Bec Hunt
General Manager, Corporate & Community Services
bec.hunt@
karlka.com.au
Coming Soon
Priscilla McKenzie
Home Program Support Manager
priscilla.housing@
karlka.com.au
Priscilla is from Broome and its surrounding areas and she has cultural and family connections within the Jabirr-Jabiir, Yawuru, Nimunburr and Djaru/Kija tribes.
She has a Diploma in Aboriginal Primary Health Care and a Diploma in Mental Health. She has previously worked as a Homeless Outreach Support Worker and Housing Team Leader at Centacare Kimberley in Broome.
Her skills and experience make her ideally qualified as one of KNAC’s Home Program Support Officers and to step up as our Home Program Support Manager.
Fiona Ballantyne
Media & Communications Manager
media
@karlka.com.au
Originally from Scotland, Fiona moved to Sydney in 2006 for over a decade before heading to outback South Australia and is now living in and working in Hedland.
Her role at KNAC is as Media and Communications Manager is to develop and implement strategies to ensure that the members have access to timely, quality and accessible information as well as to continue to ensure that the KNAC logo is front and centre of all we do.
Her background for over 20 years has been in the Human Rights field, she is passionate about the importance of authentic communication and in recent years has worked with many Aboriginal groups to develop and implement communication strategies tailored to match theirs communities.
Daniel Savill
IT Manager
daniel.savill@karlka.com.au
Originally from Port Hedland, Daniel has a strong connection to the Pilbara and a passion for its people, communities and future.
With a background in technology, data analytics, government and consulting, he is passionate about connecting people with technology and making a positive difference in the region he calls home. At Karlka, Daniel works alongside staff to turn ideas into practical solutions through innovation, automation and improved access to information, making everyday work easier.
His focus is on helping people feel confident using technology and delivering meaningful, lasting benefits for Karlka and the Nyiyaparli community.
Mohammad Shoaib Sidiqi
Hedland Operations Manager
mohammad.sidiqi@
karlka.com.au
Mohammad is our Hedland Operations Manager. He has been living in Port Hedland since 2021.
Mohammad has a background in ICT and operations support and is using his knowledge and experience to provide support wherever needed and to contribute positively to KNAC.
Outside of work he enjoys spending time in the community, going fishing, watching movies and playing cricket with the South Hedland Cricket Club.
Jessica Nicholls
Newman Operations Manager
Newman.admin@
karlka.com.au
Jessica is the Newman Operations Manager, responsible for keeping the door open to our Newman members and ensuring the smooth running of the satellite office.
Growing up in a small remote town in South Australia she has since lived in many places including K’gari, the world’s largest sand island! She loves being outdoors and so exploring the Pilbara region by bike, foot or car makes her happy. Living in Newman gives her the opportunity to meet people and learn about the local culture through engaging in local events.
She has a Bachelor’s in Fashion and Sustainability and is passionate about social and environmental issues.
Payal Panchal
Finance Manager
finance.coordinator@
karlka.com.au
Originally from India, Payal has lived in Australia since 2006 with her family and is now based in Perth as our Finance Manager.
She has lots of experience in the administrative and financial field including a role in the accounts department at the University of Western Australia and the centre administrator at Curtin University.
Her role here at KNAC is coordinate financial administration matters, asset administration, complete reporting requirements and liaise directly with KNAC Financial Management consultants, Palisades.
Sunil Thapa
Financial Administration Officer
sunil.thapa@
karlka.com.au
Originally from Nepal, Sunil has a background in customer service and administrative support and is now stepping into finance at KNAC. His work as a Financial Administrative Officer includes managing daily accounts, invoicing and reporting.
Outside of work, Sunil loves playing musical instruments especially guitar, ukelele and other traditional Nepalese instruments which is a great way for him to relax and connect with people.
Soraya Daniels
Community Programs Coordinator
communitycoordinator@
karlka.com.au
Soraya grew up in the Cape York- Northern Peninsular area in a community called Bamaga (at the most northern point on the Australian continent) however has called Hedland home for over 8 years.
Mothers tribe – Peidu -Erub Island Totems – Fridget bird (wada) & Dabor (Spanish Mackerel) Fathers tribe – Argun -Badu Island, Totem – Thupmul (stingray)
Soraya has lived in rural communities for years and has significant experience working in the field, whether it be Federal or Local Government or community controlled organisations.
