Nairm Marr Djambana board members

Jida McCartney
Chairperson
Jida is a proud Aboriginal man from the lands of the Yorta Yorta, Wotjobulak, Nari Nari and Boon Wurrung peoples.
Extensive experience working with young people in Out of Home Care, Project Management, Criminal Justice and in Family Violence.
Jida has worked across many different Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in Victoria. Jida is currently the Team Leader at Boorndawan Willam Healing Service for the Outer East Orange Door.
Jida is determined to ensure Aboriginal people have a right to self-determination. Jida is very passionate about helping improve better outcomes for mob especially in the Justice system.

Alan Johnson
Co Chair
Alan is a proud Gunditjmara man, whose people are the traditional Owners of Lake Condah, in Victoria’s far southwest.
Currently works for Dept of Education as a KESO (Koorie Engagement Support Officer)
Has worked across a number of roles in the Aboriginal Community in NSW and Victoria over many years, including teaching Aboriginal Studies at tertiary level, Training – delivering programs with specific Aboriginal content (both in-house and to external organisations), high-level Information Technology as a System Engineer, and providing guidance and mentoring to young Aboriginal people in his workplaces.

Kerry Strickland
Treasurer
Proud Wadi Wadi woman, First Nations people of the Illawarra region, NSW.
Registered Nurse currently employed at Frankston Hospital.
Small Business owner. Cultural Adviser with the Women’s Spirit Project.

Jamone Maynard
Secretary
Experienced children’s welfare and family violence practitioner.
Currently the Aboriginal Cultural Advisor for Child Protection in the Bayside Peninsula Area.
Also undertaking a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Deakin University.

Aunty Mai Katona
Board member
Ed. (Social Policy) and B.A. (Administration)
Educator (state, national and international levels). Also worked in administration, research and policy development
Chairperson of two Aboriginal Associations: Stolen Generation NT and Gagadju Association
Involved in the establishment of several Aboriginal Community organisations
Ministerial Advisor in the Tasmanian Government
Former Election Observer for United Nations, South Africa

Karen Gibbs
Board member
Jardwadjali woman from upper Wimmera river, east of the Grampians
Currently Foster Carer and Playgroup Facilitator.
Supports literacy in primary school.