Three female powerhouses have been announced as new directors on the board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), a federal government authority actively working with Indigenous people to build wealth through commercial investments, business and property.
With the appointment of Bronwyn Dodd, Jessica Bulger, and Krista Dunstan, the board now has a majority of women and Indigenous directors.
IBA Chair Darren Dodwell, a descendant of the Kokoberren peoples of Cape York, says the board’s diversity in skills and strengths aligns well with the overarching vision of IBA: to build a nation in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are economically independent and an integral part of the economy.
The statutory authority is invested in the financial success and economic independence of Indigenous Australians.
It does this by assisting and enhancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-management and economic self-sufficiency with the aim of building a substantial Indigenous capital base for the benefit of future generations.
“Bronwyn, Krista and Jess bring direct expertise in banking, international trade and governance and that speaks to the calibre of leadership across Indigenous Australia,” says Dodwell.
“It also reflects the composition of IBA’s own customer base where Indigenous women are [forming] new business banking relationships in record numbers.
“These appointments are not a coincidence. It’s a signal.”
Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy has welcomed the announcement saying the new directors bring a wealth of expertise that will create an impact.
“Their diverse and extensive experience will support the important work of IBA and the self-determination and economic empowerment of First Nations families and communities,” she says.
Meet the new directors
Bronyn Dodd is a Ngarrindjeri woman from South Australia renowned for her work in Indigenous economic development, social inclusion, digital equity and governance.
The former general manager for Indigenous banking at Westpac has long been involved in improving financial outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
She brings a wealth of governance expertise serving as a non-executive director of the Diversity Council of Australia, IBA Asset Management and Cancer Council South Australia.
She is also an advisory board member to Amazon’s Global Project Kuiper.
Jessica Bulger, a Wiradjuri woman from Tumut/Brungle New South Wales, is a senior fellow at the Australian National University and co-chairs Outward Bound Australia.
She previously led a nationwide effort to empower communities and embed culturally legitimate governance systems as the CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute.
Bulger’s experience over more than a decade has been in the non-profit space with much of it dedicated to advancing Indigenous governance, leadership and economic justice.
Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to community-driven change and systemic reform.
Krista Dunstan is a proud Nyoongar woman from South West Wagyl Kaip whose background spans across corporate affairs, advocacy, government relations, energy transition, First Nations policy and international trade.
She has been influential in shaping policy, advancing ESG and decarbonisation strategies, Ms Dunstan is the CEO of Port Hedland Industries Council.
Among her greatest strengths are the ability to negotiate complex agreements and build cross-cultural partnerships that deliver economic growth and stakeholder trust.
These new directors join a multi-skilled board led by Godwell and deputy chair Olga Havnen along with Brian Bero, Leah Cameron, Josh Gilbert, and Dr Doug McTaggart.