WHO WE ARE
About Us
Yarpa is a one-stop-shop for First Nations businesses, industry and community. Our purpose is to strengthen the First Nations Business Sector. We’re making sure leaders and communities collaborate without barriers. No fluff—just hands-on support, robust networks, and resources for real results.
WHO WE ARE
About Yarpa
Yarpa is a partnership between the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and the Australian Government.
Established in 2018 under the Indigenous Business Sector Strategy (IBSS), Yarpa is a one-stop-shop for First Nations businesses, industry and community. We build relationships and connect First Nations people to business and employment opportunities across NSW. We empower market leaders to break down barriers to engage effectively with First Nations businesses, communities and people. We provide our members access to a full range of free support services, networks and resources.
Based in Liverpool, our statewide coverage ensures First Nations people have access to their fair share of economic opportunities arising from the once-in-a-generation infrastructure spend. This extensive reach allows us to support and empower First Nations communities throughout NSW, significantly impacting regions that benefit most from these opportunities.
OUR PURPOSE & VISION
What We Do
At Yarpa, we are driven by a clear vision and purpose aimed at empowering First Nations people and communities. Our approach is not just about growth, but about enabling self-determination and prosperity through enhanced capabilities, meaningful connections, and a deep understanding of culture. We strive to be a comprehensive support system for First Nations individuals and businesses across NSW, dedicated to helping them start, sustain, and expand. We’re not just a service; we’re a partner that walks alongside you every step of the way.
Vision (Why): First Nations people and communities are empowered to thrive and determine their own futures.
Purpose (How): To strengthen the First Nations business sector and contribute to socio-economic prosperity through capability, connection, and culture.
We empower First Nations people and communities to thrive and determine their own futures. We do this by strengthening the First Nations business sector and contributing to socio-economic prosperity through capability, connection, and culture. We provide a one-stop shop for First Nations people wanting to start, sustain or grow their business in NSW. We believe in walking with you.
WHAT MATTERS
Our Values
At Yarpa, our values are the cornerstone of our identity and operations. They define how we interact, make decisions, and ultimately drive our success in supporting the First Nations business sector. Each value is carefully chosen to ensure we uphold our commitment to integrity, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Here are the core values that guide us every day:
Passionate Dedication: Our deep commitment fuels our purpose and is our driving force, propelling us to champion the First Nations business sector with unwavering determination.
Relationship-Focused Teamwork: Teamwork goes beyond collaboration; it’s a strategic alliance. Our focus on fostering meaningful relationships forms the foundation for our success.
Truthful Transparency: Transparency underpins our integrity. We operate openly and honestly, building trust through genuine interactions with First Nations people and businesses, industry partners, and our communities.
Value Creation: Creating value is at the core of Yarpa. We are dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that every service and connection contributes tangible value to the First Nations Business Sector.
WAYS TO SHOW
We Live Our Values
At Yarpa, our values are more than just words—they guide everything we do. Here’s how we live out our commitment to the First Nations business sector and beyond, ensuring our actions consistently reflect our core principles:
COMMUNICATION
At Yarpa, we passionately communicate our values through words and actions, ensuring a shared commitment to the advancement of First Nations businesses, industry, and community through our one-stop-shop, the Yarpa Hub.
FOLLOW THROUGH (ACCOUNTABILITY)
Accountability is fundamental at Yarpa, delivering on our promises and reinforcing our values in daily operations as we build relationships and connect First Nations people to business and employment opportunities across NSW.
GOVERNANCE & SYSTEMS
At Yarpa, we value strong governance and systems that are integral to decision-making ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of services that empower First Nation businesses, community and market leaders.
CHAMPION OTHERS
At Yarpa, we celebrate and champion individuals and businesses who embody our values and actively contribute to strengthening the First Nations business sector fostering a positive, values-driven culture.
WAYS TO SHOW
We Live Our Values
At Yarpa, our values are more than just words—they guide everything we do. Here’s how we live out our commitment to the First Nations business sector and beyond, ensuring our actions consistently reflect our core principles:
COMMUNICATION
At Yarpa, we passionately communicate our values through words and actions, ensuring a shared commitment to the advancement of First Nations businesses, industry, and community through our one-stop-shop, the Yarpa Hub.
FOLLOW THROUGH (ACCOUNTABILITY)
Accountability is fundamental at Yarpa, delivering on our promises and reinforcing our values in daily operations as we build relationships and connect First Nations people to business and employment opportunities across NSW.
