Three eminent First Nations people have been appointed to the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).
Mr Darren Godwell has been appointed as Chair and Ms Leah Cameron and Ms Olga Havnen as Directors.
Indigenous Business Australia plays a critical role in advancing the economic independence of First Nations people through expert business advice, tailored finance solutions and investment initiatives that empower individuals and businesses.
The new appointees bring extensive expertise from different First Nations communities across the country and from sectors including business, finance, law, trade and investments.
- Mr Darren Godwell (Chair): A Kokoberren man from north Queensland, Mr Godwell is Chief Executive Officer of i2i Global, an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led advisory company. Mr Godwell has extensive business experience in fields such as investment and trade, tourism, resources, education, health, housing, legal affairs and international development. He was made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs in 2022 for advancing Indigenous interests in trade and investment and serves on the Indigenous Advisory Group at NAB.
- Ms Leah Cameron (Director): A Palawa woman from Tasmania and the Managing Director and Principal Solicitor of Marrawah Law, Ms Cameron specialises in property law (including native title and cultural heritage) and commercial law. With experience in government, representative bodies and private practice, she serves as Indigenous expert on the Australian Heritage Council.
- Ms Olga Havnen (Director): A Western Arrernte woman, Ms Havnen grew up in Tennant Creek and has significant board experience as Director of the Justice Reform Initiative and previously as a director of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Clontarf Foundation and Stars Foundation. Ms Havnen has also had leadership roles in important community-facing organisations, including CEO of the Danila Dilba Health Service.
The Albanese Government acknowledges and thanks outgoing Chair Mr Eddie Fry and Directors Ms Shirley McPherson and Mr Richard Allert AO, for their leadership and dedication to IBA over the past decade, and Mr Richard Callaghan for his contributions during his 3-year tenure.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The new Board members bring to IBA a wide range of skills and lived experience that reflects the diversity of First Nations Australia - from finance to community health, from small communities to big cities.
“That diversity will contribute to IBA’s ongoing efforts to support First Nations people to realise their aspirations and build sustainable economic futures.
“I congratulate Mr Darren Godwell, Ms Leah Cameron and Ms Olga Havnen on their appointments.”