Our Team
Rachel Fishlock
Chief Executive Officer
Rachel is a proud descendant of the Yuin Nation and is the Chief Executive Officer of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia.
Driven by lived experience of systemic neglect as a child carer, Rachel aspires to create systemic change to the Australian mental health system, particularly for children and caring arrangements. She works to achieve the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Rachel has more than a decade of experience in health, including the optometry industry and community-controlled sector. She has worked at the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and held senior roles at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Social Policy) and Master of Business Management from the University of Wollongong.
Rachel was recognised by Lifeline Canberra as the 2022 Rising Woman of Spirit for her outstanding community spirit and resilience in the face of adversity, continuing to push for reforms to ensure other children do not experience the same systemic neglect she did.
Rachel sits on the Fearless Women Board and the Capital Health Network Board.
Rachel Fishlock
Chief Executive Officer
Rachel is a proud descendant of the Yuin Nation and is the Chief Executive Officer of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia.
Driven by lived experience of systemic neglect as a child carer, Rachel aspires to create systemic change to the Australian mental health system, particularly for children and caring arrangements. She works to achieve the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Rachel has more than a decade of experience in health, including the optometry industry and community-controlled sector. She has worked at the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and held senior roles at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Social Policy) and Master of Business Management from the University of Wollongong.
Rachel was recognised by Lifeline Canberra as the 2022 Rising Woman of Spirit for her outstanding community spirit and resilience in the face of adversity, continuing to push for reforms to ensure other children do not experience the same systemic neglect she did.
Rachel sits on the Fearless Women Board and the Capital Health Network Board.
Dean Bayliss
Director, Strategic Engagement
Dean is a proud Gomeroi man from the Northwest Slopes and plains of NSW. He has more than a decade of extensive experience and knowledge within suicide prevention, social and emotional wellbeing, and mental health, as well as strategic program management, and stakeholder engagement.
Dean collaborates and has forged and fosters strong partnerships with national and state peak bodies, government, non-government organisations, and community groups with guidance, vision, and accountability. His key focus is building strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, supporting their unique individual needs through self-determination and targeted support.
Dean holds a strong commitment to building the capacity and resilience of organisations, individuals, and communities, He values and respects cultural protocols, and does not allow consultation, stakeholder, and community engagement to be compromised, as he believes they are fundamental for self-determination and the sustainability of outcomes.
Dean Bayliss
Director, Strategic Engagement
Dean is a proud Gomeroi man from the Northwest Slopes and plains of NSW. He has more than a decade of extensive experience and knowledge within suicide prevention, social and emotional wellbeing, and mental health, as well as strategic program management, and stakeholder engagement.
Dean collaborates and has forged and fosters strong partnerships with national and state peak bodies, government, non-government organisations, and community groups with guidance, vision, and accountability. His key focus is building strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, supporting their unique individual needs through self-determination and targeted support.
Dean holds a strong commitment to building the capacity and resilience of organisations, individuals, and communities, He values and respects cultural protocols, and does not allow consultation, stakeholder, and community engagement to be compromised, as he believes they are fundamental for self-determination and the sustainability of outcomes.
Margaret Cashman
Director, Policy and Impact
Margaret was born and raised in Brisbane but has worked in the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Queensland. An accomplished policy professional, Margaret has experience working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector and the public health system. A dedicated and hardworking leader with considerable experience in all aspects of project management including contract management, program delivery, stakeholder engagement, policy development and research ethics. Margaret has a keen interest in improved health outcomes through effective health system support – increasing and improving patient access and experience through improving the system. Margaret has a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance.
Margaret Cashman
Director, Policy and Impact
Margaret was born and raised in Brisbane but has worked in the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Queensland. An accomplished policy professional, Margaret has experience working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector and the public health system. A dedicated and hardworking leader with considerable experience in all aspects of project management including contract management, program delivery, stakeholder engagement, policy development and research ethics. Margaret has a keen interest in improved health outcomes through effective health system support – increasing and improving patient access and experience through improving the system. Margaret has a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance.
Liam French
Director, Business Sustainability
Liam is a Kamilaroi man from Moree in Northern NSW, with ties to Boggabilla and Toomelah. His totem is the echidna and he’s been living in Canberra since high school. Liam has had a varied career, working with the Australian Federal Police and Coolamon Advisors.
