The Alliance is a peak body by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, uniting the Indigenous employment and training sector.
We are committed to supporting stronger outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers and learners, supporting the growth and impact of the employment and training sector.
Our Story
The Alliance was born from a shared vision to address critical gaps in support, advocacy, and representation within the Indigenous employment and training sector.
In 2023, at a historic national gathering on Gadigal Country, over 50 leaders, representing regions from the Pilbara to Brisbane and Torres Strait to Western Sydney, came together with one shared purpose: to improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This pivotal moment laid the foundation for The Alliance — a united force dedicated to empowering businesses, amplifying Indigenous voices, and driving systemic change to reshape the future of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment landscape.
Our Vision
A world where Indigenous people are self-reliant, valued and enjoy economic prosperity.
Our Mission
To revolutionise the employment landscape by empowering the Indigenous employment and training sector to create sustainable impact for Indigenous people.
Our Purpose
To support the growth and impact of the Indigenous employment and training sector, contributing to closing the gap in employment & training outcomes.
Our Values
Our Team
Owned by our members, we are governed by an Indigenous Board of Directors and led by our Indigenous CEO, ensuring our leadership is authentic and focused on our communities.
The Alliance’s governance structure is founded on principles of trust, respect, and empowerment, with our Board being elected by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and training sector.
Our Board of Directors is based on representation across Australia split into three regions:
- 3 elected Directors from the Western Region (Western Australia)
- 3 elected Directors from the Central Region (Northern Territory and South Australia)
- 3 elected Directors from the Eastern Region (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory).
Matt Clarke (Chair)
CEO Yilabara
Eastern Region
Matt Clarke (Chair)
CEO Yilabara
Eastern Region
Matt, a proud Ngunnawal man from the Far South Coast of NSW, became the inaugural CEO of Yilabara in 2020. With over 20 years of experience in employment services and Aboriginal health, he has worked in the not-for-profit sector, including as Deputy CEO of the National Employment Services Australia (NESA) and National Executive Manager for Campbell Page.
A passionate advocate for Aboriginal employment and economic development, Matt has spoken on these issues both domestically and internationally. He has led several national Closing the Gap projects focused on employment services, capacity building, mental health, and remote school attendance.
Matt values collaboration and adopts a solution-oriented mindset, firmly believing in the power of teamwork and a thoughtful, measured approach. He ensures that discussions always transition smoothly from identifying challenges to exploring effective solutions.
Matt is the current co-chair of the Minister of Indigenous Affairs First Nations Reference Group (FNRG) and Deputy Chair of Birribee Housing, working on Aboriginal Community housing initiatives.
Letitia Rainbow
Co-CEO Bynoe CACS
Eastern Region
Letitia Rainbow (Kutrijar)
Co-CEO Bynoe CACS
Eastern Region
Letitia is a proud Kutrijar woman. Appointed Co-CEO of Bynoe Community Advancement Co-Operative Society Limited (CACS) in 2021, Letitia brings a strong track record of guiding organisations in areas such as community development and native title.
Letitia holds a Certificate IV in Community Housing, a Certificate IV in Frontline Management, and a Diploma in Local Government Administration. She is also certified in Drug and Alcohol testing, demonstrating her broad skill set.
With a passion for advocating for Indigenous communities and promoting sustainable development, Letitia is committed to making a lasting impact in her field.
Fiona Jose
Group, Chief Executive, Cape York Partnership
Eastern Region
Fiona Jose
Group, Chief Executive, Cape York Partnership
Eastern Region
Fiona Jose belongs to Kuku Yalanji and Zenadth Kes peoples of Cape York and the Torres Straits, with deep connections to Wujal Wujal and Badu and is Chief Executive of the Cape York Partnership Group – a First Nations organisation driving a comprehensive reform agenda tackling entrenched disadvantage and improving the lives of Indigenous families in Cape York.
Fiona oversees the Group’s 10 entities and businesses, including the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, two schools Djarragun College and the Cape York Girl Academy, Cape York Employment, a landscape and construction company, a health clinic, a digital financial empowerment platform and more. CYP employs 350 people, 65% of whom are First Nations. Fiona is the strategy lead on a pipeline of policy innovation from design to implementation, informed by rich on-ground experience and practice.
She is one of 10 First Nations leaders at the cutting edge of the pioneering national Empowered Communities reform initiative that is shifting Governments from the failing status-quo approach to a system focused on productivity and development outcomes.
