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Our People

The YSRC Group is made up of YSRC and its 3 Entities. The Board structure is as follows: 

Logo of Yamatu Southern Regional Corporation featuring a circular design with five stylized, multicolored crescent shapes arranged around concentric circles, with the text "YAMATJ" in large red letters and "Southern Regional Corporation" in smaller black letters below.

YSRC (8 Directors)

  • 4 Member Representative Directors 

  • 2 Yamatji Expert Directors (1x Trust and 1x Economic) 

  • 2 Independent Directors (1x trust and 1x Economic) 

Colorful logo featuring abstract shapes and circles with the word 'YEL' and the text 'Yamatji Enterprises Limited' beneath.

YEL (3 Directors)

  • 1 YSRC Yamatji Expert Economic Director 

  • 1 YSRC Independent Economic Director 

  • 1 External Independent Director 

Colorful abstract design with interconnected loops and dots, featuring the text 'YFML' in large blue letters and 'Yamatji Funds Management Limited' below.

YFML (2 Directors and 1 Temporary Appointment)

  • 1 YSRC Yamatji Expert Trust Director 

  • 1 YSRC Independent Expert Trust Director 

  • 1 YSRC Independent Expert Director (Temporary appointment)

Colorful, stylized aboriginal art design featuring concentric circles and semi-circular shapes, with the text 'BYAC' in orange, and 'Bundi Yamatji Aboriginal Corporation' beneath it.

BYAC (4 Directors)

  • 4 YSRC Member Representative Directors 

The YSRC Board Members

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    Gareth Ogilvie

    YSRC Chair & Member Representative Director
    2023 - November 2025

    Gareth Ogilvie is a Yamatji-Nanda man. Gareth is a graduate of the University of Melbourne and was previously admitted to practice as an Australian Lawyer at the Supreme Court of Victoria, Western Australia and the High Court of Australia.

    Gareth worked at the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department before moving on to work as a Native Title Lawyer at the Kimberly Land Council. Gareth is currently the Executive Officer for the Bardi and Jawi Niimidiman Prescribed Body Corporate in the West Kimberley, where he is working to build the cultural, physical, and economic capacity of the Bardi and Jawi Traditional Owners so that they can realise their distinctive relationship with their land and waters.

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    Raylene Bellottie

    YMFL Chair & YEL Yamatji Expert Economic Director
    2021 - November 2025

    Raylene Bellottie is a Nanda woman born and raised on Yamatji country.

    Raylene has developed an extensive network of business contacts over many years representing Aboriginal people. Raylene has more than 25 years’ experience in the banking and finance industry and is experienced with high level negotiations and project development.

    As a Business Coach she works to promote and secure opportunities for traditional owner groups throughout Western Australia.

    She is a Director of the First Nations Foundation for the past 9 years and has recently joined the Board of FACA. Raylene is an AICD Member.

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    Lorraine Whitby

    BYAC & Member Representative Director
    2021 - November 2025

    Lorraine Whitby is a respected Yamatji elder from Carnarvon and a valued member of our team. Over the decades, she has built extensive networks at regional, state, and national levels, which are invaluable in her role as a Community Member Director.

    With a strong background in native title and Aboriginal Affairs, she has witnessed significant historical changes and is committed to preserving cultural heritage. Lorraine remains deeply grateful for the support of the community and is dedicated to continuing to be your voice in advocating for our shared future.

  • A smiling man wearing a dark gray shirt with patch that reads Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation, standing outdoors against a bright sky.

    Ross Councillor

    BYAC Chair & Member Representative Director
    2023 - November 2025

    Ross is a senior Yamatji man and traditional Yamatji law man who is actively involved in his community.

    Ross has worked as a Heritage consultant working with resource companies across the claim area. Prior to that he worked for the WA Government Department for Child Protection for 30 years, becoming a Senior Aboriginal Advisor who was instrumental in the Prudence Ford Review that reshaped the department, how it interacted with Aboriginal people and revolutionized child protection in WA.

    Ross is a founding Director of Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC) and was part of the team that negotiated the groundbreaking ILUA for the Yamatji Nation.

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    Glenis Little

    BYAC & Member Representative Director
    2021 - November 2025

    Glenis Little is a Yamatji woman and has many years’ experience in native title processes and working in the health system on Yamatji country.

    During that time she has worked as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer for the WA Country Health Service and Geraldton Regional Hospital as well as working as the Indigenous Women Cancer Support Officer for the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service.

    Glenis is a Director of the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Corporation and Director for the Midwest Yamatji Music Aboriginal (MYMAI) First Nations Festival. She is a committee member of the Yamatji Marlpa Regional Committee and served for 20 years on the Amangu Native Title Working Group.

  • A man smiling, wearing a black polo shirt with a red and yellow logo and the words 'Oaks Civil Construction' on it.

    Jarrad Oakley Nicholls

    YEL Chair & Member Economic Expert Director
    2023 - November 2027

    Jarrad, a proud Yamatji Man, passionately champions community empowerment and support, dedicated to fostering growth and engagement among his people. As the 100% Owner of Oaks Civil Construction, his mission spans traffic management, civil construction, workforce labour hire, and comprehensive training across Western Australia's regions, including the Perth Metropolitan area.

    Jarrad embodies proactive leadership, demonstrating initiative and visionary direction while ensuring superior service to clients and employees. His expertise encompasses a diverse skill set essential for effective business management. With a focus on interpersonal skills, he excels in business development, relationship management, and influencing others.