Liam joined Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia to help community on a local and national level. As Director – Business Sustainability, Liam is responsible for the smooth and sustainable running of our organisation now and into the future.
Liam French
Director, Business Sustainability
Liam is a Kamilaroi man from Moree in Northern NSW, with ties to Boggabilla and Toomelah. His totem is the echidna and he’s been living in Canberra since high school. Liam has had a varied career, working with the Australian Federal Police and Coolamon Advisors.
Liam joined Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia to help community on a local and national level. As Director – Business Sustainability, Liam is responsible for the smooth and sustainable running of our organisation now and into the future.
Clare Butterfield
Director, Communications
Born and raised on Ngunnawal country, Clare has more than a decade of experience in the communications and engagement field, in the not-for-profit environment, and in all levels of government.
She has worked as the Communications Officer at the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, the Communications Team Lead for the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s Deadly Choices program, the Communications Manager at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, and Communications Manager at the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations.
As Director of Communications at Gayaa Dhuwi, Clare is responsible for the communications activities for the organisation and promotion of leadership, excellence, and presence across all parts of the Australian mental health system and the achievement of the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Clare Butterfield
Director, Communications
Born and raised on Ngunnawal country, Clare has more than a decade of experience in the communications and engagement field, in the not-for-profit environment, and in all levels of government.
She has worked as the Communications Officer at the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, the Communications Team Lead for the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s Deadly Choices program, the Communications Manager at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, and Communications Manager at the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations.
As Director of Communications at Gayaa Dhuwi, Clare is responsible for the communications activities for the organisation and promotion of leadership, excellence, and presence across all parts of the Australian mental health system and the achievement of the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Juanita Wighton
Assistant Director, SEWB Policy Partnership
Juanita, a proud Wiradjuri Galari Woman, is a mental health advocate dedicated to improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She works to educate and empower others while aiming to reduce stigma and create positive change. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) degree, focusing on understanding the contributing factors to poor mental health outcomes and fostering social and emotional wellbeing.
Juanita has gained valuable experience by working with government and non-government organisations that prioritise advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. During her time in these organisations, she enhanced her skillset in leadership and management, program development, grant management, community engagement, and stakeholder management.
Juanita is dedicated to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to generate meaningful solutions that address systemic issues and through fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and advocating for change, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal opportunities for health equity and culturally safe and appropriate access to resources that enhance their wellbeing.
Juanita Wighton
Assistant Director, SEWB Policy Partnership
Juanita, a proud Wiradjuri Galari Woman, is a mental health advocate dedicated to improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She works to educate and empower others while aiming to reduce stigma and create positive change. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) degree, focusing on understanding the contributing factors to poor mental health outcomes and fostering social and emotional wellbeing.
Juanita has gained valuable experience by working with government and non-government organisations that prioritise advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. During her time in these organisations, she enhanced her skillset in leadership and management, program development, grant management, community engagement, and stakeholder management.
Juanita is dedicated to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to generate meaningful solutions that address systemic issues and through fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and advocating for change, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal opportunities for health equity and culturally safe and appropriate access to resources that enhance their wellbeing.
Ryan Solley
Assistant Director, Policy and Impact
Rooted in Nowra, on the South Coast of New South Wales, Ryan draws upon over 8 years of experience promoting mental health across the region.
As a Psychology graduate from the University of Wollongong, he offers a comprehensive skillset encompassing direct service delivery, data analysis, and team and program management expertise.
Developed through his various roles at Flourish Australia and One Door Mental Health, he developed a strong commitment to incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the Australian mental health system.
Passionate about advocating for these communities, Ryan strives to amplify their voices and ensure their needs are met within the wider healthcare landscape.
Ryan Solley
Assistant Director, Policy and Impact
Rooted in Nowra, on the South Coast of New South Wales, Ryan draws upon over 8 years of experience promoting mental health across the region.
As a Psychology graduate from the University of Wollongong, he offers a comprehensive skillset encompassing direct service delivery, data analysis, and team and program management expertise.
