Our Committee Members

"I’m passionate about employment and ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people are given the opportunity to move from poverty to empowerment using the tools of education and employment training programs…"

Jeremy Donovan descends from the Kuku-Yalanji tribe of far Northern Queensland. He is one of Australia’s most celebrated keynote speakers and performers. His exceptional skill with the didgeridoo and extensive knowledge of his cultural heritage has earned him the recognition of his peers as a master storyteller and performer. Jeremy draws on his personal experiences of adversity and his expertise to speak about Indigenous disparities. He is truly passionate about elevating the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “The culture and the wisdom of this country does not belong to us as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, it belongs to US as Australians.” Jeremy worked as the spokesperson and National Development Director for Generation One and, in 2014, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer to lead the campaign and end disparity through employment. In September 2015, he stood down from the role to pursue his own business, ‘Walking with Wisdom’, a consultancy that engages with Government, corporates and the community. Working with youth is one of Jeremy’s great passions. He travels to both remote and urban communities working with youth development. Jeremy’s work with youth is based on building self-esteem, self-worth, and gaining a greater understanding of Identity, the same battle Jeremy once faced. His message is powerful, purpose-based and straightforward.

"The ultimate goal in this sector is to enable students to gain qualifications for a range of employment streams and specific skills to help them in the workplace."

Kris is the Co-Founder, Director and Finance Manager of Progressive Training Pty Ltd, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) based in Geraldton, Western Australia, that provides a quality endorsed, national Training and consultancy service. The training organisation was founded in 1997 by herself, her husband and a couple of friends who believed in the vision of providing quality training experiences and opportunities in Western Australia. The company has been trading for 24 years and offers quality services such as training courses and consultancy services in system auditing and resource development. About five years ago, Kris and her husband ventured into the child care business by founding the Early Explorers Learning Centre (EELC) in Geraldton. She is both a Director and Finance Manager at the childcare centre. Kris says the experience of being a mother of four and grandmother of 4 grandsons motivated her to start a business that caters for the individual needs of young children, families and the community. She advocates for a community that offers a safe, nurturing and natural environment where children can develop a sense of self and belonging. Kris holds a Diploma of Management and a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education Care. Her interests outside work are spending time with my family, riding my 2 horses and taking care of them and her border collie puppy.