australia. My country and people are extremely important to me.

My role as an advocate and leader within the community is something that I am both grateful for and passionate about.

I believe Indigenous knowledge and leadership are crucial to address globally acknowledged environmental challenges and I am committed to creating best practise models built through the foundation of free prior and informed consent.

This can be evidenced in projects like the Aboriginal Clean Energy partnership which will be the first 100% green energy, hydrogen, and ammonia export project in Australia to date and the development of the Tropical Savanna Emissions Prediction Tool.

I have spent most of my working life within the indigenous sector in areas such as employment and training, social and economic development, native title, indigenous leadership, and capacity building.

I am committed to supporting and speaking out on issues of importance for indigenous people and for developing frameworks that support and protect both our people and country.

As an example, we continue to work with both the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council, The Western Australian Government, and the broader community on the protection of the National Heritage listed Martuwarra Fitzroy River. Water Catchment and Management is integral to both our communities and environment.

Vania Komegi

Born and raised in Papua, Vania Komegi holds a Master’s degree in Urban Design and brings both academic expertise and deep local insight to her work. As Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at the EcoNusa Foundation, she leads and contributes to initiatives that promote environmental protection and safeguard the rights of Indigenous communities in Eastern Indonesia. Her passion lies in ensuring that development processes are inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in the lived experiences of local people. With a strong commitment to justice and ecological integrity, Vania works to connect grassroots realities with broader policy and advocacy efforts.

Vilta Lefaan

Vilta graduated from Pelita Harapan University in Surabaya with a Bachelor of Psychology and from Atma Jaya Catholic University in Yogyakarta with a Master of Administrative Law.

Her book, Psychology of Law Review’s on Child Rights was published in 2018.

Vilta has 7 years experience actively involved in community development for Papuan indigenous people with various NGOs throughout Raja Ampat, South Sorong, Timika, and Asmat. Vilta is Econusa’s Regional Coordinator of the Papua Bird Head area, also known as the crown jewel of Papua. Her role includes education, gender equality, community-based conservancy, and advocacy.

Vilta loves to reading and photography. Vilta founded Kambik Abhirama Semesta, an active youth community to contribute in children’s health and education at Alor NTT, Sorong, and Raja Ampa.

Vilta’s message for all Papuan’s is: we are the keepers of Papua, our motherland, for all life in Papua.

Craig North

A proud Bidjara man, Craig North has worked in Indigenous economic development and impact for 17+ years. He is currently an Executive Director at the Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation, an Indigenous-led enterprise dedicated to supporting a growing national network of Indigenous communities and practitioners in restoring and maintaining the health and well-being of Country and Community through traditional knowledge systems and land management practices.

Prior to this role, Craig founded Indigenous Impact to promote and support Indigenous impact investment opportunities for culture-based enterprises. He held various senior executive positions at the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, where he was responsible for national programs aimed at purchasing and returning land to Indigenous organisations across Australia and served as the CEO of the ILSC’s commercial agribusiness subsidiary from 2016 to 2020.

Craig has held non-executive director positions in the areas of native title and native foods and botanicals. He is currently a non-executive director of Resilience Canopy, First Australians Capital and a First Nations advisor with Mannifera.

Sarah Parriman

Sarah, a proud Yawuru and Jabirr Jabirr woman from the Kimberley, is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal advancement, self-determination and decision-making.

As the Deputy CEO of the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) – a peak Aboriginal representative body for Traditional Owners across the Kimberley – she plays a pivotal role in supporting the KLC’s corporate and cultural governance, strategic operations and their broader advocacy work.

Sarah brings nearly two decades of experience with the KLC, having grown into her current leadership role on the foundation of deep commitment to Aboriginal advancement, self-determination and decision making. Sarah has built a strong reputation as a leader who deeply understands the challenges and strengths of her community. Sarah believes that Aboriginal people and communities must self-determine how best to govern and enrich their own lives and knows great things can be achieved when our people and communities are involved in leading change.

