Nickita Wylie

Facility Manager

Nickita Wylie is the Facility Manager at Georgina Hostel and Aged care facility, where she is deeply honoured to support the Elders and residents, ensuring the highest standards of care, compassion, and respect are upheld. Her work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to community and the delivery of culturally safe, person-centred care. Nickita brings experience in the health and aged care sectors. Prior to her current role, she worked with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team at Metro North Health Services as a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Officer. In this position, she supported staff through complex and often sensitive challenges, guided by a holistic approach to wellbeing and a deep respect for cultural knowledge and practices.

A proud Australian South Sea Islander woman, Nickita draws strength and cultural grounding from Bundjalung Country, especially the healing presence of Wategos Beach. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing from Griffith University (2011) and has over a decade of experience in aged care, having worked as both a Clinical Nurse and Registered Nurse Supervisor. Her passion for empowering others extends into education. For six years, Nickita worked with Griffith University First Peoples Health Unit, where she supported and mentored emerging health professionals, encouraging cultural humility and safe, respectful practice. She has also served as a Clinical Facilitator, combining her expertise in nursing and education to support student learning in aged care clinical settings.

Nickita’s dedication to culturally responsive care led her to work with the Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program (ANFPP), where she supported Home Visiting teams in delivering holistic care to first-time mothers and their families. Across all areas of her work, whether in nursing, education, or leadership, Nickita remains grounded in her purpose: to practice and lead with cultural respect, to listen deeply, walk alongside others with heart, and advocate for respectful, inclusive, and culturally safe care.

John Reynolds

Financial Accountant

John is a finance professional having been a Chartered Accountant (CA) for over 25 years.  He has worked in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and in Australia for over the last 22 years. Industries he has worked in include Local Government, Electricity generation, Health, Rail, Wholesale and Retail, Mining and Construction, Training and Employment, Disability Support and now Aged Care and Community Housing with WATSIC.

In addition to providing management with meaningful financial information to guide in decision making, John has a passion for Indigenous training and employment. The Apprenticeship Program John built won the Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award at the Australian Training Awards. He has also designed and managed award-winning Indigenous training and employment programs; and been involved with the development of a small number of RAP’s. John is forever trying to get in shape and loves spending time with his family including eight grandchildren. Other passions include 80’s music and the All Blacks.

Tarati Ratana

Operations Manager

Tarati serves as the Operations Manager at Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation. She is of Māori descent from New Zealand and brings more than eight years of professional experience across remote and very remote regions of Australia. Throughout her career in the community services sector, she has developed extensive operational knowledge and practical expertise supported by significant on-the-ground experience.

Tarati acknowledges the guidance of the distinguished mentors, CEOs, and directors she has had the privilege to work with—individuals whose leadership and depth of sector knowledge have contributed to her professional growth.

She remains committed to advancing meaningful, culturally informed outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to supporting the continuous improvement of service delivery within the sector.

Mark Atkinson

Maintanance Officer

Mark has come on as Maintenance Officer – he is a Yorta Yorta man from Shepparton Victoria with more than 40 years’ experience across the building and construction industry, community organisations, employment, and facilities management.  Beyond his professional career he has made a significant contribution to community through his involvement with a range of community organisations across education, employment, facilities management, and community development.  Mark is also a respected figure in the sporting community being the inaugural senior coach of the Rumbalara Football Club and a three-time premiership coach.  Demonstrating his strong leadership, mentoring and ability to bring people together toward a common goal.

Deanne Broome

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Officer

Deanne Broome is the dedicated Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Officer with a diverse background in community services, education support, business administration, and aged care. She is passionate about supporting Indigenous elders to maintain their independence, wellbeing, and connection to their communities through the delivery of quality support services. Deanne holds a Certificate III in Education Support, Certificate I and II in Business, and has attained qualifications in both Aged Care and Nursing. Her varied educational background provides her with a strong foundation in client care and administration. With experience working across communities in the Northern Territory and then through our sunshine state, Deanne brings cultural education, identified compassion and support within our local environments. She works collaboratively with clients, families, service providers, and stakeholders to ensure individuals receive the support they need to remain safe, independent, and engaged in daily life. Known for her professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail, Deanne is committed to achieving positive outcomes for the people and communities she serves.

Maree Morgan

Support Worker

My name is Maree Morgan, and I am a proud mother of two Indigenous children, with family connections to both Quandamooka and Bundjalung Country. I have spent 38 years working within my local community, including 25 years in education. For the past 18 months, I have worked as a Support Worker with the Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation, where I enjoy supporting community members and building meaningful connections. Through my role as a Support Worker, I strive to walk alongside people, listen to their needs, and provide support with patience, understanding, and kindness. I value building genuine relationships and empowering people to feel confident, respected and supported in their own journey. I am passionate about working alongside community and Elders and understand the importance of culture, connection, and Elders’ knowledge. I am committed to supporting Elders to maintain their independence, preserve our culture and share their knowledge with future generations.

Amber Kennedy

Administration Officer

My name is Amber Leon-Kennedy, and I am a proud Kamilaroi woman from Tamworth. I am honoured to be the Administration Officer for Winnam at Georgina Hostel, a role I hold with great pride. From a young age, working in spaces that supported our mob and Elders has always been an important part of the career path I wanted to pursue. Being able to work alongside and support our people, while contributing to a space that celebrates culture, connection, and community, holds a very special meaning in my life. I take great pride in supporting our Elders and community and being part of an organisation that values culture, respect, and the strength of our people. It is incredibly meaningful to me to be able to express my pride in who we are and contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our mob.

Haley Smith

Administration Officer

Haley Smith is a proud Gulidjan woman and serves as the Administration and Financial Assistant at Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation. In her role, she supports a broad range of organisational functions, including financial administration, membership services, housing programs, community engagement, and operational support.

With a strong background in administration and finance, Haley has experience in accounts payable, invoicing, records management, event coordination, and corporate governance processes. She is passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and contributing to programs and services that create positive outcomes for community members.