Bio

Alice Tamang is a Dharug woman with a breadth of experience working across diverse contexts in Australia and internationally. Her career spans roles in community development, program design, technical advisory, and operations management. Alice’s work is grounded in her commitment to amplifying Indigenous leadership, breaking down structural barriers, and promoting the excellence and unique skills of First Nations Australians.

Alice has led the development of First Nations frameworks for development programs and serves as a technical advisor on multiple Australian Government-funded initiatives. Her successes in the international development sector include co-designing and establishing the Indigenous Pathways Program at the Australian Volunteers Program, which has been highlighted as an example of good practice in Australia’s International Development Policy. She has also designed and implemented Indigenous knowledge exchange projects in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Nepal, and Bangladesh, empowering communities to address shared challenges through collaboration and mutual learning.

Working across all levels -from grassroots community, to diplomatic and ministerial - Alice combines cultural safety, locally led approaches, and cross-cultural competence to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Motivation

When I first started working in the international development sector, I only knew of two other First Nations professionals working in our sector, and it was a bit lonely and intimidating without other mob to connect with. Over time I came to know others working I the space and more and more people also took up roles in development. I really value the connections I’ve built with others working in the sector and these relationships have been so important - not only for my professional development, but also for enjoying my work and feeling supported.

I feel proud to be one of the founding members of AFNAD. In 2022 a small group of us came together to form the Association, and over the years it’s grown into something really special - a space where we can support each other, share ideas, and create meaningful change. I’ve held the Operations role on the committee for the past two years, where I’ve focused on a lot of the behind-the-scenes work, including setting up our back-end systems, designing and managing the website, opening our bank account and contributing to our advocacy, as we worked to convince DFAT to provide us with funding.

These have been significant milestones, and I believe we’re now at a critical point in AFNAD’s journey - where strong operational systems, sustainable funding, and ongoing commitment are all essential to our growth. I see AFNAD as a valuable platform for connection, collaboration, and advocacy. Most importantly it’s a platform that aims to support First Nations people working in development and helps ensure our voices and perspectives are embedded in policy and practice.

I’d love the opportunity to continue contributing to the committee and supporting AFNAD’s next phase.

Bio

Allan Sarago-Ah Kee is a Bundaburra Yidinji/Western Yalanji, Kuku Yalanji, Yidinji, Waanji and Gugu Yimithirr man from Cairns, Far North Queensland.   

Allan recently joined Social Ventures Australia as an Analyst. Allan has a strong background in strategy, leadership capability building, and transformation across both the social sector and private sector.

Prior to joining SVA, Allan worked as an Analyst at Abt Global in the domestic team which mainly worked on evaluations in the social service and health sectors. Prior to that, Allan was a Consultant at Ernst and Young (EY) in the Infrastructure Advisory team where he worked across government agencies and corporate entities across various sectors.

Motivation

I am interested in serving on the Committee because I am passionate about creating more inclusive, effective, and culturally responsive systems, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at home and abroad. As a proud First Nations man from Cairns, I bring a deep cultural perspective and lived experience that grounds my approach to systems change.

I have worked in both the social and private sectors, gaining experience in strategy, change management, and evaluation. At organisations like Social Ventures Australia, Abt Global, and Ernst & Young, I’ve built strong skills in analysis and problem-solving. I’ve helped government departments, businesses, and not-for-profits across areas like health, infrastructure, and social services to achieve positive and meaningful results.

Joining this Committee would be an opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully to decision-making that shapes outcomes for AFNAD, while also continuing to grow my leadership and governance capabilities. It aligns strongly with my long-term goal of driving systemic change through collaboration and towards achieving true reconciliation. I believe my combination of cross sector expertise, strategic insight, and cultural knowledge will allow me to add unique value to the Committee’s work moving forward towards a brighter tomorrow.

Bio

Connor is a Dharug man and an international development practitioner, currently working at DFAT managing Australia’s partnership with the World Food Programme. He has an aptitude for project management with sectoral expertise in governance, health, disability, gender-based violence and Indigenous development. He thinks and works politically to deliver strong analysis and effective, adaptable programming, with an emphasis on building consensus amongst competing interests.

