Executive
Warren Miller
I am Wirangu, Kokatha Man from the West Coast region of Ceduna and a dedicated CEO of the Spinifex Foundation SA an Indigenous Led Fund. I am deeply committed to resourcing preventative health, wellbeing, and social justice initiatives within the First Nations Community. My approach extends beyond merely seeking to stop youth incarceration directly; and along with Spinifex Foundation SA we strive to identify and strengthen the protective societal factors that can prevent young people from being exposed to the justice system at all. Equally important, we aim to create an enabling environment that empowers young individuals to avoid re-entering incarceration after coming out.
I firmly believe in the power of a holistic lens, which underscores the significance of collaboration with a diverse array of co-located community-based and government agencies. By forging these crucial partnerships, we are developing a comprehensive, accessible funding model that recognises the unique needs of at-risk young individuals or those already involved with the criminal justice system. However, my focus does not stop there. I am equally committed to providing Health and Well-being support, recognizing the inseparable link between mental health, overall wellbeing, and potential involvement in behaviour that could lead to incarceration.
Within Spinifex’s funding scope is the resourcing and support of programs that will provide individualized support and guidance to young people, empowering them to navigate and overcome the challenges they face and instill in them the motivation and resilience to strive for positive outcomes.
Recognising the transformative power of social inclusion and cultural activities, I have placed a special emphasis on these two aspects. By fostering a sense of belonging and identity among young people and families, we believe we can profoundly impact lives and contribute to building stronger and more resilient Communities.
The Spinifex Foundation SA is an extraordinary amalgamation of diverse skills and expertise, representative of our unwavering commitment to addressing multi level issues. Through our comprehensive approach, we strive to address the root causes of offending behaviours and effectively break multi-generational cycles. By providing a holistic lens through which we view the multifaceted issues faced by young individuals and Communities, we empower them with the stability, development, and trust required to navigate the justice system and ultimately lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Board Members
Marius Liddle
Chairperson
As an Arrernte man and leader in Aboriginal business and engagement, Marius Liddle brings cultural insights and strategic expertise to his work. He is the Founder and Director of MTL Consulting Services, a successful and mature 100% Aboriginal-owned firm delivering industry-leading, culturally informed stakeholder engagement, business optimisation, and workforce development solutions.
With over 15 years’ experience across State Government, Marius specialises in building trusted partnerships that empower Aboriginal participation in decision-making and policy reform.
He has led major co-design and community engagement initiatives, including the South Australian Government’s Aboriginal 3-Year-Old Preschool and Workforce Strategy reforms. Marius also led the initial Community engagements for the Spinifex Foundation of South Australia, gathering and reporting on the critical community input as it shaped the design of a culturally grounded, Community-led model.
Marius recently graduated from the University of Adelaide with his Master of Business Administration and is a co-author of research on culturally safe mental health interventions for First Nations youth.
He is committed to authentic representation, integrity, and long-term collaboration between First Nations peoples, government, and industry.
Patricia Cotton
Secretary
Patricia is a proud Kamilaroi and Māori woman, born and raised on Kaurna Land, deeply committed to creating culturally safe, empowering spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her passion lies in uplifting community through meaningful, grassroots-driven change that is led by culture, grounded in strength, and focused on the future. She believes in building spaces where First Nation people can thrive — spiritually, emotionally, and professionally — and where the next generation of leaders are not only welcomed but nurtured.
With a strong educational background in Population Health, she understands the critical importance of addressing the social determinants of health through culturally appropriate, community-led solutions. Her work centres on co-designing programs that reflect the values, voices, and visions of our people, ensuring that health promotion and healing come from within the Community, not just to it.
Alongside work in health, she brings years of experience in marketing, branding, and promotions, with a focus on developing and strengthening small businesses at a governance and strategic level. Her keen eye for building identity and influence through storytelling and strong brand presence — all while maintaining cultural integrity.
Leadership development and succession planning are at the core of what she does. Passionate about creating opportunities for others to grow, heal, and lead with confidence and pride. She believes that by investing in ourselves, we become better mentors, role models, and ancestors for those who walk behind us.
Belinda Hammond
Belinda Hammond is a proud Tanganekald woman from the Coorong region in South Australia, with over two decades of experience dedicated to improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing. She has worked across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector, mainstream services, and government, always advocating for culturally safe and community-led approaches.
Belinda is currently the Project Lead for the NACCHO–RACGP Partnership Project, where she has overseen the development of nationally significant resources, including the fourth edition of the National Guide to a Preventive Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and the forthcoming update to national health check recommendations.
