Aaron Clark: Director Korin Gamadji Institute
Raised in south west Victoria on Framlingham Mission, Aaron is a proud descendant from the Tjap Whurrung people of the Gunditjmara nation. Aaron has extensive experience in cultural expression across many platforms and a passion working with young people in leadership and mentoring programs. He has played a key role in the development of the Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, and the Kirreet Barreet Art and Culture Centre in Ballarat.
Aaron has been a member of various Reconciliation Action Plan steering committees, including Carlton Football Club and Hostplus. Aaron has played a significant role in strengthening football pathways for Victorian Aboriginal Youth in his previous role as Indigenous Programs Manager for AFLVic. This has included extensive education for non-Indigenous people involved in the industry, and supporting off field development for the participants.
Michael Lacy: Head of Community
At Richmond, Michael works to develop Indigenous leadership and employment pathways through the Club’s Korin Gamadji Institute. He has successfully built the Club’s partnership with The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, and worked extensively with culturally diverse communities and groups.
Michael has a background in teaching physical education and health, he is Co-Chair of Richmond’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and Chairs the Emerging Indigenous Executive Leadership Program working group.
Rana Hussain: Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Rana Hussain is a Social Worker, Writer, and Community representative. Having previously worked as a Primary School counselor Rana took a sharp career turn to work in the AFL industry and is now the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at Richmond Football Club. Rana has always had a passion for footy and believes in football’s unique ability to connect communities.
Rana’s current work is centered around working with women, LGBTQI, multicultural and all abilities communities. Rana is the mother of a very savvy 2-year-old and loves podcasts; making and listening to them.
Luke Murray: Indigenous Engagement Manager
Luke is a proud Wamba Wamba and Yorta Yorta man from the Murray River. He has worked extensively in the Aboriginal community since 14 years of age where he did his first work experience at Lake Condah Co-op now known as Windamara. Luke has primarily worked in Indigenous Education particularly in Higher Education with 12 year’s experience at the University of Melbourne and another 3 years at La Trobe University.
Currently Luke is the Indigenous Community Engagement Manager for the KGI Institute. Luke’s main role is to engage the local community in KGI program, events, activities and general use of the facility. Luke has two boys 6 and 9 and resides in Bendigo on Dja Dja Wurrung country the land of his Great Grandfather Sir Doug Nicholls. Luke believes that quality education is the key for Aboriginal self-determination and better quality of life.
Tahlia Biggs: KGI Programs Coordinator
Tahlia is a proud Barkindji woman who grew up on Wiradjuri and Dhudhuroa country of Albury/Wodonga, where she has strong ties to. Whilst completing her VCE at Wodonga Senior Secondary College, she undertook a school-based traineeship with AFL-SportsReady at the National Australia Bank.
Tahlia began her KGI journey as a participant on the REAL program in 2011, represented KGI at the Victorian Youth Parliament in 2014, and has completed a Certificate II in Indigenous leadership with the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre.
She joined the team in 2017 as KGI Programs Coordinator, designing and delivering all REAL Programs. She is passionate about young people, climate justice and educating the broader community on social issues.
Jessica Bennett: KGI Programs Coordinator
Jessica Bennett is a proud Ngunawal woman who grew up on Wiradjuri country in Albury. In 2016 Jessica completed her HSC and in 2017 started a Bachelor of Laws at Monash University where she has been honoured to receive a Monash Indigenous Scholarship for Achievement and Equity.
She was involved in her local community as Vice President of the Albury Aboriginal Youth Committee and strives to become involved in the Melbourne Indigenous community.
Jessica has been involved in the Korin Gamadji Institute for a number of years completing REAL programs, attending Dreamtime camps and creating a number of short films in the Digital Storytelling Programs.
She is passionate about social justice issues and human rights, especially those of Indigenous peoples, and is determined to have a career where she can make the quality of life better for other people.
Jessica is now employed by the KGI as the Program Coordinator, designing and delivering programs and a great mentor for Indigenous youth.
Brady Cooper: REAL Healthy Program Lead
Brady is a proud Yorta Yorta man born and raised in Kyabram but moved to Melbourne six years ago. Brady has been working in the Education system his whole life is passionate about working with Indigenous youth. For the past four years Brady has taught right next door at Melbourne Indigenous Transition School. He has also been a great mentor on REAL and the Next Generation Academy Programs.
Brady will be the REAL Healthy Program Lead delivering health-based initiatives across Melbourne, Mildura and Albury/Wodonga.
“I admire the work KGI does in the community. Outside of work I am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, I enjoy going to the gym and being as active as I can.”
Dylan Murphy: REAL Healthy Program Officer/RISL Mentor
Dylan Murphy-Pettit is a proud Wakka Wakka and Latje Latje man originally from Gunai/Kunai Country. His connection to Richmond and KGI dates to 2016 as a trainee on the Laguntas Programs. Most recently completing the Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership (RISL) Program and supporting the delivery of the REAL and Next-Generation Academy Programs in 2019.
He will be joining the KGI team as the REAL Healthy Program Officer and RISL Mentor based in Mildura. “This role I feel gives me the perfect opportunity to contribute to areas I am passionate about. I love supporting the healthy outcomes of Indigenous youth and their communities.”
