Gunawuna Jungai Team Members

The GJ operational team brings a depth of experience and insight, with a combined tenure of over 45 years in project and operational management of multimillion dollar programs within remote Aboriginal communities across Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria. At the heart of their leadership philosophy is a commitment to sustainable outcomes through the integration of service design and delivery within the local cultural context.

Gunawuna Jungai Team Members

The GJ operational team brings a depth of experience and insight, with a combined tenure of over 45 years in project and operational management of multimillion dollar programs within remote Aboriginal communities across Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria. At the heart of their leadership philosophy is a commitment to sustainable outcomes through the integration of service design and delivery within the local cultural context.

Kieran Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Meet our CEO, Kieran!

Kieran’s remarkable achievements in the field of child protection are a testament to his pioneering spirit. In 2012, he was honoured with the prestigious Queensland Child Protection Award – Professional (Non-Government), for his instrumental role in establishing the safe house service in Doomadgee. Building on this success, Kieran played a pivotal role in the development of the award-winning Safe House programs in the Western Cape York and Gulf of Carpentaria Aboriginal communities as the SafeKIDS Director, earning the esteemed 2015 Queensland Reconciliation Award.

Doomadgee, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, and Napranum communities have all benefited from Kieran’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts. His deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of all community members in Doomadgee is evident in his ability to provide culturally integrated services that honour and embrace Indigenous heritage through traditional lore and cultural practices that reshape current Western service delivery models. Drawing on his Badtjala heritage and background in anthropology and community development, Kieran remains steadfast in utilising his extensive experience, cultural sensitivity, and determination to make him an invaluable asset to Gunawuna Jungai.

Kieran Smith

Kieran Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Meet our CEO, Kieran!

Kieran’s remarkable achievements in the field of child protection are a testament to his pioneering spirit. In 2012, he was honoured with the prestigious Queensland Child Protection Award – Professional (Non-Government), for his instrumental role in establishing the safe house service in Doomadgee. Building on this success, Kieran played a pivotal role in the development of the award-winning Safe House programs in the Western Cape York and Gulf of Carpentaria Aboriginal communities as the SafeKIDS Director, earning the esteemed 2015 Queensland Reconciliation Award.

Doomadgee, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, and Napranum communities have all benefited from Kieran’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts. His deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of all community members in Doomadgee is evident in his ability to provide culturally integrated services that honour and embrace Indigenous heritage through traditional lore and cultural practices that reshape current Western service delivery models. Drawing on his Badtjala heritage and background in anthropology and community development, Kieran remains steadfast in utilising his extensive experience, cultural sensitivity, and determination to make him an invaluable asset to Gunawuna Jungai.

Meet our Chief Operating Officer, Massimo!

Massimo is not just an ordinary leader. He is a highly experienced and motivated individual with exceptional communication skills that allow him to convey his vision and strategies to all people effectively. His journey towards becoming a champion for Indigenous rights began when he joined Act For Kids, an organisation that sparked his passion for advocating on behalf of Indigenous communities.

Over the course of more than a decade, Massimo has had the privilege of working closely with Chairman Barry, a remarkable individual whose unwavering enthusiasm and genuine care for the community of Doomadgee serve as constant sources of inspiration.

For Massimo, the key to Gunawuna Jungai’s success lies in empowering the community to take charge of its own future. Drawing from his extensive experience working in remote Indigenous communities, Massimo deeply understands the importance of placing the community at the forefront of decision-making processes. He firmly believes that sustainable change can only be achieved when the community’s individuals actively participate and have ownership over the decisions that shape their lives. Gunawuna Jungai stands as a proud testament to Massimo’s unwavering commitment to community-led and run initiatives. A deep appreciation and understanding of the local context, history, and wisdom of community elders further strengthen Massimo’s abilities and passion. By embracing Indigenous wisdom, customs, and practices, Gunawuna Jungai becomes a vibrant and inclusive platform for empowering the community of Doomadagee.

Massimo Zaini

Chief Operating Officer

Massimo Zaini

Massimo Zaini

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Meet our Chief Operating Officer, Massimo!

