VICE-CHAIRPERSON, TREASURER

Ann-Margret Withers is the Senior Manager Outreach Programs for RSPCA NSW, where she has worked since 2002. As well as being a general practice vet and supporting Inspectorate work for the RSPCA, she has been significantly involved in the development and delivery of their social support and outreach programs to disadvantaged, rural and Aboriginal communities in NSW since the mid-2000s. These programs provide access to important basic veterinary services and education, and are aimed at supporting the human-animal bond and recognising its importance in the health, welfare and safety of people and their pets. She has been on the AMRRIC board since 2007.

Dr Steve Rogers is the Director of Research and Innovation at Charles Darwin. An experienced company director, Steve also currently holds a Directorship with Territory NRM. Prior to his role with CDU, as CEO of CfAT Ltd, an Aboriginal controlled not for profit company based in Alice Springs, Steve led the company’s transition from a government grant, block funded NGO to a sustainable commercial company, with a remit to deliver technology innovation required to stimulate economic development across remote Indigenous Australia.

Emma-Jane has a strong desire and passion for the absolute best outcomes for all First Nation communities across Australia. She honours and respects to their connection with their homeland, environment and animals.

Emma-Jane holds a position with Charles Darwin University as the Senior Employee Relations Consultant and is a registered Legal Practitioner in the Northern Territory. She identifies as being a Yuwaalaraay woman.

With extensive corporate experience gained both in the public and private sector, her most recent previous experience pertains to Industrial Relations, obtained through working at Industrial Employer Associations including Master Builders and the Chamber of Commerce.

Together with Post-graduate qualifications in Law and currently undertaking a Master of Business Administration, Emma-Jane brings a depth of skill and experience that is unique to the Board. Her previous experience in a company secretary position and completion of the Australian Institute of Company Director Company Secretary qualification broadens her experience to include corporate governance knowledge.

She was initially attracted to become involved with AMRRIC seeking to further her learnings about the connections on a holistic level between animals, the environment, and First Nation Communities. Combined with the important part that companion animals are to the lives and wellbeing of people residing in communities.

As a member of the Board of Directors for AMRRIC, she is firmly committed to the realisation of quality and sustainable outcomes that are aligned with the overarching strategic business objectives of the organisation.

Scott Gorringe has worked in Indigenous Education since 1998, first with Education Queensland and then as Director of Murrimatters Consulting. Scott co-developed Engoori with David Spillman in 2007 to change the way in which school communities perceive, talk and think about teaching and learning in the context of Indigenous Education and has delivered this process to numerous organisations and schools across Australia, in particular within the Stronger Smarter Leadership Program.

Scott is a Mithaka man with obligations to take the lead on Native Title processes and secure the permanent protection of traditional waters and country through negotiations with government, pastoralists, mining, and other key stakeholders. Along with having addressed academic and public forums on issues such as Indigenous Education, community development and water protection, Scott is an Australian Rural Leadership Program Fellow and was appointed Visiting Fellow at Queensland University of Technology and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at UQ.

Born into one of the largest southwest families, Wayne has lived much of his life in Perth. He has enjoyed working and learning in remote regional areas of the Kimberley and in the Northern Territory for ten years.

Wayne’s education includes two tertiary degrees and a professional working life that evolves around education and radio broadcasting. Early in his working life, he decided in order to be successful you need two areas in which to work in; in his case it is broadcasting and teaching. Wayne most enjoys Indigenous broadcasting for which he has built up 30 plus years of experience in all areas including training, broadcasting and managing.

Wayne follows a philosophy of respect and continuous learning. “Be respectful to other people and always be ready to learn.”

Bindee grew up in Darwin and calls it home, but is enjoying living in Adelaide while she works her way through university study to become a veterinarian.

Bindee is a qualified and experienced Veterinary Nurse that has experience working in General Practices, Emergency Centres and Remote Indigenous communities. Whenever possible Bindee likes to travel to experience different cultures and ways of life. She also has an interest in working with education and dog health programs in the more remote rural communities around Australia.

Bindee shares her life in Adelaide with her Partner Karen and their menagerie of animals at home which are one dog, two cats, one snake and two chickens. She is excited to be a part of the AMRRIC Advisory Group, so she can share her knowledge and experiences with other people and the wider community.