Indigenous Business Australia Elevates Community Focus Through Appointments

Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) has recently made significant appointments reflecting a strong community focus. Olga Havnen, a Western Arrernte woman, has been promoted to the position of deputy chairperson after joining the IBA Board in December 2024. On the other hand, Josh Gilbert, a Worimi man, has been reappointed as a board director. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience to their roles, with Ms. Havnen having served in various leadership positions in organizations such as the Justice Reform Initiative and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.

Mr. Gilbert, who has been on the board since April 2022, is known for his work as an entrepreneur and business advisor, particularly in the Aboriginal culture, agriculture, and environmental sectors. He has been instrumental in bridging traditional Aboriginal knowledge with contemporary contexts, aiming to create opportunities for future generations by drawing on the wisdom of the past. Additionally, Mr. Gilbert, a farmer and academic, is currently pursuing advanced research at Charles Sturt University and has been recognized as one of the world’s top young gastronomers.

These appointments follow the recent additions of Brian Bero and Dr. Doug McTaggart to the IBA board. Darren Godwell, the chairperson of IBA and a descendant of the Kokoberren peoples of Cape York, emphasized the significance of having a diverse board with a mix of skills to advance IBA’s mission. He stressed the importance of leveraging individual expertise and corporate skills to propel IBA’s services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to new heights.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, expressed optimism about the new board’s ability to enhance the economic empowerment of First Nations people. Senator McCarthy commended the board’s blend of experience and fresh perspectives, noting that their collective expertise would be invaluable as IBA expands its role and mandate.

The appointments of Ms. Havnen and Mr. Gilbert underscore IBA’s commitment to community-driven initiatives and the elevation of Indigenous voices in decision-making processes. By bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills, IBA aims to strengthen its capacity to support the economic development and well-being of Indigenous communities across Australia.