An experienced Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner by background, Belinda also brings strengths in health informatics, continuous quality improvement, research, and project leadership. Her work is grounded in cultural integrity, systems change, and collective impact. She is deeply committed to ensuring Aboriginal-led voices and solutions are central in driving positive outcomes across health and social systems.
Leeroy Bilney
Leeroy Bilney is a proud Barngala, Kuprun, Wirangu, Kokatha, Mirning and Noongar person. Leeroy was born in Port Lincoln and lived most of his life in Ceduna, South Australia, growing up in an Aboriginal Community ‘Tia Tuckia’. He has spent his working career servicing community, being involved in many employment sectors, committees, initiatives and projects.
He is an experienced professional with a proven track record of working with Indigenous Communities and advocating for their voices to be heard. With a background in various leadership roles within Aboriginal health organisations, government agencies, and Community development projects, Leeroy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. In particular, his passion has remained the same in working with Community people and alongside them in achieving true capacity building. With a background in performing arts, he takes advantage of the opportunities to share his stories, in advancing others to explore their journey.
Leeroy is currently the Regional Manager, Australia, for International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, the Presiding Member for South Australia’s inaugural First Nations Voice to State Parliament and Chairperson of the Spinifex Foundation SA, formerly known as the First Nations Philanthropic Working Group. He has held positions as a Director of NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation). He was the former Chairperson and then interim CEO of Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation, and previously held a position as a Director on the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA)
Priscilla Larkins
Priscilla Larkins is a distinguished Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, and Ngarrindjeri woman from Coober Pedy, where she has dedicated her professional life to advancing healthcare services for her Community. With a profound commitment to Aboriginal health and a strong belief in equitable access to care, Priscilla has successfully led efforts to achieve the highest standards of accreditation for Umoona Tjutagku Health Service. Her tenacity in overcoming barriers to healthcare access has been a driving force behind her success, reinforcing her reputation as an effective leader and advocate.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Umoona Tjutagku Health Service for the past 18 years, Priscilla has made a substantial impact on both health outcomes and Community well-being. In her capacity as CEO, she has championed initiatives that advocate for the health and welfare of Aboriginal peoples, while inspiring younger generations to pursue their ambitions and embrace the importance of helping others.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, awards and accolades, Priscilla Larkins is a dedicated mentor and role model, inspiring future generations to realize their potential and follow their dreams. Her unique perspective and deep cultural understanding make her a valuable asset in the field of Aboriginal health care, as she continues to lead with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
Sarah Lindsay
Phillis Sarah Lindsay, known as Sarah, is a proud Ngarrindjeri and Erawirung woman who also acknowledges her Scottish heritage through her mother. Her greatest hope is that her children and grandchildren continue to strive to be the best they can be.
With over two decades of experience in Aboriginal health and wellbeing, building strong relationships within Aboriginal Communities across regional and metropolitan areas in South Australia. Sarah’s career is rooted in her passion for Community and Cultural empowerment.
Currently, Sarah is the Link-Up/Redress Team Manager at Nunkuwarrin Yunti. In this role, she leads a team supporting individuals and families affected by the Stolen Generations and those who have endured trauma from institutional and state care. Her work prioritizes healing, justice, and cultural reconnection.
Her qualifications include a Diploma of Narrative Approaches, completed in 2004, and a recent Certificate IV in Stolen Generations Research and Case Management. These demonstrate her ongoing commitment to professional development and her aspiration to inspire the next generation of Aboriginal workers in health and community services.
Sarah’s story is one of resilience, growth, and unwavering dedication to her family, her mob, and her culture. She continues to lead with heart, humility, and strength — ensuring that her journey leaves a positive impact on the people and communities she serves.
Lavene Ngatokorua
Lavene Ngatokorua is Wangkangurru, Adnyamathanha, Kuyani, and mother to Dre, living at Umeewarra, Davenport Community, Port Augusta. With over 50 years of experience in Aboriginal community life and 30+ years in governance, she is a respected cultural leader, advisor, and advocate for justice and self-determination.
Lavene has worked across government, corporate, philanthropic, and grassroots sectors, bringing deep insight from frontline work in health, justice, youth, and community development. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience, cultural strength, and a commitment to community-led decision-making.
She continues to serve across arts, media, enterprise, and cultural governance spaces, ensuring community voices are heard and respected at every level. Lavene is also a recipient of multiple local, state, and national awards recognising her lifetime of service.
She believes that strong futures must be shaped by those who live the story—walking forward in truth, honouring culture, and creating space for the next generation to rise.