Her passion for education, employment and economic development of the region has seen her launch initiatives, such Mayi Market – to deliver fresh food to remote communities at fair prices and Work Opportunity Network – to create learn or earn pathways for high school graduates. Under her leadership, CYP has taken a dogged approach to tackling high rates of entrenched unemployment through job creation and is on track to achieve 300 jobs in 3 years.
Neil Fong
Director Job Pathways
Western Region
Neil Fong
Director Job Pathways
Western Region
Neil is a Yawuru man from Broome, also with cultural ties to the Ngarluma group in the Pilbara. He has over 25 years of experience in senior management across government, non-government, and private sectors. Neil specialises in health, aging, and human services, with expertise in policy evaluation, service development, resource allocation, and training.
Neil has extensive experience in First Nations stakeholder engagement, particularly in health, justice, disability, and community development. He is a joint owner of a consulting company and Director of Jobs Pathways and the Wirrum Dawung Pty. Neil has participated in the review of the Community Development Program through the National Indigenous Australians Agency and has worked with national First Nations representative bodies, advising governments and service providers.
Neil holds a Bachelor of Laws from The University of Western Australia and has served as Director of the Office of Aboriginal Health WA, overseeing Indigenous health program implementation. As Assistant Commissioner in the Department of Correction, he has jointly developed programs to support First Nations prisoners’ reintegration. Additionally, Neil has led Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Prescribed Body Corporates, focusing on local employment and service delivery.
Gayden Carey
Director Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation
Western Region
Gayden Carey
Director Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation
Western Region
Gayden is an Aboriginal man from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, from the Yinhawangka and Banjima tribes. He maintains a deep connection to his heritage, actively practicing his law and culture while fostering a strong sense of community.
Raised in the Pilbara, Gayden was immersed in the rich traditions, stories, and values of his people. This upbringing has shaped his profound respect for his cultural heritage and his unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting it for future generations.
In his role as Business Manager at the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation (AAC), Gayden has led strategic initiatives focused on community development and economic empowerment. With a background in heavy vehicle fitting, Gayden understands the transformative potential of quality training and employment opportunities. As a Director at AAC, he works collaboratively with government agencies and private sector partners to establish partnerships that drive tangible benefits for his communities.
Cameron Miller
CEO Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation
Central Region
Cameron Miller
CEO Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation
Central Region
Cameron Miller is the Chief Executive Officer at Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation, a leading Aboriginal Investment corporation based in Alice Springs. He has been actively involved in corporate, retail and business management across Central Australia for over 25 years and has been recently appointed as the Chairperson of Outback Stores Pty Ltd, a wholly owned Commonwealth company which is currently under the Prime Minister and Cabinet Portfolio.
Cameron brings significant years of experience from remote communities and regional environments, with particular experience in advocacy, leadership, management and accounting.
Cameron has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that are available to remote communities and their residents. More recently Cameron has been working in the areas of economic and community development, social enterprise, and service deliveries.
Ganygulpa Dhurrkay
Acting Deputy Chairperson Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation
Central Region
Ganygulpa Dhurrkay
Acting Deputy Chairperson Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation
Central Region
Ganygulpa Dhurrkay is a respected traditional owner representative for the Milingimbi community. She is a Director of the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) and is the Chairperson for ALPA’s enterprise, Manapan Furniture.
Additionally, Ganygulpa works as a cultural facilitator for the East Arnhem Land Youth Model working group, providing invaluable support in language interpreting services. A devout Christian, she is also an active member of the local choir, demonstrating her commitment to both cultural and spiritual life.
Rick Callaghan
Director Regional Anangu Services Aboriginal Corporation
Central Region
Rick Callaghan
Director Regional Anangu Services Aboriginal Corporation
Central Region
Richard (Rick) Callaghan is an Aboriginal man who grew up in Tennant Creek in Northern Territory. Rick has family links to the Potawurutj or Tatiara Aboriginal groups from South Australia.
He is an experienced company executive and non-executive director in the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors including the IBA Board, several First Nations Trusts and is the Chairman of Rural Remote Mental Health Ltd and is an experienced and certified management consultant and managing director. Rick is the Chairman and Principal owner of the Yaran Business Group, including TQCSI Yaran an ISO certification business. He is also a registered Examiner and Administrator for the Office for the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations.
Kylie Penehoe
CEO
Kylie Penehoe is a proud Wonnarua and Wiradjuri woman driven by a commitment to advancing positive social outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Leveraging her experience across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, she integrates business strategies to develop social impact initiatives.
As an accomplished executive leader, Kylie specialises in strategies, program design, business development and media and communications.
By partnering with us, you’ll help strengthen Indigenous businesses and communities, creating social and economic benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workforce.
Join us.
Together we will make lasting change.