About
Gregory Phillips established ABSTARR in 2007 to lead change.
CHANGE
We lead change by facilitating transformational growth in culturally safe environments.
For example, we are working with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to ensure 670 000 health professionals understand and enact their roles in patient safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
EXCELLENCE
We deliver excellence in strategic thought leadership, critical analysis and communications.
For example, we are working with the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet to ensure self-determination for Aboriginal peoples is real and respectful as they begin steps to negotiating a treaty with the First Peoples.
CLARITY
We bring clarity and confidence to those who want to deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
For example, we are working with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak Ltd to ensure their strategic vision is realised.
What problem do we solve?
Many groups have taken positive steps towards inclusion in service delivery (eg Indigenous flags and artwork, RAPs, employment strategies & NAIDOC Week activities), yet many organisations and programs are still not producing excellence.
We help you understand the structural and human factors at work in your organisation by using the best evidence, razor-sharp analysis and crystal clear strategic thinking to get you optimal results.
ABSTARR guarantees a professional approach at all times, is a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated consulting business, and is certified with Supply Nation.
Outcomes
Some of the recent outcomes achieved by ABSTARR include:
- Producing a strong definition and rationale for self-determination in Korin Korin Balit-Djak – the new Victorian Aboriginal Health, Wellbeing and Safety Strategy
- Clarifying the thinking of the Queensland Department of Communities and the Department of Attorney General in relation to issues of cultural safety, whiteness, and power-sharing
- Working with the professions of medicine, nursing, psychology, dentistry and others to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is addressed in curricula, training and accreditation
- Facilitating Griffith University’s strategic plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in their medical courses
- Development of The Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s Statement of Intent
See the results page for a full list of the change ABSTARR Consulting leads.
ABSTARR Team
Prof. Gregory Phillips
Chief Executive Officer
Gregory Phillips is from the Waanyi and Jaru Aboriginal Australian peoples, and comes from Cloncurry and Mount Isa.
Gregory has a PhD (‘Dancing With Power: Aboriginal Health, Cultural Safety and Medical Education’), a research master’s degree in medical science (‘Addictions and Healing in Aboriginal Country’; published as a book in 2003), and a bachelor degree in arts (Aboriginal Studies and Government majors).
He is a leading change maker, thought leader and medical anthropologist. He leads change in cultural safety, race relations and decolonisation.
Gregory is a Professor of First People’s Health in the School of Medicine at Griffith University and is the Chief Executive Officer of ABSTARR Consulting.
Gregory also chairs the Ebony Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Institute.
Temira Dewis
Director, Strategy
Temira Dewis is a Kaantju, Othalganu and Ayapathu woman from central and east coast of Cape York in Queensland. Temira holds a degree in commerce majoring in management, accounting and human resource management.
Temira is the Director of Strategy of ABSTARR Consulting and has extensive experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, and the Queensland and Victorian public sectors enabling change reforms, and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, perspectives and cultural safety in policy and practices.
Dr Leda Barnett
Director, Wellbeing
Leda’s paternal family’s history is intertwined with the Stolen Generation, with connections to the Bathern family from Beetaloo station. Leda is a counselling psychologist with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) titled ‘First Australian Holistic Health: Development of a Multi-Dimensional Model of Suicidal Ideation and Suicide-Related Behaviour’ and an education degree.
Leda has researched and worked extensively in areas including chronic disease, social and emotional wellbeing, disability and preventing suicide. Leda has also contributed to enhancing the cultural competence of psychologists and other health professionals by creating training programs through the Australian Psychological Society and with the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association.
Nioka Thorpe-Williams
General Manager
Nioka is a Gunditjmara, Gunnai, Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman. Born and raised in Naarm (Melbourne) on Wurundjeri country.
Nioka has grown with strong Aboriginal connections on both sides of her family and guided by her strong beliefs and knowledge of Aboriginal community control and self-determination. Nioka’s strengths are in Administration and program development. She has been employed across a range of services including project and policy coordination, community engagement, Aboriginal Early Years, Aboriginal Archives, State government and Infrastructure. Nioka is the General Manager based in Naarm.
Kiara Davies
Office Manager
Kiara is a Kamilaroi woman originally from Mungindi on the border of NSW and QLD, with family still residing there. She now lives on Wurundjeri country in Melbourne and has for the past five years. Kiara holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and a minor in History and has completed a Cert IV in Indigenous Leadership.
She has experience in the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector in medical and general administration, communications, engagement and project work. She is passionate about First Peoples health and wellbeing as well as ensuring equitable access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Kiara has joined ABSTARR as Office Manager in the Naarm office.
Bennie van der Merwe
Finance Officer
Bennie hails from South Africa, and has been living on the lands of the Wurundjeri people since 2010. He holds a B Comm (Management Accounting) degree from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as CIMA & CPA memberships.
