Board of Directors
Brenda Holt
Brenda Holt is a Bundjalung woman who works and lives in the local community area of Ballina, Brenda has been working in NSW Health and Community Health for about 25 years in a variety of positions including Aboriginal Health, Maternal Infant Health Strategy, and Family & Community Services. Brenda involves her time to assist in improving Indigenous Health outcomes for all children and families. Brenda’s leadership experience incorporates a health vision for community along with commitment and promoting staff to deliver stronger health outcomes. Where Brenda is able to advocate towards future development and expansion of the provision of health and wellbeing services through the local community.
Emma Walke
Emma Walke is a proud Ngyangbul Bundjalung woman from the North Coast of NSW, deeply committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through education, advocacy, and community-led initiatives. For over a decade, she has served as the Head of Indigenous Health at Sydney Medical School and the Academic Lead of Aboriginal Health at the University Centre for Rural Health in Lismore.
Emma works alongside a dedicated team across Lismore, Dubbo, and Sydney to embed Indigenous perspectives into medical and allied health education. Her leadership ensures that cultural safety and community knowledge are central to the learning experience of future health professionals. She is passionate about building a culturally competent health workforce and actively supports the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in medicine.
Her research reflects her commitment to community-driven solutions, including a Master of Philosophy (Med) focused on the impact of Dose Administration Aids for Aboriginal peoples on the North Coast, and her current PhD as part of the VOICE study, which centres consumer experiences in health care evaluation.
Emma maintains strong ties to her community through her roles as a Director and Board Member of Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service and Ngunya Jarjum Out of Home Care Service. Her work is grounded in respect, collaboration, and a deep belief in the strength and wisdom of Aboriginal communities, and the future of our jarjums.
Michelle Nagas
My family is from Bundaberg, Queensland, and I am descended from sugar slaves from the Soloman Islands and Vanuatu. I am well-known in this Northern Zone region and accepted to work on Country/Kinship. My Aboriginal ancestry is still pending confirmation from the North Burnett Regions. Lismore-based musician, producer/songwriter, and mixed-media artist. Been a prosperous businesswoman who managed her own wholesale boomerang company. In which my son still operates today.
In the present work environment, networking through honest and open communication is the key to building and maintaining relationships with clients and the community. Pomergrantee Prosperity in Kyogle, the first Indigenous woman the business secretary since 2022. Is diligent and proactive in the community and at work in all aspects. Fervently committed to promoting better options, chances, and resources for families and all individuals. A Team Player!