The Board

Kaley Nicholson

Chair

As Chairperson of the TLaWC Board of Directors, Kaley is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for the Taungurung nation. She is passionate about caring for Country, employment, and education – seeing these pillars as the key to strengthening the position of Traditional Owners, while advancing the cultural rights and economic development of Taungurung people.

Kaley is focused on ensuring that Elders are respected and elevated in decision making, that young people are empowered and have a voice, and that there are opportunities in place for future generations.

Arimaya Yates

Deputy Chair

Arimaya is a proud Nira balluk Taungurung woman who is deeply committed to the nurturing, protection and restoration of Taungurung Biik and to the wellbeing and self-determination of Taungurung peoples. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Engineering Aid Australia, dedicated to increasing First Nations youth participation in engineering and STEM through education, leadership and industry partnerships.

Arimaya brings extensive executive leadership and governance experience. She has significant expertise in organisational strategy, governance, organisational transformation, finance and risk oversight, stakeholder engagement, policy reform and partnership development. She has led the development and implementation of organisational strategies, guided Boards through strategic planning and governance processes, and driven complex reform initiatives that strengthen organisational sustainability and long-term impact.

As a CEO, Arimaya understands the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between governance and operational management and is committed to Directors acting collectively in the best interests of the organisation and the Taungurung community.

Alex Burns

Director

Alex is a proud Nira-Balluk Man of the Taungurung Nation. He is an experienced and qualified director having held several board roles across a variety of organisations and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). He is a risk and governance professional working within the financial industry with additional experience and expertise in economic development, corporate partnerships, tenders, and recruitment. He is passionate about self-determination, culture, the economic prosperity of First Peoples and the advancement of a First Nations led economy.

Nelson Aldridge

Director

Nelson is a Cultural Recovery and Resilience Officer with Yarra Ranges Council, working across local, regional, and national emergency management and recovery networks. His role focuses on strengthening community resilience and embedding Indigenous knowledge systems into disaster recovery and preparedness. Through his work in government, Nelson has developed a strong understanding of policy, governance, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement. He is committed to using these skills to contribute to a positive future for Taungurung people and Country.

Stephen Walsh

Director

Uncle Stephen has held positions on the TLaWC Board for many years, including as a previous Board Chair. His experience has been well recognised for having been a strong advocate for TLaWC and the current governance of the organisation.

Joanne Nicholson

Director

Aunty Joanne is a proud Koori woman with strong family connections across multiple groups in Victoria and into New South Wales. She has passion and practical experience in Caring for Country through her involvement in Cultural Heritage Management and working with Parks Victoria in caring for Horseshoe Lagoon, and is an active participant in Taungurung Caring for Biik forums.

She has recently been elected to the Taungurung Elders Council and the Taungurung Treaty Delegation Team. Aunty Joanne also brings strong governance experience through her role as a Board Member at First Nations Legal and Research. 

Sarah Stevenson

Director

Rebecca Monohan

Director

Rebecca is CEO of the Koling wada-ngal Aboriginal Corporation running the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre on Wadawurrung Country (Wyndham Vale) & Chair of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative West Metro Melbourne. She is a respected leader and advocate in the West of Melbourne, working to strengthen self-determination and community wellbeing.

Rebecca was honoured as the Miss Western NAIDOC winner 2025 and continues to represent her community with pride at local & national levels, including being awarded the Lalor International Women’s Day award 2025.

Her focus remains on creating opportunities that empower Taungurung people, strengthen culture, and uphold the rights and aspirations of Taungurung people for generations to come.