He worked in the Not-for-Profit sector in the UK for 10 years in London before moving to Naarm in 2010, where he continued to work in the NFP sector as Management Accountant or Financial Accountant. Bennie looks after our Finances.
Elle Richards
Strategy Manager
Elle is a Kamilaroi woman from Larrakia country living in Naarm (Melbourne) on Wurundjeri country. Enriched by a broad spectrum of experience across industry, Elle is successfully establishing herself as a highly regarded integrator in the First Nations space. Over her career, she has established and nurtured robust connections with First Nations leaders and communities across Australia. In her present role as a consultant with ABSTARR, Elle is actively involved in establishing and implementing sustainable community development strategies, working collaboratively with both clients and First Nations communities.
Elle offers professional counsel on a variety of topics, such as First Nations economic growth, cultural revitalisation, knowledge sharing and community engagement. Elle possesses expertise in steering community-oriented planning and design, and is deeply dedicated to ensuring that the viewpoints and voices of the First Nations community are recognised and integrated into decision-making processes demonstrating an unwavering commitment to amplifying First Nations voices. Elle has a Master of Arts and Cultural Management, a Bachelor of Arts and is a Qualified Primary School Teacher. Elle is currently studying a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership. Elle is also a member of the Australian Institute for Company Directors.
Merinda Dickson
Practice Manager
Merinda is a proud Kungarakan Warumungu woman born and raised in Boorloo (Perth) on Whadjuk Noongar country, but now resides on Kombumerri country in South-East Queensland. With a multifaceted career spanning various industries, Merinda brings management experience in general business, programs, and projects across the SME and the community sectors.
Her deep passion for building strong partnerships and creating opportunities that foster inclusive and supportive environments underscore her commitment to achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As the Practice Manager of Well@Work, Merinda is responsible for the daily operations and efficient delivery of Well@Work’s service provisions all while upholding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values.
Priscilla West
Education and Training Project Support Officer
Priscilla is a Kalkadoon – Djaku-nde woman from Cloncurry/Mount Isa. Priscillas’ strong sense of leadership, advocacy and cultural respect comes from her family’s teachings. Priscilla was raised by incredibly strong First Nations Matriarchs – In particular her mum Karen West. Priscilla feels a sense of responsibility to be a leader in the community and carry on her family’s legacy. She aims to merge the knowledge bestowed upon her by her ancestors with Western practices to support positive social, economic, and cultural outcomes.
Priscilla has over 30 years of experience in influencing change through her various roles including her role as a First Nations Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Senior Specialist at Telstra.
Eliza Salvatori
Consultant
Eliza is a Yuin woman born on Gadigal Country, with connections to southeast Sydney communities, and raised on Arakwal Bundjalung Country (Byron Bay). Eliza holds a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of International and Global Studies, majoring in Anthropology. Eliza won the Ashurst Environmental Law Award for her research on the legal and practical implications of giving rivers legal personhood. Eliza has worked in both the private and public legal sectors, as well as in strategy across government, private and the NGO sector. Prior to joining ABSTARR, Eliza was a Project Officer and Director at Ngalaya Indigenous Corporation (a peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers and law students) and a consultant in Deloitte’s Indigenous Services Group.
Eliza is a Consultant with ABSTARR Consulting. Eliza takes a strengths-based approach to challenging status quo and driving systemic, social and environmental change, with a strong focus on storytelling and deep listening. Eliza is particularly passionate about challenging legal and social mainstream norms and integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and knowledge systems to solve some of Australia’s most complex issues with intention and impact.
Oliver Tye
Consultant
Ollie is a Wardandi Noongar man from Ngunnawal Country, Canberra with connection to the south-west of Western Australia. Ollie holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Anthropology and has worked in policy and strategy across government, community control and the NGO sector. He has worked with grassroots programs and practice right through to high level policy and strategy to make enduring change.
Ollie is a Consultant at ABSTARR Consulting and is heavily influenced by strong community mentors and is motivated by a keen interest in philosophy, politics and history as they apply to the place of First Nations in Australia and the world. Ollie takes a relational approach to problem solving and strategy aimed at producing cultural shifts in both people and structures.
Lily Whitting
Consultant
Lily is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Central West NSW living on Gadigal Country (Sydney) and a third year Law and Politics, Philosophy and Economics student at the University of NSW. Prior to ABSTARR Lily work at Deloitte in their Indigenous Services Group and as a research assistant and paralegal in the competition and regulation practice team at Gilbert and Tobin.
She also completed a summer internship at KPMG in the policy and programs evaluation team where she contributed to the delivery of various economic and social policy evaluations. Lily brings her experience in research, problem solving and community engagement to support the project teams she works with.
Charles Williams
Consultant
Charles is a descendant of the Yorta Yorta, Gunai, Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri peoples, living within the Victorian Koori community for all of his life. Charles is an experienced Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the management consulting industry. Skilled in Graduate Recruitment, Training Delivery, Labor Relations, Management, and Community Engagement. Strong professional education with the MURRA Program 2018 focused in Business / Strategy from Melbourne Business School, as a multiple business owner. Charles has a knowledge of supply chain management and procurement, business lending and a strong connection to the First Nations business sector.
