Aaron Simmler is a proud Boandik man.  He is the current President of Willum Warrain having previously served as Treasurer for three years where he worked closely with all Board members to ensure effective resource allocation for initiatives that benefit community.

He has extensive experience in the water and wastewater industry. In his current role at Programmed Facility Management for South East Water, he oversees pressure sewer systems across the South East region. Key strengths include troubleshooting complex issues with a deep understanding of the regulatory requirements governing the industry and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

In his spare time, he volunteers as a member of Citizen Science Crew, collecting and analysing data to support local conservation efforts on the Mornington Peninsula.

“I believe connecting to culture and community is the key to healing.”

Jeanette Kaindel is a proud Palawa woman who was a founding member of Willum Warrain and has been on the Board since 2014. She has previously served as President for five years. She was a Coordinator of the Homework and Learning Support Initiative, Frankston from 2010 – 2020 supporting the local CALD community. She has been an art, media and well-being teacher in a number of secondary schools over an extensive career. She currently is Assistant Principal of Engagement and Wellbeing at Monterey Secondary College. She is the NEiTA Excellence in Teaching, Smith Family Winner 2022 for Australia and New Zealand.

“Being part of Willum Warrain’s journey has been a true privilege. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead, working with our community to empower our mob and continue to grow Willum Warrain as a welcoming cultural hub for generations to come”. 

Taneisha Webster is a proud Wathaurong woman. She is a current Ph.D. candidate researching the importance of ‘Belonging to Place’ examining the role of cultural connection to wellbeing. She has been a former Willum Warrain President and was the Executive Officer/ Women’s Business at the Gathering Place. She has also served on the Board of Koondee Wonga-gat Toor-ong, a Victorian First Nations’ Philanthropy. Previously, she worked with VACCA as a Team Leader and Senior Adviser. She was the recipient of the Ricki Marks (2016), a state-wide award for young Aboriginal leaders.

“As a mother of two, I am committed to raising strong and resilient bubups through culture and community connections”.

Hillary Aldenhoven is a proud Ngugi woman of the Quandamooka peoples.  She has served as Secretary for the last four years. She is a clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the promotion of cultural safety and a social and emotional well-being approach to mental health assessment and treatment in forensic mental health. She was a Poche Fellow (2019) at Melbourne University. She is currently the Team Leader, Prevention and Recovery Care, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne.

“Important values for me include social justice and inclusion, cultural connection through healing and cultural strengthening and promoting Aboriginal ways of knowing, and being and belonging.”

Uncle John Egan is a proud Gunditjmara man and became involved with Willum Warrain early in 2023. He first became aware of his Aboriginal background three years ago and is currently 71 years of age. Now retired, he has a background in banking in investment services with a major stockbroking firm working in IT. He and his wife, Christine ran a successful amateur theatre company for 20 years. They are regular attendees of Men’s, Women’s and Elders’ groups and other Willum Warrain events. He has connected with his mob down in Warrnambool and Heywood.

“I am keen to continue my journey in learning as much as I can about my Indigenous history and deeply appreciate how many in our community have missed out on cultural connection for most of their lives.”

Aunty Bev is a proud Dharug woman with an extensive background in retail. Throughout her life, she volunteered for schools, sports clubs, and organisations supporting older people. Since retiring, Bev has embraced the opportunity to further pursue her passions for the environment and her Aboriginal heritage.

In 2023, she joined Willum Warrain, where she has quickly become an active and valued member of the community. Through her involvement in the Women’s and Elders groups, she focuses on learning, preserving, and passing down Aboriginal culture to the next generation. She is also a dedicated advocate for her peers, helping connect community members with affordable services and benefits that support day-to-day lives.

“By gifting cultural knowledge to the next generation, we give them the strength to stand proud in their heritage. I’m deeply moved by the work Willum Warrain does for our youth, equipping them to protect and preserve our stories for those who follow. I know our future is in good hands.”

Nat Gorman is a proud Meluckerdee man and longstanding member of Willum Warrain. He holds a Master of Project Management (RMIT) and a Bachelor of Arts (The University of Melbourne), and brings experience in project coordination, program analysis, cultural heritage and risk management to the Board.

Nat works at DEECA in senior policy reform and leadership roles, where he currently manages Aboriginal stakeholder partnerships. He is an enthusiastic attendee of the Men’s Group and the Elders’ Group when able to attend.

“I am passionate about self-determination, preserving cultural heritage, and the importance of connection to place.”

Janni Newson is a proud Yamatji / Awabakal woman. She holds a Bachelor of Business (RMIT) and a Master of Teaching (The University of Melbourne).

Janni and her family feel at home at Willum Warrain and regularly attend events at the Gathering Place. She is keen to use the expertise she has gained through leadership roles in education, across the Aboriginal community-controlled sector, and in state government for the benefit of community. She brings strong grounding in governance, strategy, and advocacy to the Board.

“We have lived experience within our family of the impacts of intergenerational trauma. I therefore know how important Willum Warrain is for local mob, where culture, healing, and community are nurtured.”

If you’re interested in joining our board please see the application form:

N.B. The Board is always looking for ideas, feedback and advice on improving our organisation.
Please contact us at any time.