She has a Diploma in Leadership and Management, a Diploma in Project Management and is currently in her 2nd year studying a Bachelor of applied science in community development at Curtin University.
Jasmin Barunga
Senior Member Support Officer
Jasmin.MemberSupport@
karlka.com.au
Jasmin is a Thalanyji woman from the Onslow region in the Pilbara. She has been with KNAC for almost a decade and is currently our Senior Member Support Officer, assisting members to complete trust applications and checking supporting documentation ready for submission to Mutual Trust.
When Jasmin isn’t assisting our members, she enjoys spending time with her family and playing netball.
Lorraine Hicks
Health & Wellbeing Liaison Officer
lorraine.hicks@karlka.com.au
Lorraine is a proud Ngarluma/Yindjibarndi woman with deep connections across the Pilbara and joins KNAC as the Health & Wellbeing Liaison Officer.
In her role, she will advocate and ensure that our Nyiyaparli members have access to quality healthcare and ongoing support.
Lorraine brings a wealth of experience across community services, healthcare, and employment pathways, having worked in a range of roles including Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Hedland Health Campus & Medical Receptionist with Yamatji Marpla Aboriginal Corporation.
She is passionate about supporting her community and strengthening health & wellbeing outcomes.
Outside of work, Lorraine enjoys spending time with family and Elders, cooking, and being out on Country, values that align closely with KNAC’s focus on community, culture, and care.
Edith Hall
Home Program Support Officer
edith.hall@
karlka.com.au
Edith is Nyiyaparli and Nyamal. She has been working with KNAC since 2014 and now she joins the CCS team as a Home Program Support Officer. Edith is excited to be working with her people and helping them with housing issues and to maintain their homes.
Her skills and experience make her ideally qualified as one of KNAC’s Home Program Support Officers.
In her spare time Edith loves playing darts with her local darts team and also sitting with her families talking about the past and what they look forward to in the future.
Keely-Mae Hodder
Media & Communications Officer
Keely.Hodder@karlka.com.au
Keely is an Indigenous woman who enjoys being out on country and spending time with her family, as well as camping and fishing.
She has come to KNAC with previous experience working in Indigenous organisations, community schools and administration roles in the state government.
Keely has taken on the role as the Media & Communications Project Officer and is excited to work together with members to preserve the Nyiyaparli language for future generations.
Laura Niebel
Media & Communications
Coordinator
laura.niebel@karlka.com.au
Originally from Southern Germany, Laura moved to Australia in 2003 and has since settled in Perth.
Her role as Media & Communications Coordinator involves working on a variety of print/digital design and communications projects within the organisation. She works remotely from Perth with regular visits to the Port Hedland office.
Laura has come to KNAC with previous communications experience working in organisations such as the Regional University Study Hubs Network and the First Nation Rangers Program at Curtin University. She has also been employed at advertising agencies, printing companies and publishing houses in Western Australia and Europe.
Outside of work Laura enjoys spending time with her kids, taking photos, hiking, traveling and visiting art exhibitions and events.
Buddy Cassidy
Home Program Support Officer
buddy.cassidy@
karlka.com.au
Buddy Cassidy is a First Nations man from the Northern Territory who joins KNAC as a Home Program Support Officer. In his role, he’ll take pride in assisting members and ensuring their needs and goals are met with care and respect.
Buddy brings a strong sense of family and community to his work, supported by his life experience and connection to the Pilbara through his family.
Outside of work, he enjoys sports, fishing, camping, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
His values of family, connection, and support align closely with KNAC’s commitment to community wellbeing.
Vaughn Shandley
Community Partnership Liaison Officer
vaughn.shandley@karlka.com.au
Vaughn is our Community Partnership Liaison Officer at KNAC, where he works closely with members, community, and partners to build strong relationships and ensure community voices are reflected in the decision-making.
With a background in community-focused roles, Vaughn brings strong communication skills and a passion for collaboration, supporting engagement and delivering positive outcomes.
He was drawn to KNAC’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating meaningful benefits for its members and is excited to contribute to initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Outside of work, Vaughn enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends, values that relate closely with KNAC’s focus on connection, respect, and community.
Bronwyn Gardiner
Receptionist
bronwyn.gardiner@karlka.com.au
Coming Soon
Shania Hall
Member Support Officer
shania.hall@karlka.com.au
Coming Soon