Charles uses his knowledge, community influence and connection to support, advocate and empower his First Nations communities to achieve active roles for success. Through a breadth of local and national experience, and with experience applying strategic and behavioural changes to workplaces, Charles has enabled an approach to content creation suitable for a wide range of target audiences through the lens of First Nations people. Charles is the Junior Consultant for the ABSTARR team based in NAARM.
Serena Barton
Junior Consultant
Serena is a Yadhaigana, Wuthathi and Gurindji descendant with connections to Thursday Island in Zennadeth Kes and the Ngati Porou iwi of the East Cape and Gisborne regions of Aotearoa. Serena was born and raised on Larrakia country and now lives on Boon Wurrung country in Naarm.
Serena is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and International Relations and Philosophy. Serena is a Junior Consultant at ABSTARR.
Elias Jarvis
Junior Consultant
Elias is a proud Djab Wurrung and Kirrae Wurrung man from the south-west of Victoria. Elias holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Indigenous studies and Media and Communications and is currently studying the Juris Doctor (Law) at the University of Melbourne.
Elias has previously held consulting and engagement roles which focused on engaging with the Victorian Aboriginal Community to better inform and direct initiatives across the private, not for profit, government, and Aboriginal Community Controlled sectors. Elias is a Junior Consultant at ABSTARR.
Holly Regan
Junior Consultant
Holly is a woman of Irish, Scottish and Welsh heritage, born on unceded Boonwurrung Country. Completing a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and the Juris Doctor (Law) introduced Holly to seeing the current state of the world and this continent through the lenses of colonisation, racism, and whiteness.
Holly is committed to ongoing self-reflexivity in her work and is driven to dismantle colonial systems and back recognition of First Nations sovereignty and the true enabling of self-determination. Holly holds a deep respect for First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing, and believes decolonisation is necessary for the survival of the planet. Holly is a Junior Consultant at ABSTARR.
Luther Lyon
Junior Consultant
Luther is a non-Aboriginal man with English, Scottish and American family heritage. He was born and raised on Boonwurrung Country in Naarm and now lives on the unceded lands of the Larrakia.
Luther holds a Master of Social Policy and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Australian Indigenous Studies, and won the Dean’s Honours Award for his research on the bio-piracy of Indigenous knowledges in Australia’s bush food retail industry. Prior to joining ABSTARR, Luther has worked in different areas across social policy, research and evaluation, and higher education. Luther is a Junior Consultant at ABSTARR.
Roianne West
Abstarr Associate
Professor Roianne West (BNurs, MMHNurs, PhD, PFHEA, MAICD)
A descendent of the Kalkadunga and Djkunde Peoples from Queensland, a mother, and a grandmother. Prof. West’s pioneering work commenced as an Aboriginal Health worker over 30 years ago but in many ways began generations before. Prof. West’s work builds on a family legacy, cultural and intellectual inheritance and intergenerational knowledge that spans four generations of Aboriginal nurses and a long line of healers. The last 10 years of Professor Wests careers has been in Higher Education. In 2020 Professor West was awarded a prestigious Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (UK) in recognition of her personal and institutional commitment to the professionalism of Aboriginal health learning and teaching in Higher Education. Highlights include leading the design and development of the following training programs: –
- Yuwahn Wupin Aboriginal Health and Cultural Safety (2019) Griffith University
- Moong-moong-gak: Cultural Safety (2019) Ahpra
- Murra Mullangari: Introduction to Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility E-learning program for practising Nurses (2020) CATSINaM
- Cultural Safety Training for accreditation contributors (2024) HPACF
Currently works as the inaugural Aboriginal Professor of Nursing at the Sydney University Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Founder and CEO of First Nations Nursing and Midwifery Consulting and proud Associate with Abstarr consulting bringing her expertise and experience to lead change by facilitating transformational growth in culturally safe environments.
Eugenia Flynn
Abstarr Associate
Eugenia Flynn is a Larrakia, Tiwi, Chinese Malaysian and Muslim woman who grew up in Adelaide, South Australia. She has extensive experience working with her multiple communities across government and the not-for-profit sector, including with the Ebony Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Institute. As a writer and academic, she has been published widely on topics such as Indigenous politics and affairs, race and whiteness, gender and feminism, and arts and culture.
Within the arts and cultural sector, Eugenia has most recently worked with Australia’s national museum of screen culture ACMI, Ilbijerri Theatre Company and Peril Magazine. Eugenia is a Consultant at ABSTARR Consulting.
Jump up and travel with the light…
In the dreaming, before there was any light, two young fellas were walking along in the dark. One decided to stay in the dark, and one chose to jump up and travel with the light. That’s you… shooting star. You decided to jump up and travel with the light.”