Leadership Team

Nathan was honoured as the Business Person of the Year 2024 by the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Originally from the Northern Territory, Nathan has had an interesting career across a number of sectors, closely aligned with Indigenous affairs.

Assuming his role in 2019, Nathan has been a driving force behind the organisation's journey towards self-determination, sustainable development, and financial independence. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering growth and empowerment within the Djarindjin community and the wider Dampier Peninsula.

In 2024 DAC received the prestigious Indigenous Governance Award recognising outstanding governance and its role as a model of self-determination and economic sustainability. Nathan's commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting economic prosperity has earned him widespread recognition. He attributes this success to the dedication and hard work of his team, whose innovation and commitment have been integral to the organisation's achievements. Nathan's vision and dedication continue to inspire his team to strive for excellence and community empowerment.

A proud Bardi/Jawi woman, Desarae took on the role of the Chief Operations Officer in 2025.

Growing up in One Arm Point and living across remote and semi-remote locations throughout Australia, Desarae understands first-hand the strengths, challenges, and resilience of our communities. This lived experience continues to guide her leadership and keeps her grounded in the needs of our people.

Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening community services, improving operational systems, and supporting sustainable growth across complex organisations. With a strong background in clinical care and leadership, Desarae is passionate about driving meaningful outcomes, building capable and culturally grounded teams, and ensuring community needs remain at the centre of every decision.

She has worked across both government and not-for-profit organisations, gaining deep insight into the opportunities and pressures that shape remote community operations. Desarae remains committed to delivering high-quality services and supporting positive, long-term change across the region.

“Everything I do is for the people — our community, our culture, and our future.”

Originally from the UK Karl and Georgia are both qualified chefs with extensive experience in hospitality in Australia and abroad. After starting their family, Georgia began a career in accounting and finance, while Karl continued in the hospitality industry and together they opened their own successful restaurant in Queensland.

Needing a sea change, and new challenges, they started work on new mine site near Gladstone, Qld. Karl was the Catering Manager and Georgia was the Assistant Site manager looking after a camp of 1700 personal and 100 staff.

After 3 years they relocated to WA where they ran a number of large and successful operations including the roadhouses at Fitzroy Crossing and Nullarbor. Karl and Georgia enjoyed the challenges they faced working remotely and felt that they wanted meaningful work to make a difference.

They moved again, this time to the NT working for, ALPA. They took on the management of 3 ALPA stores over a 3.5 year period including one of the biggest in the NT, training and mentoring indigenous employees. From there they moved here to Djarindjin.

Karl and Georgia’s vision is to work, train and mentor their team gaining, job satisfaction seeing the teams grow, learn and look to their future.

Brian Lee is the Chairman of the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation and has served this organisation in some capacity for about 25 years. His vision is to build a better future for his people, the Bardi Jawi mob, and to bring about sustainable employment and capacity to deliver programs and services to the community of Djarindjin and the wider Dampier Peninsula. Brian has achieved success and a level of recognition in the broader community as he runs a successful tour business operating from the Djarindjin Roadhouse.

Debbie has a long history of serving on the DAC Board. After a 2 year hiatus she returned to the Board in 2025. She has been a staff member of DAC, in various capacities, over many years. She was born in Port Hedland and raised in Djarindjin/Lombadina. She is part of the fabric of this community and this organisation. Debbie is semi-retired now, but previously served as the Manager of the Dampier Peninsula Safehouse/Refuge, run by DAC. She is dedicated to improving the lives of the women and children of the Dampier Peninsula.

Andrew was elected to the Board in 2023. A familiar face around Djarindjin for many years, he has served the community in a number of capacities since moving here in 1977. He worked as a teacher at the Djarindjin school for 19 years and from 2011 to 2020 he worked at the Airport. In 2020 Andrew retired and now dedicates himself to furthering the interests of his people. He is a firm believer in the importance of economic independence for the community and serves on the DAPL and PBC boards where he is a strong voice for Djarindjin.

Ronald is a local Bardi man. He comes from a strong cultural family. His partner and in-laws come from the Halls Creek area, so he has a good understanding of the wider Kimberley region. His work as the CDP supervisor for the Djarindjin Community keeps him engaged with issues around the community which affect lives of the people who live here. He is a respected cultural leader in community and a dedicated family man. We are glad he has undertaken this leadership position, as he has a lot to offer.

Elected to the board in 2023, Roma brings a wealth of experience to the position. Born in Broome she moved to Chile Creek, a Djarindjin outstation, 30 years ago. From  there she ran a tourism venture providing camping and becoming famous for her Chile Crab. In 2013, she took a CSO position with KRCI, later becoming a  Case Manager in the CDEP Program. Roma retired in 2023 and her election to the DAC Board allows her  to pursue her passion to see Djarindjin become a more family friendly community where all members  are supported to live their best lives.