Ailsa is responsible for the day to day management of Gindaja and working closely with the Board of Directors on strategic matters.Her focus is to build a nationally recognised organisation in the Indigenous AOD sector that provides a safe place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to heal. She is passionate about assisting her community in becoming self-sufficient and self-sustainable.

Avril was born and raised on the lands of the Gunggandji people in Yarrabah, dedicating her entire career to serving her community. Her professional journey encompasses a diverse array of roles, primarily in customer service and administration, and more recently, in senior management positions.

With personal experience and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by First Nations peoples, Avril is deeply passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those in need. She is committed to advancing the strategic objectives of Gindaja and contributing to its business plans. Her extensive work history includes customer service, project management, training and development, human resources, and native title negotiations.

Avril is an active member of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and currently serves on two boards.

In her personal life, Avril cherishes spending quality time with her family and enjoys activities such as boating, camping, fishing, exploring her homeland, watching rugby league and engaging in community initiatives

Ashleigh is a proud Gunggandji woman, born and raised in Yarrabah. She joined the Gindaja Family in 2014 as a Trainee.

Through years of dedicated work and education, Ashleigh was elevated to the position of Corporate Services Manager in 2025, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to effective succession planning. Her primary focus encompasses finance as well as the development and enhancement of staff skills, all aimed at ensuring Gindaja’s financial independence and fostering a committed workforce.

Ashleigh takes immense pride in being part of an organisation that emerged in response to community needs and leadership. The story of Gindaja’s founding—local individuals recognizing the necessity for a safe space for recovery, connection, and culturally respectful care—continues to inform her approach today.

Beyond her professional obligations, Ashleigh is actively engaged in the local rugby league community, volunteering with the Yarrabah Seahawks Rugby League Club. This involvement underscores her dedication to community engagement, youth development, and the creation of positive environments both on and off the field.

Kathy is originally from Victoria with more than 30 years’ experience working in the community sector. She is passionate about working with marginalised populations and her experience spans the homeless, refugee and health care sector. Since being at Gindaja ashe has secured significant funding, co-designed our Model of Care and performs an imperative role as manager of the Treatment Services which includes our Residential Recovery Centre, Learning and Wellbeing Centre and Justice Services.

Tamara, a Djakunde and South Sea Islander descendant, embarked on her journey with Gindaja in 2016 as a Client Support Officer. Since then, she has had the privilege of engaging in various roles within treatment services, including referral and court support officer, treatment administrator and residential coordinator.

Her curiosity about the origins of Gindaja ignited her passion for helping the community achieve positive lifestyle changes through education, healing, and recovery.

Over the years, her unwavering commitment to Gindaja and its clients has been immensely rewarding. She has consistently received positive feedback regarding the impact she has made in the lives of clients upon their exit. Her recent appointment as Treatment Services Manager further exemplifies Gindaja’s effective succession planning.

In 2026, Tamara will celebrate a decade of service and she looks forward to continuing her journey and contributing to the mission and well-being of Gindaja’s clients.