iDiC Team
MICHAEL MCLEOD
CHAIRMAN & DIRECTOR
As the CEO and a founding Director of Message Stick since 2004, Michael’s career is inspiring. A road less travelled by others; his start began by assisting in the rehabilitation of others, working with the Illawarra Area Health Service as the Illawarra Aboriginal Health Officer, providing programs and workshops to Aboriginal communities from Helensburgh to Ulladulla.
Nominated for and working on a number of National Aboriginal Health Policy Working Parties, being directly responsible to the Federal Health…
ADAM GOODES
CEO & DIRECTOR
Adam Goodes is a name synonymous with Great Australian Athletes. A professional football career that spans more than 16 years, he holds an elite place in AFL/VFL history. The now CEO of Indigenous Defence & Infrastructure Consortium (iDiC) is a person to watch.
In 2014, Adam was named the 2014 Australian of the Year; recognition for empowering the next generation of Indigenous role models and as an advocate for the fight against racism.
An Adnyamathanha and Narungga man born in Wallaroo…
DUG RUSSELL
DIRECTOR
Dugald’s twenty-year corporate experience in senior financial and CEO roles, both in Australia and overseas, led to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s leading foodservice business with annual revenues in excess of $560m and employing some 9000 people in Australia and New Zealand.
During his time as CEO, the business doubled in size and was judged to be in the “Top Ten Best Employers in Australia”, won the “Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year” award and was constantly a finalist in the “Prime Ministers Corporate…
GEORGE MIFSUD
DIRECTOR
With over 25 years’ experience in Senior Executive Leadership roles, his working career has spanned the globe and is a success story to be shared. While employed with Compass Group, George thrived as the Executive Director, his main responsibilities included HR/IR; Risk Management; Health, Safety, Environment and Quality; and Media Relations.
George is a committed advocate of sustainable outcomes in the area of both Indigenous employment and Indigenous business. Under George’s leaders…
KERRIE HOWARD
DIRECTOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Kerrie is a proud Burra Burra woman from NSW. Kerrie grew up in the Hunter Valley relocating to Sydney in 1997 to pursue her career in Human Resources.
Over the past 20+ years, Kerrie’s career has developed with multinational and blue-chip listed companies in Hospitality and Facilities Services, Leisure, Business & Industry, Education, Defence, Health (Hospitals and Aged Care), Cleaning, Maintenance, Security and Laundry, Logistics, Supply Chain, Not for Profit, Recruitment, Finance and Contact Centre industries.
TAHLIA HOWARD
GM STRATEGY
Tahlia is a proud Aboriginal woman with Gundungurra heritage, originally from the Hunter Valley, NSW. Tahlia began her professional journey in 2015 studying both Business and Law (Honours) and receiving her Diploma in Legal Practice in 2019. First working across Health, Education and Residential development in the Construction Industry, Tahlia continued into the Legal field, as a Commercial Solicitor.
Most recently, Tahlia worked with the Department of Defence to lead an integrated workforce through robust Acquisition and Sustainment of Advanced Training and Test Environment capabilities.
TIM EDWARDS
MANAGER STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Tim is a seasoned partnership professional with deep experience in managing industry relationships in the public and private sectors. Joining iDiC in 2025 as Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Tim works with private sector clients to grow their relationships with Indigenous businesses across the areas of supply chain, talent and engagement. Tim grew up in the small mountain town of Georgetown, California, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
CAMERON SANDERS
TALENT PARTNERSHIP MANAGER
Cameron is a highly skilled professional with a passion for recruitment, client support, and candidate management. With a military background and a talent for empowering others, Cameron excels in navigating dynamic environments and achieving remarkable outcomes.
During his time with SOS Recruitment, Cameron made a significant impact as a Senior Recruitment Specialist and Technical Projects Lead. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and understanding of client needs, Cameron consistently attracted top talent and fostered enduring client relationships. With an ability to adapt to market conditions and deliver tailored solutions, he achieved outstanding results.
SHANARA MORRIS
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Shanara is a proud Wiradjuri woman living on Dharawal country. Shanara lived in Dubbo for majority of her life and still has strong family ties to the area.
Shanara has experience working in Aboriginal education, youth mental health and most recently commercial construction administration with an Aboriginal owned business. The experience gained from working in both Government and private industry has enabled Shanara to develop strong and innovative administration skills.
JACKIE HOWARD
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Jackie brings more than four decades of experience across property, governance, and operational administration in both government and commercial environments. With extensive expertise in property management, statutory compliance, procurement processes and legal documentation, Jackie is known for her precision, professionalism, and strong stakeholder relationships. Her background includes senior property roles at Port of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council, where she supported complex land management, asset systems and contract administration.
EMILY MIFSUD
SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR
Emily, a dedicated and driven individual, originally hails from Sydney but now calls the vibrant city of Hobart her home. As a semi-professional athlete, she knows the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and discipline, all of which she seamlessly translates into her work ethic. Balancing her love for Australian Football League (AFL) and cricket with her professional responsibilities, Emily demonstrates a commitment of focus across all facets.