Meet Our Board of Directors

 

Frank Curtis

A local Arrernte man & CfAT Chair since July 2020, Frank Curtis served the people of central Australia for a period of twenty years in his role as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer, Frank helped to develop a Youth rehabilitation camp at Umbussa Amurra outstation.

Frank enjoys working with young people to build up their self-esteem and confidence. He strives to instill in these youth a vision that someday they will end up being leaders of their country. As a member of the CfAT Board, Frank is passionate about finding ways for Aboriginal people to return to country and live on their homelands.

 
 

Noel Hayes

Noel Hayes is a Kaytetye man from Ali Curung, central Australia. For ten years, he served as an ATSIC commissioner. He currently serves on the Barkly Shire Council in the NT.

Noel has been involved in a leadership capacity for a range of social programs and community justice initiatives. He brings strong expertise in working with government.

Peter Renehan

Peter Renehan was born and raised in Alice Springs. He was CfAT Chair from October 2010 until February 2020 when he became CfAT’s CEO .

He brings to CfAT strong community engagement skills and practical hands-on abilities. Peter’s leadership underpins the strength of the CfAT Board and their focus on achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 
 

Jennifer Kroker

Jenny is an Eastern Arrernte woman. Jenny has a practical background in cross-cultural education and uses this to nurture the organisational culture at CfAT.

Jenny has integrated Indigenous knowledge into science curriculum in schools. She is a strong advocate for women in technology.

Brian Singleton

Brian Singleton is a Yirraganydji Rainforest Bama (People) whose people Ancestral Traditional Lands are from the Cairns region to Port Douglas. Brian worked for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park as an Indigenous Community Compliance Liaison Officer.

Brian brings more than 15 years’ experience in engaging Traditional Owners and Indigenous Communities in Land and Sea Management. Brian is passionate about providing training and knowledge exchange to communities and Traditional Owners to manage their own sea and country.

 
 

Deanella Mack

Deanella (Dee) Mack is an Arrernte woman born and raised in Alice Springs, Central Australia. After many years of working within Aboriginal organisations, NGO’s and Government departments. Dee went on and founded her own business, Cultural Connections NT, in 2014, providing local cultural awareness training and cultural tourism at Angkerle Atwatye, Standley Chasm. 

Dee moved to Brisbane in November 2018 to take up a national position as Indigenous Cultural Capability Leader with EY. Her role provides support to develop culturally safe workplace practices, increase staff cultural capability, and assist in implementing a culturally intelligent approach to working with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  Deanella is passionate about creating systemic change and cultural capability standards that enable the realisation of self-determination for Indigenous peoples.

Niki Ross

Niki has worked in Indigenous Affairs and the Security Industry for over 15 years with Commonwealth Departments and the Land Council. Niki travels extensively throughout the Northern Territory and is passionate about supporting remote Aboriginal communities establishing opportunities through employment, Education, and Economic development.

In November 2023, Niki was appointed a Director to the Centre for Appropriate Technology board, and in February 2024, he was appointed as a Director to the Centre for Appropriate Technology Satellite Enterprises board. He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Currently, Niki is working as the Chief Operating Officer of the Centre for Appropriate Technology. Niki has family ties to the Kaytetye and Arrente people of Central Australia.

 
 

Tarun Soni

A long-term resident of Northern Territory, Tarun is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Governance Professional with more than 22 years of post-qualification experience in a for-profit as well as not-for-profit organisations at middle to higher level management positions. 

Tarun brings expertise in Financial Management, Budgeting and Forecasting, Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax, Fringe Benefit Tax, Management Accounting and Risk and Compliance.

Highly skilled in analyzing complex financial data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing strategic advice to enhance business performance.

Tarun has a deep understanding of financial laws and regulations, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, which enables him to offer valuable insights that drive informed decision-making.

With a reputation for integrity, precision, and a keen eye for detail, Tarun is a trusted advisor who helps businesses to achieve sustainable growth.