Motivation

I am interested in joining the Committee to build the scope and sustainability of AFNAD. AFNAD is a great networking platform for existing practitioners but it should also be a strong supporter to those seeking to enter the international development field. To do this and expand the scope of our activities, AFNAD will need a reliable funding pipeline. I would like to lend my program management experience to work with the committee on a fundraising strategy that builds our sustainability whilst protecting our independence. In 2021, I worked closely with colleagues to help launch Australia’s Indigenous Diplomacy Agenda (before AFNAD was established). This experience taught me two important lessons: first, proper reform will only work if it is driven and led by our mob; and second, there aren’t many of us working in international development so we must work closely. Now AFNAD is established and its ability to influence government, NGOs and managing contractors is growing, I see it as the leading body for advancing reforms. We must cherish this valuable platform and grow its scope to continue delivering real impact, not just for our members but the nations and communities we represent.

Bio

David is a senior development practitioner experienced in the design, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) of aid programs across the Indo-Pacific. He has provided technical advisory services to a diverse range of regional stakeholders, including DFAT, MFAT, USAID, the World Bank, ACIAR, and Pacific CROP agencies. His expertise spans critical sectors such as climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience, clean energy, governance, agriculture, nature-based solutions, gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), and Indigenous engagement.

As a founding member of AFNAD, David has served as President since late 2023. In this role, he has successfully established the organisation’s internal mentoring program and led significant engagements with external stakeholders. He has worked with DFAT to create pathways for First Nations development practitioners, providing guidance for integrating their experiences into development programs. David’s leadership and commitment to these initiatives reflect his dedication to enhancing the impact of AFNAD and ensuring that the voices of First Nations stakeholders are central to development efforts.

Motivation

I am nominating myself to continue as President of the AFNAD Committee, a role I have proudly held since late 2023 after co-founding the organisation in 2022. My leadership has primarily focused on establishing AFNAD as a legal entity, ensuring our independence, cultural safety, and sustainability. I have actively promoted our network at sectoral conferences, building support and expanding our membership base while leading our engagement with external stakeholders. This dedication culminated in securing AFNAD's first external round of funding, marking a significant milestone for our organisation.

We now find ourselves at a crucial juncture in our development. With the recent funding from DFAT, I am eager to leverage these resources to create a clear strategic path forward. This funding presents a fantastic opportunity to bring our members together in person and to offer valuable learning and professional development opportunities.

Establishing AFNAD has been a rewarding journey, with our committee dedicating significant behind-the-scenes effort to lay a strong foundation. With this new funding, it would be my privilege to lead us into our next phase, prioritising activities that truly benefit our members.

I remain committed to ensuring that our committee functions effectively and aligns with our objectives, enhancing the value we provide to our members and strengthening our network for years to come. Thank you for considering my nomination for a second term as President.

Bio

Jenna is the Senior Project Manager for International Development at Ninti One Limited, where she leads an international portfolio focused on First Nations participation and partnerships in Australia’s international development programming. A proud Wiradjuri woman, Jenna has extensive experience in technical advisory and project management with the government, the private sector, and not-for-profit organisations across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Through her work on Pacific and Southeast Asia-based programs, Jenna has developed a strong passion for strengthening cultural connections between First Nations Australians and neighbouring countries in areas including clean energy, infrastructure, justice, social protection, health and more.

Jenna is a founding member of AFNAD and has served as Vice-President since its establishment. She holds a Bachelor of Development Studies from the University of Newcastle, is currently completing a Master of Sustainability at Deakin University and sits on the Australian Government’s Youth Advisory Council for International Climate Change.

Motivation

I am nominating myself for re-election to the role of Vice-President, which I have proudly held since the establishment of AFNAD. As a co-founder, it has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and direction of AFNAD alongside our dedicated committee and members.

AFNAD plays an important role in creating space for First Nations voices within the international development sector. It offers our members a culturally safe platform to connect, grow, and lead while also influencing sector-wide policy, practice, and inclusion. I believe in the importance of this work and see many opportunities to strengthen our impact for our people and members.

Over the past term, I’ve been especially committed to elevating the voices of our emerging leaders and young professionals. In a second term, I would be excited to expand our mentoring initiatives and professional learning sessions, helping to build a strong and supported pipeline of First Nations professionals in international development.

I understand the responsibilities of the Vice-President role which is supporting the President, contributing to strategic direction, and representing the voices of our members. I bring strong leadership, sector experience, and a collaborative mindset to the role, and I am committed to advancing AFNAD’s purpose and values.

Bio

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