Our People
Leadership
Carol Pettersen, OAM
patron and cultural advisor
Carol Pettersen is a proud Noongar elder and a highly respected advocate for social justice, education, and cultural empowerment. With a distinguished career spanning decades in government, Aboriginal affairs, and community development, Carol has made a lasting impact through her work in shaping policies and programs that benefit First Nations Peoples.
As a passionate campaigner for land rights and cultural preservation, Carol has played a pivotal role in significant initiatives, including the Single Noongar Land Claim settlement. Her tireless contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including the Medal of the Order of Australia and National NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year.
As our Patron, Carol brings wisdom, experience, and a deep commitment to fostering truth-telling, reconciliation, and community empowerment, inspiring us to uphold her vision of a stronger, more connected future.
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Willhemina Farmer
CEO AND DIRECTOR
Willhemina Farmer is a proud Noongar woman from the Great Southern Region of Western Australia, bringing decades of leadership and expertise to her role as CEO. With extensive experience in management, community development, and program implementation, Willhemina has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities across Australia.
Her professional journey includes senior roles such as National Remote Training Coordinator and Regional Aboriginal Health Worker Manager, where she has designed and delivered impactful programs addressing health, employment, and mental well-being. A respected advisor and trainer, Willhemina has worked with government, private organisations, and community groups on initiatives such as the Regional Aboriginal Employment Strategy and the Family Futures Program, recognised as a best-practice model in Aboriginal health.
Passionate about cultural preservation and advocacy, Willhemina served as a Western Australian Delegate for the National Stolen Generations Alliance, contributing to national truth-telling, justice, and healing efforts. Her commitment to this cause is deeply personal, as a survivor of child removal, which fuels her drive to create positive change.
In addition to her leadership role, Willhemina continues to consult on diverse projects, including mental health training, cultural advisory roles, and online e-learning initiatives. She combines her academic background in health and community development with a deep understanding of Aboriginal issues to champion holistic approaches that empower communities and bridge gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
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Kali Balint
Director
Over more than 30 years, Kali has developed deep trust and respect with First Nation’s people throughout Australia and has established a reputation for achieving significant long-term outcomes through a unique approach.
Kali brings exceptional strategic skills to support First Nation Australians and has steadily achieved significant long-term outcomes, empowering Aboriginal stakeholders to design and implement strategies aligned with their aspirations. Kali has established a strong reputation as an innovative and talented business and community strategist, developing deep trust and respect with Aboriginal people across Australia over the past 30+ years.
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Annie Harper
OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Annie Harper joined the team at Indigenous Consulting Group (ICG) in 2021 and has been working in operations and business administration for the company.
Annie has enjoyed a dynamic career working as an administrative assistant working in a variety of industries including finance, music, hospitality, mental health, and health & wellness.
At the beginning of her working career in her early twenties, she worked as a clinic manager for Chiropractors. It was in this role, where she learnt that the human body has the innate ability to heal itself. This sparked a curiosity within Annie which led her to explore numerous natural and preventative therapies for a better quality of life. This exploration was
followed by an inquisitive journey, delving into spirituality and
understanding the importance of our mental health.
More recently Annie worked as a Mental Health support coordinator. In this role she had the opportunity to connect with individuals in the community helping them with their mental health challenges and supporting them on their recovery journey.
She is thrilled to join the ICG and NWA team in helping our dedicated team of trainers deliver IMHFA workshops across the nation. She is looking forward to contributing towards an important initiative that is empowering our first nations people.
Annie was born and raised in Perth, on Whadjuk Noongar country. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner, family and friends, keeping active, live music, cooking, travel and the beach. Annie’s passion is 5 Rhythms, a global dance therapy practice.
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CONSULTANTS & FACILITATORS
Wayne Coles
Senior consultant and facilitator
Wayne is a Noongar man from the Wilman people, living most of his life in the Great Southern of Western Australia.
Wayne has extensive experience in mental health and education and has been delivering Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid since 2012.
With 17 years experience as a counsellor, Wayne has a valuable insight into working with people of all walks of life and has a passion for social justice, empowerment and caring for the vulnerable.
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Derise Jones
Senior consultant and facilitator
Derise is a Yamatji Nyarlu (woman) based in Geraldton, WA. As a long-term health professional, Derise has become passionate about helping her people overcome mental health issues and sharing her knowledge with others. She has been in both primary health and mental health care for over 25 years. It was while studying a Diploma of Community Services in Mental Health that she truly came to realise the extent of mental issues her people face on a daily basis. Derise realised addressing mental health issues is not just about medication or counselling, but about a taking a holistic approach. Derise strongly believes there’s a lot to be gained by improving knowledge and beliefs around mental health problems, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and training. Derise is an accreditated Mental Health First Aid Instructor has a Diploma in Counselling and a Diploma in Community Services in Mental Health.
