Our Partners in Collaboration

Pastor Les Baird is an Aboriginal community leader, Anglican minister, and experienced facilitator dedicated to culturally grounded health, wellbeing, and empowerment work. A Bardi man with deep connections to Yarrabah, he has been central to community-led initiatives such as the Family Wellbeing Program, a transformative social and emotional wellbeing approach that strengthens individuals, families and communities across Queensland and beyond. Fr Baird has served in leadership roles including as CEO of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service and as a co-author of research on community-controlled wellbeing and empowerment, sharing insights nationally to support Indigenous self-determination and healing.

Joanne Walters is a business consultant with extensive experience supporting entrepreneurship, skills development, and economic participation, particularly within Yarrabah and other regional and Indigenous communities. She works alongside individuals and organisations to build capability, strengthen business ideas, and support sustainable outcomes. Joanne is a judge for the Telstra Best of Business Awards and facilitates entrepreneurship programs within correctional settings, supporting inmates to develop business skills and pathways for reintegration. Her work is grounded in practical experience, community connection, and a strong commitment to opportunity and self-determination.