In addition to her role at the KLC, Sarah serves as a Director on the Board of the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN).  In this capacity, she advocates for Indigenous rights in emerging carbon markets and emphasises the importance of positioning Traditional Owners as rights holders and leaders of these initiatives.  Sarah also serves as a Director on the Board of KRED Enterprises, a specialised provider of Aboriginal Engagement and Corporate Support Services, helping to realise KREDs vision in positioning Aboriginal people in the Kimberley to be part of the benefits of economic development as active participants. Supporting her People to be strong on country and to help them walk in two worlds.

Sarah is also a passionate advocate for women and young people.  In 2024 she helped launch the Kimberley Indigenous Women’s Ranger Strategy – a plan shaped by over 50 women rangers to support stronger, more sustainable roles for women in caring for country.  She believes deeply in making space for Aboriginal women in leadership and decision-making and works hard to open doors for the next generation.

Sarah’s dedication and leadership is shaped by her connection to Family and Country, a commitment to community and Aboriginal empowerment and self-determination.  She’s someone who listens deeply, leads with her values, and grounds herself in authenticity.

She is committed to forging genuine partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, focusing on mutual respect, understanding and knowledge sharing.  Working to foster meaningful opportunities for future generations, ensuring Aboriginal people’s rights for country, protection of country and culture and our vision for self-determination are sustained and enhanced.

Emma Pethybridge

Emma has worked in sustainable livelihoods and program design, strategy planning and management for over 20 years. She spent 10 years with the Indigenous Land & Sea Corporation (ILSC), leading teams supporting First Nations people to acquire and manage country and start land & sea-based enterprises. She also led the ILSC’s national environment, carbon and heritage team for a number of years. 

She is a member of the Fiji High Integrity Carbon Project Working Group,  a member of the RedR Humanitarian Roster in international development, and a Committee Member with Cradle Coast NRM in Tasmania. Emma has worked in North America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, including with Emirates-Nature-WWF, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Swisscontact Vietnam, Expo 2020 Dubai (Sustainability Pavilion), and the Museum of Vancouver.

In 2020, Emma started Ethical Republic, a Certified B Corporation that supports Indigenous and local communities to create cultural and nature-based enterprises alongside protected areas, heritage sites and trail destinations. She is also Founder of The Travel Better Project, which aims to inspire and enable tourism operators to take a positive impact approach in their business.

Emma is the General Manager of the Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce.

Arnold Sahanna

Chairperson of Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation and Wurlujaru Traditional Owner, committed to promoting the interests of his people, their Country, and cultural heritage.

Andry Sculthorpe

Andry is manager of the Country and Culture division of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre. A division that works across multiple  Land and Sea Indigenous Protected Areas, Aboriginal Ranger teams and includes the Palawa Kani Language program and pursuing repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural materials back to the Aboriginal community. Central to work of the TAC is the progression of self determination and strengthening  community structures that assist in Nation building through increased land return and culturally sound economic development. Andry is also a founding  Co Chair- of the Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation, an Aboriginal led organisation that works nationally to promote and restore Aboriginal cultural fire practice through working directly to support Aboriginal community leadership in communities.

Brydy McDonnell

Brydy McDonnell is Manager of Strategy and Operations at the Pollination Foundation, based in Naarm (Melbourne). Since 2021, she has played a key role in strengthening the Foundation’s systems and delivery, sitting at the junction of strategy and operations to connect people, governance, and impact. Working across functions, Brydy supports organisational effectiveness through coordinated approaches to operations, governance, compliance, and strategic projects—helping to ensure the Foundation is well-positioned to deliver its 2030 Strategy and long-term impact goals.

She brings experience across the not-for-profit and government sectors, having held a range of roles within the Queensland Department of Environment and Science. Her work spanned strategic and operational management of marine and terrestrial protected area programs, including the Great Barrier Reef Field Management Program and the Minjerribah Protected Area Expansion Strategy.