Massimo is not just an ordinary leader. He is a highly experienced and motivated individual with exceptional communication skills that allow him to convey his vision and strategies to all people effectively. His journey towards becoming a champion for Indigenous rights began when he joined Act For Kids, an organisation that sparked his passion for advocating on behalf of Indigenous communities.

Over the course of more than a decade, Massimo has had the privilege of working closely with Chairman Barry, a remarkable individual whose unwavering enthusiasm and genuine care for the community of Doomadgee serve as constant sources of inspiration.

For Massimo, the key to Gunawuna Jungai’s success lies in empowering the community to take charge of its own future. Drawing from his extensive experience working in remote Indigenous communities, Massimo deeply understands the importance of placing the community at the forefront of decision-making processes. He firmly believes that sustainable change can only be achieved when the community’s individuals actively participate and have ownership over the decisions that shape their lives. Gunawuna Jungai stands as a proud testament to Massimo’s unwavering commitment to community-led and run initiatives. A deep appreciation and understanding of the local context, history, and wisdom of community elders further strengthen Massimo’s abilities and passion. By embracing Indigenous wisdom, customs, and practices, Gunawuna Jungai becomes a vibrant and inclusive platform for empowering the community of Doomadagee.

Missy Coleman

Office Manager

Meet our Office Manager, Missy!

Missy has an extensive background in finance and accounting as well as management. She has previously worked in the service sector, where her varied responsibilities included fleet management of large industrial equipment, setting up offices across the country, financial management, and liaising with company directors and owners.

Missy is excited to enter into a role with Gunawuna Jungai which has real social impact through influencing change in Indigenous matters. In her role as Office Manager, Missy supports the team, preparing documents for grant applications, and providing specialised administrative and financial support. She is eager to connect with the community of Doomadgee, meeting Traditional Owners and supporting the journey towards gaining traction in Closing the Gap initiatives.

Missy is excited to be working alongside a team with extensive experience in service delivery within remote communities such as Doomadgee. She admires the passion and dedication, and is eager to see and be a part of how a Place-Based Partnership can grow and flourish into a self-sustained community with a voice.

MISSY COLEMAN

Missy Coleman

Office Manager

Office Manager

Meet our Office Manager, Missy!

Missy has an extensive background in finance and accounting as well as management. She has previously worked in the service sector, where her varied responsibilities included fleet management of large industrial equipment, setting up offices across the country, financial management, and liaising with company directors and owners.

Missy is excited to enter into a role with Gunawuna Jungai which has real social impact through influencing change in Indigenous matters. In her role as Office Manager, Missy supports the team, preparing documents for grant applications, and providing specialised administrative and financial support. She is eager to connect with the community of Doomadgee, meeting Traditional Owners and supporting the journey towards gaining traction in Closing the Gap initiatives.

Missy is excited to be working alongside a team with extensive experience in service delivery within remote communities such as Doomadgee. She admires the passion and dedication, and is eager to see and be a part of how a Place-Based Partnership can grow and flourish into a self-sustained community with a voice.

Meet our Project Director, Terry!

Terry is an accomplished senior leader known for his expertise in developing and implementing strategic initiatives in both private enterprise and not-for-profit organisations. With a history of leading high-performing teams and delivering impactful projects in procurement, logistics, IT infrastructure, and continuous improvement, Terry believes strong positive relationships are critical to achieving the best outcomes.

 
Driven by a deep commitment to community and social impact, Terry is thrilled to take on the role of Project Director – Health at Gunawuna Jungai. His journey to this position reflects not only his professional achievements but also his personal dedication to playing a role in improving the lives of people.
 
Outside of his professional life, Terry is a relaxed character, with a dry sense of humour. He loves going out bush and doing a bit of fishing or camping. His laid back attitude and friendly demeanour make him easily approachable, embodying the values of openness and collaboration that are central to Gunawuna Jungai’s mission.
 
