Helping young Indigenous people achieve their goals

We believe that education is the key to closing the gap—which is why we’re striving to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people get the best chance at year 12 attainment.

Glen Ella

Founding Director - Pathways Careers Trade Training


Glen Ella excels in fostering collaborations between Indigenous organizations and a diverse range of partners to forge impactful alliances. His work centers on developing partnerships that are not only meaningful but also sustainable, aiming to drive positive change within communities. Through his expertise, Glen ensures that these collaborations respect cultural values and contribute to mutual goals, enhancing opportunities for progress and empowerment in Indigenous communities. His approach is holistic, focusing on creating pathways that benefit all involved, ensuring lasting benefits and positive outcomes from these partnerships.

A Storied Athletic and Coaching Career

  • Represented Australia Rugby Union, Wallabies: Glen has donned the prestigious green and gold, representing the Wallabies on the international stage.
  • Wallabies Assistant Coach, 1995 Rugby World Cup: His expertise extended to coaching during the Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
  • Australian Sevens and Canada Assistant Coach: Beyond the 15s, Glen also contributed to the Australian Sevens and supported the Canadian team as an assistant coach.
  • Coaching in England: Moving to England, Glen coached Stourbridge, adding an international dimension to his coaching credentials.
  • Technical Adviser and Coach: Back in Australia, he served as a technical adviser to the Brumbies and coached the Australian Sevens, showcasing his versatile coaching skills.
Glen, a Yuin and Bidjigal man, has been heavily involved in ensuring Indigenous youth have opportunities to achieve their goals in education, sport and employment.

Championing Indigenous Success

  • Head of Indigenous Workplace Programs, Coca-Cola Amatil: Glen has been instrumental in creating and leading programs focused on enhancing Indigenous participation in the workplace.
  • AFL Sports Ready Employment Program: He played a key role in this program, which is designed to provide employment opportunities and support for Indigenous communities.
  • Ellavation Indigenous Student Mentoring Program: Glen is deeply involved in mentoring Indigenous students, ensuring they have the guidance needed to succeed in education, sport, and employment.

Leadership and Legacy

Glen, a Yuin and Bidjigal man, is not just a leader in sports but also a passionate advocate for Indigenous youth. His leadership transcends the playing field, as he works tirelessly to ensure that Indigenous youth have the opportunities to achieve their aspirations.

Spirit Sport + Events

Fostering Indigenous Partnerships: Through Spirit Sport + Events, a majority Indigenous-owned sports marketing business, Glen collaborates with organizations keen on supporting and working with the Indigenous community. His work focuses on creating meaningful partnerships that offer opportunities for trade, training, and employment, underlining his commitment to creating positive change.

Angus Crichton

Founding Director

Macia Ella-Duncan OAM

Foundation Board Member

John Dyball OAM

Founding Director

Mark Ella AM

Foundation Board Member

Gary Ella

Foundation Board Member

Gyan Ainkaran

Managing Director

Theresa Ardler

Director - Academic and Tertiary

Nicho Hynes

Leader & Mentor

Cody Walker

Leader & Mentor

Dylan Farrell

Director - Mentoring

Jeff Hardy

Director - Schools

Jonny Samengo

Board Member

Dave Rawlings

Get Involved

Find out how you can help

Join us at the First People Project, where every contribution ignites change. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or supporting our programs, your involvement directly empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Together, we can lift spirits and change lives. Get involved today and be part of creating a brighter future.

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