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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.

Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation (YSRC)

8 Directors

  • 4 Member Representative Directors 

  • 4 Expert Directors:

    2 Member Expert Directors

    2 Non-Yamatji Nation Person Expert Directors

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.

Bundi Yamatji Aboriginal Corporation (BYAC)

4 Directors

  • 4 Member Representative Directors 

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

Yamatji Enterprises Limited (YEL)

3 Directors

  • 1 Member Expert Director 

  • 2 Non-Yamatji Nation Person Expert Directors

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

Yamatji Funds Management Limited (YFML)

3 Directors

  • 1 Member Expert Director  

  • 2 Non-Yamatji Nation Person Expert Directors 

The YSRC Board Members

  • A smiling man with short light brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a dark gray shirt, posed against a white background.

    Gareth Ogilvie

    YSRC Chair & Member Representative Director
    2023 - Conclusion of 2026 AGM

    Gareth is a Yamatji–Nanda man and a qualified lawyer admitted to practice in multiple jurisdictions across Australia. His experience spans native title law, policy, and Aboriginal governance, with a focus on aligning traditional decision-making structures with modern corporate frameworks to deliver sustainable outcomes for Traditional Owners.

    As Chair of YSRC, he has overseen significant governance reforms that strengthen transparency, accountability, and cultural authority across the Yamatji Nation group of entities. He is currently the Executive Officer of the Bardi Jawi Niimidiman PBC, and his leadership reflects a deep commitment to empowering Traditional Owners through strong governance, sustainable development, and self-determination.

  • 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 - Conclusion of 2026 AGM

    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.

  • 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 – Conclusion of 2027 AGM

    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.

  • Sheree Strauss

    YSRC Member Representative Director
    YSRC 2025 - Conclusion of 2029 AGM

    Sheree Strauss is a Nanda woman with close family connections to the Murchison House Station. Sheree lives and works on Nanda Country, bringing diverse experience across land management, cultural heritage, community development, governance, and legal support

    She is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Manager for Bush Heritage Australia, leading partnerships with Traditional Custodians, coordinating Heritage Surveys, and supporting conservation and land management across the Midwest and South West.

    Sheree has worked with the Queensland Parliamentary Service and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, where she received the Lisa Watson Memorial Award for her commitment to social justice.

    With skills strengthened further through more than a decade in small business, Sheree is dedicated to cultural integrity, strong governance, and positive community outcomes.

  • Rod Little

    YSRC Member Representative Director
    2025 - Conclusion of 2029 AGM

    Rod Little is a respected Wilunyu and Whadjuk man of the Yamatji and Nyoongar peoples, with more than three decades of significant leadership in public service, governance, cultural integrity, and First Nations advocacy both in Australia and internationally. Raised in Geraldton, he holds deep cultural knowledge and has served as a key negotiator in the Southern Yamatji ILUA and is a long-term representative on the Amangu Native Title Claimant Group.

    Rod’s career includes major executive roles in the public and not-for-profit sectors including  Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, Chair of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, and CEO of the ACT Aboriginal Justice Centre. As a co-owner and the Chairman of Burbangana Group, he continues to drive strong governance, leadership, and culturally informed engagement across communities, government, and industry.

    Rod is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a certified organisational coach and Hall of Fame Award Winner for Governance, Coaching and Empowerment at the World Indigenous Forum.

  • A middle-aged, bald man with light skin wearing a gray polo shirt with black collar and a small checkered pattern, posing against a plain white background.

    Peter Iancov

    YEL Independent Director
    2023 – Conclusion of 2026 AGM

    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.

  • Portrait of a middle-aged man wearing glasses, a dark checkered suit, a white shirt, and a polka dot tie, standing against a plain dark wall.

    Tony Cull

    YSRC Independent Director
    2025 - Conclusion of 2028 AGM

    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.

  • Smiling man with a shaved head wearing a dark pinstripe suit and light blue shirt.

    Michael Paarup

    YSRC & YEL Independent Director
    2025 - Conclusion of 2029 AGM

    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.

  • A middle-aged man with light skin, short light brown hair, and blue eyes, wearing a dark suit jacket, light blue shirt, and a striped tie, outdoors with trees in the background.

    Peter Evans

    YFML Independent Expert Trust
    2025 - Conclusion of 2029 AGM

    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.

  • Terry Hill

    YFML Independent Director
    2025 - Conclusion of 2029 AGM

    Terry is a dynamic and experienced leader with extensive executive, non-executive, and chair experience across government, industry, and the not-for-profit sector. With leadership background spanning more than three decades, he is committed to driving community progress, regional development, and economic opportunities.

    He currently serves as Chair of the Pilbara Development Commission and holds board roles in Aboriginal justice, agriculture, clean energy skills, and economic development. Recognised for his strategic focus and strong governance, Terry is known for building effective partnerships and engaging stakeholders.

    An MBA graduate, AICD Fellow, and Member of the Order of Australia (AM), he brings valued expertise to Yamatji Funds Management Limited.

  • Peter Harris

    YFML Yamatji Director
    2025 - Conclusion of 2029 AGM

    Peter Harris is a Yamatji Member and an experienced senior executive with a strong background in governance, Indigenous business development, operational leadership, and commercial strategy.

    He has held CEO, Deputy CEO, Executive Director, and Managing Director roles across Aboriginal-owned and community-focused organisations, supported by qualifications including an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Geology.

Meet Our Executive Team

  • A smiling man with short light brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a dark gray shirt, posed against a white background.

    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.

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing earrings, a necklace, a white blazer, and a floral blouse, smiling at the camera against a white background.

    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.