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Brian Councillor
Senior consultant and facilitator
Brian is a Yamatji man from Geraldton WA and has worked in Aboriginal Mental Health since 1997. With 20 years experience, Brian has developed valuable skills and knowledge which allow him to work effectively with Aboriginal people. He has worked in the metropolitan region and throughout Midwest WA, including remote and isolated regions. Brian currently works in Perth as a Senior Recovery Support Worker and continues to provide culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal people that are diagnosed with persisting and complex mental health issues.
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Laura Elkin
Senior consultant and facilitator
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Matey Martin-Farrell
Senior consultant and facilitator
Matey is a proud Yamatji/Noongar man and has worked extensively across various industries which include the performing arts, aviation, mining/construction and government. He comes with a high level of leadership, mentoring and community engagement skills which have aided him in developing his professional career as a senior trainer and facilitator. Matey is currently undertaking a Masters of Public Health to work towards influencing change within the public and primary health sectors. He is a Master Trainer in Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid, having delivered over 30 workshops across Australia, particularly in Aboriginal remote communities. He is also a facilitator in the Indigenous Domestic Violence Alert workshops for Lifeline where he educates community around Domestic Family Violence. Matey is a friendly, approachable individual who is passionate about sharing knowledge regarding social and health issues in Aboriginal communities. In training, he has exceptional skill in keeping participants engaged and enthusiastic.
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Maureen O'Meara
Senior consultant and facilitator
Maureen is a descendent of Ngaridjit of the Baniol Burr, Bard Nation on the Dampier Peninsula in the West Kimberley region, Western Australia. Maureen spent more than ten years in government in WA and the NT and has extensive experience in health programs, projects and management. She has worked in both government and non-government senior roles and can communicate with a broad range of audiences. She is now working with Australian Red Cross as the Coordinator of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY), Director Community Housing Ltd, Chairperson Aboriginal Community Housing Ltd and Director Bardi and Jawi Nimidimin PBC. Maureen is passionate about working to empower and inspire Aboriginal people to achieve the best that they can and has excellent skills in establishing rapport and cultural respect for Aboriginal people across Australia.
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Peter Humphries
Senior consultant and facilitator
I am a proud Balladong Noongah Maaman with strong ties to Wadjuk Boodjah where I have lived and worked all my life. My father was a proud Noongah man from Kellerberrin which is 250 kilometers east of Perth WA and my Mothers from the Mallee region in the Wheatbelt, rural Victoria.
I am qualified as an Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Facilitator. I have promoted a number of Mental Health workshops throughout rural and remote areas of Western Australia and in the Northern Territory. Experienced Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer with a demonstrated history of working within the hospital system as an Enrolled Nurse.
I strongly believe being innovated is lifting those up around me, assisting in developing skills, knowledge, and creativity to the fullest enhancing better outcomes in health care within our Aboriginal community.
As an AHLO we are often requested to do a presentation on Cultural Awareness to Doctors, Nurses, and 3rd year medical students on how to be culturally sensitive in relation to Aboriginal patients. My role also includes facilitating weekly Healthy Lifestyle workshops e.g. LIFE Program, Moorditjabinj and the Journey living with Diabetes to the Aboriginal community. This involves co-presenting in the general community and in metropolitan prisons.
Strong healthcare professional with experience in community engagement, mental health support and committed to promoting and encouraging Aboriginal people to take responsibility for their own health and to make use of existing services in the community.
I strive to be a strong role model for my community and assisting clients with accessing social and emotional wellbeing services, particularly when they are away from their country, their homes, and their families. Keen to share knowledge with those who are passionate about empowering Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders to live our best life.
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Karyn Moyle
Senior consultant and facilitator
I am an Indigenous Eastern Arrernte Warlpiri woman; however, because of the impact of the stolen generation, my grandparents grew up on Croker Island and Groote Eylandt NT and then went on to raise my family on Larrakia land, Darwin NT.
I have two now adult children, a son, and a daughter, who are my strength and healing, and along with my faith, allow me to live and breathe another day.
I have lived experience with mental health, Trauma, and being bereaved to suicide, and so because of this, I want to help others through training and mentoring to a better understanding and quality of life.
My training includes:
Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid
Rhythm 2 Recovery
YouMe WhichWay
Suicide Story
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Baydon Widdicombe
consultant and facilitator
Baydon Widdicombe is a proud Darug Man living on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Central Victoria. Baydon is passionate about reducing Mental Health stigma and building the capacity of community to lead their own suicide prevention program. Baydon has worked within the local community and has a passion for educating others through sharing knowledge and opening up discussions. Outside of work, Baydon is a foster carer and enjoys having time away with the caravan.
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The ICG Team
Our leadership team is supported by a group of dynamic individuals who bring diverse expertise, perspectives, and dedication to our mission. With a passion for long-term positive impact, our team collaborates closely to deliver tailored solutions that empower organisations to embrace diversity, enhance cultural understanding, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
Our Partners
