Our Leaders !
Justin Yalbarra
First Nations Leader | Cultural Strategist | Advocate for Sovereign Self-Determination
Martu Country, Western Australia
Justin Yalbarra is a proud Martu man, with deep ancestral roots across the vast red earth of the Western Desert in Western Australia. As one of the most respected emerging voices in First Nations leadership, Justin has dedicated over two decades to advancing the social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country.
Growing up between remote Country and urban centres, Justin has become known for his ability to walk in both worlds — bridging ancient cultural knowledge with modern governance, service reform, and community empowerment. His work spans child safety reform, NDIS strategy, and cultural governance, often advising state and federal agencies seeking genuine co-design with First Nations people.
Justin is also a Company Director at First Nations Services, where he drives strategic direction, strengthens cultural governance, and ensures all operations are grounded in Indigenous values and accountable leadership. Under his guidance, the organisation has grown its influence and reach, delivering culturally safe, community-led services across regional and remote areas.
Justin’s leadership is guided by ancestral wisdom, collective strength, and a vision of true self-determination for future generations. He serves on multiple First Nations advisory groups and is known for championing men's healing, youth empowerment, and sovereign community control.
In 2023, he played a pivotal role in the development of a national cultural leadership initiative, supporting the next wave of First Nations changemakers across the continent
Marcella Ketchell
First Nations Leader | Director, First Nations Services | Advocate for Cultural Integrity & Community Empowerment
Cape York – Kaanju, Waanyi & Torres Strait Islander Connections
Marcella Ketchell is a proud member of the Kaanju clan of Cape York, with deep cultural connections to the Waanyi and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Marcella is a Director of First Nations Services, where she brings a powerful combination of lived experience, cultural knowledge, and unwavering passion for helping others. Her work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through culturally responsive and community-led approaches.
With extensive experience in community engagement, partnership development, and capacity building, Marcella has devoted her career to advocating for the rights, wellbeing, and resilience of Indigenous communities across Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands.
She has held key roles with respected organisations such as the Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK), RAATSICC (Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care), and QATSICPP (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak).
Marcella holds a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education and Community Management, and continues to champion initiatives that promote holistic wellbeing, community self-determination, and intergenerational strength.
Our Leaders !
Cr Trevor Tim
Proud Waanyi/Gangalidda & Erub Island Man | First Nations Leader | Motivational Speaker | Cairns City Councillor
Cr Trevor Tim is a proud First Nations man with ancestral roots on his father’s side from the Waanyi and Gangalidda Peoples of the Gulf of Carpentaria, and on his mother’s side from Erub (Darnley Island) in the Torres Strait. Grounded in strong cultural identity and guided by the wisdom of his ancestors, Trevor walks proudly in both worlds, honouring his heritage while forging pathways for future generations.
Born in Cloncurry (a Murri from da Curry) and a long-time resident of Cairns for over 46 years, Trevor has built a remarkable life dedicated to leadership, service, and uplifting community. He proudly became the first Indigenous Councillor elected to the Cairns Regional Council, representing Division 4, which includes Earlville, Kanimbla, Mooroobool, and parts of Manoora and Manunda.
Trevor's leadership journey began early, serving as school captain in both primary and high school. He went on to become a representative footballer, a professional dancer, and later a dedicated youth worker in residential care for over a decade—supporting at-risk young people through guidance, cultural strength, and consistent mentorship.
With over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, Trevor is now at the forefront of Indigenous Tourism in Cairns, where he champions career pathways in the marine sector for young First Nations people. He also co-founded the motivational speaking company “Success With Attitude” alongside friend Bram Collins, using the platform to inspire diverse audiences across Australia for over two decades.
Trevor is also a respected national voice as the long-standing host of “National Talkblack” on Bumma Bippera Media (BBM 98.7FM), where for over 11 years, he has kept the public informed, engaged, and connected through powerful storytelling and informed dialogue.
A committed non-smoker, non-drinker, and advocate for a positive and healthy lifestyle, Trevor exemplifies integrity in action. His entrepreneurial spirit, authentic communication style, and ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds — Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike — has made him one of Australia’s leading First Nations speakers.
Trevor lives in Brinsmead with his wife Jackie, his life partner of 33 years. Together, they have raised four children and enjoy time with their four grandchildren. Their multicultural family heritage — combining Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Papua New Guinean, and Australian ancestry — reflects the inclusive, resilient, and interconnected values Trevor brings to every role he undertakes.
With a heart for service and a voice for change, Cr Trevor Tim is not only a leader — he is a visionary, mentor, and motivator. He often reflects on life’s two most important days: “The day you are born, and the day you discover why.” For Trevor, that purpose is clear — to uplift his people, empower the next generation, and ensure every voice in the community is heard.