Terry is greatly appreciative of the opportunity to work in with the Doomadgee community and looks forward to leveraging his experience and enthusiasm to drive innovation and foster positive change.
Terry gibbs holding his arms across in a long sleeved black shirt the background is brown with the letters gj in a light blue

Terry Gibbs

Project Director - Health

Terry gibbs holding his arms across in a long sleeved black shirt the background is brown with the letters gj in a light blue

Terry Gibbs

Terry Gibbs

Project Director - Health

Project Director - Health

Meet our Project Director, Terry!

Terry is an accomplished senior leader known for his expertise in developing and implementing strategic initiatives in both private enterprise and not-for-profit organisations. With a history of leading high-performing teams and delivering impactful projects in procurement, logistics, IT infrastructure, and continuous improvement, Terry believes strong positive relationships are critical to achieving the best outcomes.
 
Driven by a deep commitment to community and social impact, Terry is thrilled to take on the role of Project Director – Health at Gunawuna Jungai. His journey to this position reflects not only his professional achievements but also his personal dedication to playing a role in improving the lives of people.
 
Outside of his professional life, Terry is a relaxed character, with a dry sense of humour. He loves going out bush and doing a bit of fishing or camping. His laid back attitude and friendly demeanour make him easily approachable, embodying the values of openness and collaboration that are central to Gunawuna Jungai’s mission.
 
Terry is greatly appreciative of the opportunity to work in with the Doomadgee community and looks forward to leveraging his experience and enthusiasm to drive innovation and foster positive change.

Tangala (Priscilla) Coleman

Community Activation Coordinator

Meet our Community Activation Coordinator, Tangala!

Priscilla Coleman, widely known as Tangala, is the Community Activation Coordinator at Gunawuna Jungai, where she plays a vital role in empowering Indigenous communities through culturally integrated service delivery. With a background in children’s services and a passion for Indigenous welfare, Tangala draws on her deep cultural roots and personal experiences to perform her role. Born and raised in Papua New Guinea and educated in Queensland, Tangala has spent much of her career working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds and within remote northern Gulf communities, advocating for Aboriginal rights and self-determination.

 
Her impact is particularly notable across the remote communities of Western Cape York and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Tangala’s leadership was instrumental in developing safe house programs that provide culturally sensitive support for vulnerable children and families, ensuring that traditional Indigenous practices are woven into modern care models. Her efforts in Doomadgee, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, and Napranum have helped create environments where Indigenous heritage is both protected and celebrated.
 
Throughout her career, Tangala has championed community-led initiatives, believing that true empowerment comes from within. She has fostered an approach grounded in deep respect for the knowledge of community elders, ensuring that local voices lead the decision-making processes that shape their futures. Tangala remains committed to promoting cultural pride, resilience, and self-determination, ensuring the sustainability and success of the communities she serves.

Tangala (Priscilla) Coleman

Community Activation Coordinator

Meet our Community Activation Coordinator, Tangala!

Priscilla Coleman, widely known as Tangala, is the Community Activation Coordinator at Gunawuna Jungai, where she plays a vital role in empowering Indigenous communities through culturally integrated service delivery. With a background in children’s services and a passion for Indigenous welfare, Tangala draws on her deep cultural roots and personal experiences to perform her role. Born and raised in Papua New Guinea and educated in Queensland, Tangala has spent much of her career working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds and within remote northern Gulf communities, advocating for Aboriginal rights and self-determination.
 
Her impact is particularly notable across the remote communities of Western Cape York and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Tangala’s leadership was instrumental in developing safe house programs that provide culturally sensitive support for vulnerable children and families, ensuring that traditional Indigenous practices are woven into modern care models. Her efforts in Doomadgee, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, and Napranum have helped create environments where Indigenous heritage is both protected and celebrated.
 
Throughout her career, Tangala has championed community-led initiatives, believing that true empowerment comes from within. She has fostered an approach grounded in deep respect for the knowledge of community elders, ensuring that local voices lead the decision-making processes that shape their futures. Tangala remains committed to promoting cultural pride, resilience, and self-determination, ensuring the sustainability and success of the communities she serves.