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.

Theresa Ardler

Director - Academic and Tertiary

Nominee : Young Australian of the Year Award, 1998.

Winner : Alan Laughlin Perpetual Award”, Australian College of Educators.

Winner : Australian Council for Educational Leaders, outstanding Indigenous scholars in educational leadership.

Winner : Outstanding contribution to quality leadership “The New Indigenous Voice in Educational Leadership” scholarship.

  • Bachelor of Law (LLB)
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Associate Diploma Child Science
  • Master of Religious Education
  • Currently completing her PhD.

Angus Crichton

Founding Director

Macia Ella-Duncan OAM

Foundation Board Member

Glen Ella

Founding Director - Pathways Careers Trade Training

John Dyball OAM

Founding Director

Mark Ella AM

Foundation Board Member

Gary Ella

Foundation Board Member

Gyan Ainkaran

Managing Director

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.

Are you a company or organisation? Learn about more ways to help.