GOVERNANCE & SYSTEMS
At Yarpa, we value strong governance and systems that are integral to decision-making ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of services that empower First Nation businesses, community and market leaders.
CHAMPION OTHERS
At Yarpa, we celebrate and champion individuals and businesses who embody our values and actively contribute to strengthening the First Nations business sector fostering a positive, values-driven culture.
OUR PEOPLE
The Yarpa Team
At Yarpa, our team is driven by a shared vision and common values. Each member is committed to walking alongside our clients, supporting them at every step of their journey towards starting, sustaining, or growing their business. We are professionals dedicated to making a difference and are proud to contribute to the prosperity of First Nations communities across NSW.
SHANNON MALLISON | WIRADJURI
Director
With close to two decades of experience devoted to advancing and empowering First Nations communities, Shannon brings a wealth of expertise to her role as the Yarpa Hub Director. Shannon is dedicated to the economic progression of First Nations people.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Economic Empowerment
- Building Trust and Respect
JES LILLIS
Procurement Support Specialist
With over 20 years of diverse business experience, Jes’ rich career spans retail, hospitality, sales, domestic and international tourism and now business coaching. Her bubbly energy and friendly approach compliments her knack for relationship building and networking.
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Business Support and Operations
- Adaptable Problem Solving
WAYNE METTERS | DARKINJUNG
Business Coach
Boasting three decades of dedicated experience as a seasoned business coach within the finance industry, Wayne enriches the Yarpa team with a multifaceted career. His extensive background encompasses business coaching, financial acumen, and stakeholder empowerment, providing valuable insights for the team’s success.
- Business Coaching
- Financial Acumen
- Stakeholder Empowerment
MARIAH REDMOND | YUIN & WONNARUA
Business Coach
With experience across the NSW government, business development, stakeholder engagement, and working with Mob. Mariah is passionate about supporting Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs to grow, build confidence, and explore new opportunities. With a degree in Tourism Management and a strong interest in business development, she brings a practical and people-focused approach to supporting businesses at different stages of their journey.
She enjoys working alongside people to understand their goals, navigate opportunities, and bring their ideas to life. She values genuine relationships and creating opportunities for our mob and Aboriginal businesses to thrive.
- Connecting people, ideas and opportunities
- Relationship building
- Stakeholder and Community Engagement
RAY JOHNSON | DARUG
Industry Relationships Manager
A strategic leader who brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and organisational development to Yarpa. Ray’s proven track record in building partnerships and driving financial performance positions him to create valuable connections across industries for Aboriginal enterprises.
- Strategic Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Business Development
ALEX SANDERSON | WIRADJURI
Business Coach
Alex brings expertise across strategy, operations, procurement, and supply chain systems to the Yarpa Hub team. With 10+ years’ corporate experience and an MBA from UNSW, he has built a strong foundation in commercial strategy, operational improvement, and business transformation.
At Yarpa, Alex supports Indigenous businesses through procurement, sourcing, supplier management, and operational scalability, with a focus on improving price competitiveness, strengthening value propositions, and building sustainable and resilient business systems for long-term growth.
- Strategy, Operations & Supply Chain
- Procurement & Commercial Transformation
- Indigenous Enterprise Development
KALEASHA PATTEL | NGUNNAWAL
Project Support Officer
Kaleasha brings a dynamic combination of organisational capability, practical experience, and a strong commitment to community outcomes to Yarpa. In her role as Project Support Officer, she supports the successful delivery of projects through effective coordination, administration and stakeholder engagement.
With a background in customer service and business administration, combined with her dedication to Indigenous community advancement, Kaleasha plays an important role in supporting initiatives that create meaningful opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to positive outcomes for First Nations communities.
- Project Coordination
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Business Administration
NICOLE TILDESLEY
Operations Manager
With over 17 years in the Waste Transport Industry, Nicole adds a wealth of expertise to Yarpa’s Operations Team. Her multifaceted background in operations management, fleet coordination, administration and entrepreneurial ventures ensures strategic excellence and effective leadership within the team. Her proven ability to implement streamlined processes and develop operational systems drives continuous improvement across the entire Yarpa team.
- Operations Management
- Team Leadership
- Systems & Automation
KASEY PRENDERGAST | GOMEROI
Senior Programs Officer
With 17 years of successful small business ownership, Kasey’s extensive entrepreneurial experience and deep cultural connections position her perfectly to support Indigenous business development across all projects and programs. Her commitment to community empowerment and business excellence aligns with Yarpa’s purpose to create meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal enterprises.
- Business Development Expertise
- Project Management
- Community Engagement
OUR PARTNERS
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