    Jarrad's leadership is defined by a steadfast commitment not only to business success but also to uplifting the communities he serves and fostering positive change.

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    Peter Iancov

    YEL Independent Director
    2023 - 2026

    Peter Iancov brings extensive expertise to the YSRC board as an Independent Director. With over 28 years of experience in critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, mining, and defense, Peter has held significant leadership roles, such as CEO, Board Director, and Managing Director. Currently, at Jemena, he aligns the company’s strategic initiatives with shareholder goals, focusing on energy efficiency, reliability, and affordability.

    Concurrently, as Managing Director at Zinfra, Peter leads over 2,100 professionals in delivering premier services in project management, construction, and maintenance of vital energy infrastructure. His leadership is underpinned by a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, addressing complex energy infrastructure challenges and long-term service provisions.

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    Tony Cull

    YSRC Independant Director
    2025 - 2028

    Tony Cull is an experienced Non-Executive Director with over 25 years on boards across commercial, research, and not-for-profit sectors throughout Australia and Asia. With a strong background in manufacturing, agriculture, FMCG, retail, export, healthcare, and scientific research, Tony is recognised for his strategic leadership, governance expertise, and ability to help organisations navigate change and remain sustainable in dynamic markets.

    He brings deep capability in stakeholder engagement, risk management, and organisational resilience, underpinned by an MBA, CPA, and qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

    Tony is also a committed community advocate, actively supporting not-for-profit organisations that deliver meaningful social impact. His breadth of experience and values-driven approach make him a trusted advisor across a wide range of industries.

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    Michael Paarup

    YSRC & YEL Independant Director
    2025 - 2029

    Dr Michael Paarup is a global business optimisation expert with 25 years of leadership experience across five continents. He brings deep capability across strategy, legal, governance, finance, and major infrastructure delivery, complemented by executive roles as CEO, CFO, Project Director, and General Manager.

    A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and qualified lawyer, Michael holds a Doctorate, MBA, and BCom, along with professional credentials as a CPA, Project Management Professional, Barrister, Solicitor, and Company Director.

    His strength lies in solving complex problems, driving cultural change, and delivering sustained value. With a multi-sector perspective and global network, Michael leverages cross-disciplinary knowledge to improve performance and strategic outcomes.

    Also a lifelong learner and creative spirit, he balances his professional work with passions for sport, music, and travel.

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    Peter Evans

    YFML Independent Expert Trust
    2025 - 2029

    Peter is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Secretary, and experienced Non-Executive Director with over 45 years of corporate and commercial experience across Australia and internationally. A former stockbroker and investment banker, Peter has worked across both industrial and resource sectors, with expertise in finance, governance, risk management, corporate law, and equity capital markets.

    He brings strong leadership and a strategic approach to sustainable growth, aligning organisational goals with compliance and governance frameworks. His experience spans ASX-listed companies, private enterprises, not-for-profits, and local government, where he has contributed to structural reform, cultural change, and continuous improvement.

    Peter has held numerous board and committee roles, bringing deep insight into strategic planning, financial oversight, and business transformation through all phases of the economic cycle.

Meet Our Executive Team

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    Luka Gray

    YSRC Chief Executive Officer
    2024 - present

    Luka Gray is a proud Yamatji woman with a strong background in Aboriginal governance, community service, and strategic leadership. Her career began at age 15 as a school-based trainee with WA Police, where she was awarded the Aboriginal Police Service Medal. She later volunteered as secretary for Yamatji Patrol and went on to serve 15 years with WA Police.

    Luka transitioned into Indigenous governance roles, working with Yawuru PBC in Broome and contributing to national policy through the Australian National University’s First Nations Portfolio.
    She joined Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation in 2021 and quickly emerged as a key leader.

    Appointed General Manager in 2023 and CEO in 2024, Luka now leads the organisation with a focus on self-determination, community empowerment, and cultural integrity. Her leadership reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing the aspirations of the Yamatji Nation.

  • Travis McNaught

    YSRC Chief Commercial Officer
    2024

    Travis McNaught is a project and business development leader with deep experience in regional development, tourism, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. As Chief Commercial Officer at Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation, he is responsible for driving sustainable economic opportunities for the Yamatji Nation through enterprise development, investment, and strategic partnerships.

    With over a decade of experience in Karratha and strong family roots in Geraldton, Travis combines local insight with commercial acumen. He is passionate about creating long-term value for Traditional Owners and delivering outcomes that strengthen communities, support cultural connection, and build a more prosperous future across the Mid West and beyond.

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    Dr Peta Straiton

    YSRC Chief Heritage and Culture Officer
    2025

    Dr Peta Straiton is a heritage specialist with over 15 years of experience across field and academic settings. She holds a Doctorate of Archaeology and Tourism from Flinders University, awarded for her research into the sociocultural and economic value of maritime cultural heritage tourism sites.

    A member of the Australian Archaeological Association (AAA) and the Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology (AIMA), Peta has managed significant heritage projects and brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and cultural sensitivity. Originally from South Australia, she now leads YSRC’s Heritage and Culture team, where she works to support the protection, celebration, and continuation of Yamatji stories and places. Peta is passionate about collaborating with Traditional Owners and ensuring heritage remains a living, respected part of the Yamatji Nation's future.