Meet the Board

Our dedicated Board of Directors guides Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation with a shared commitment to the health and well-being of our community. Comprised of leaders with diverse expertise and deep connections to the community, our board ensures that we stay true to our mission and values. Meet the passionate individuals who are driving our vision and learn about their roles in shaping the future of Maari Ma.

  • Des is a Murrawari man born in Brewarrina NSW and currently resides in Wentworth. Des is the Chairperson of Maari Ma. Des holds Board positions with other organisations as well - Des is Chairperson of the Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation and Chairperson of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly. Des has a strong interest in Aboriginal economic development, revival of Aboriginal culture, language maintenance and sites protection. Des likes to meet and socialise with people and has a keen interest in sports, and seeing and supporting people of all ages to participate in their chosen sports. Des would also like individuals and families to benefit from better services and lead healthy lifestyles. Des commenced his role with the Maari Ma Board in 1996.

  • Fay is a Ngiyampaa – Barkintji woman residing in Ivanhoe. Fay has been employed for 36 years as an Aboriginal Education Assistant with the Department of Education and Communities and is based at the Ivanhoe Central School. Fay is also the Chairperson of the Ivanhoe Aboriginal Community Working Party. Fay commenced her role with the Maari Ma Board in 1998.

  • Gloria is a Barkintji Elder residing in Balranald. Gloria undertakes various community development consultation roles as a community member and is a strong advocate in supporting Aboriginal people involved in the legal system. Gloria plays an active part in the Balranald community supporting local community members to achieve their goals. Gloria commenced her role with the Maari Ma Board in 1998.

  • Denise Hampton is a Ngiyampaa/Barkintji woman residing in Broken Hill. Denise has been employed for more than 35 years within the Health industry and is passionate about improvements in health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Denise is currently Deputy Chair for the Broken Hill Community Working Party and a member of the Broken Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council.

  • Owen is a Barkindji man from Wilcannia and the convenor of the Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia. As a cultural leader and respected elder in his community, Owen has held a plethora of leadership positions, including working for Western NSW Aboriginal Legal Service and Chairperson of the Paroo-Darling National Park Co-management Committee. Owen was also youth mentor for a local school. Holding a Diploma in Primary Healthcare, Owen currently serves as deputy chairperson of the Mutawintji Board of Management and Land Council and is president of the Wilcannia AECG. He also sits on many different boards fighting for rights of his Barkindji people and the Baaka.