Developed through his various roles at Flourish Australia and One Door Mental Health, he developed a strong commitment to incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the Australian mental health system.
Passionate about advocating for these communities, Ryan strives to amplify their voices and ensure their needs are met within the wider healthcare landscape.
Hayleigh Topping
Senior Policy and Project Officer
Hayleigh resides in Dharawal country (Bomaderry), situated on the South Coast of New South Wales.
With nine years dedicated to the mental health sector, she has acquired extensive experience working alongside individuals, families, and communities within government and non-government organisations.
Hayleigh has a background in Social Work and is proficient in providing an array of therapeutic interventions, crisis support, advocacy, community development and leadership. Her passion lies in cultivating and executing creative interventions tailored to promoting resilience, empowerment and self-determination.
She has a special interest in child and adolescent mental health and developmental trauma. Hayleigh hopes to be part of positive change that supports the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their children, families, and communities.
Hayleigh Topping
Senior Policy and Project Officer
Hayleigh resides in Dharawal country (Bomaderry), situated on the South Coast of New South Wales.
With nine years dedicated to the mental health sector, she has acquired extensive experience working alongside individuals, families, and communities within government and non-government organisations.
Hayleigh has a background in Social Work and is proficient in providing an array of therapeutic interventions, crisis support, advocacy, community development and leadership. Her passion lies in cultivating and executing creative interventions tailored to promoting resilience, empowerment and self-determination.
She has a special interest in child and adolescent mental health and developmental trauma. Hayleigh hopes to be part of positive change that supports the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their children, families, and communities.
Nikieta Riley
Finance Officer
Nikieta Riley is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo, NSW. She joined GDPSA in April 2021 in the position of Finance and Administration Officer.
Nikieta’s main responsibilities at GDPSA include processing payroll on a fortnightly basis, reconciling monthly bank statements, reviewing and processing staff leave forms, timesheets, salary sacrifice and reimbursements. She also processes invoices, manages supplier payments and accounts payable. Soon after starting at GDPSA, she completed two courses in Xero, the organisation’s accounting software. Nikieta also assists in general administration tasks.
Prior to GDPSA, Nikieta has acquired numerous skills and gained extensive experience through her own personal and career development. She has completed a Certificate III in Business, and has 18 months of experience working at CEA Technologies in Canberra.
Nikieta worked in multiple divisions at CEA Technologies including HR, Accounts, Finance/Systems, Purchasing and Payroll. She gained workplace experience that complimented her Vocational Education and Training learnings in her business course. Nikieta was also given the opportunity by CEA Technologies to complete a Certificate of Attainment in Executive Assistant, which she completed in 2020.
Nikieta is currently midway through two courses, Diploma of Business and a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Nikieta’s passion to help and support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community has led her to GDPSA, where she hopes to assist the organisation in achieving significant positive outcomes for her community.
Nikieta Riley
Finance Officer
Nikieta Riley is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo, NSW. She joined GDPSA in April 2021 in the position of Finance and Administration Officer.
Nikieta’s main responsibilities at GDPSA include processing payroll on a fortnightly basis, reconciling monthly bank statements, reviewing and processing staff leave forms, timesheets, salary sacrifice and reimbursements. She also processes invoices, manages supplier payments and accounts payable. Soon after starting at GDPSA, she completed two courses in Xero, the organisation’s accounting software. Nikieta also assists in general administration tasks.
Prior to GDPSA, Nikieta has acquired numerous skills and gained extensive experience through her own personal and career development. She has completed a Certificate III in Business, and has 18 months of experience working at CEA Technologies in Canberra.
Nikieta worked in multiple divisions at CEA Technologies including HR, Accounts, Finance/Systems, Purchasing and Payroll. She gained workplace experience that complimented her Vocational Education and Training learnings in her business course. Nikieta was also given the opportunity by CEA Technologies to complete a Certificate of Attainment in Executive Assistant, which she completed in 2020.
Nikieta is currently midway through two courses, Diploma of Business and a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Nikieta’s passion to help and support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community has led her to GDPSA, where she hopes to assist the organisation in achieving significant positive outcomes for her community.
Lisa Barnes
Senior Project Officer
Lisa Barnes is a proud Wiradjuri woman born in Griffith NSW with family connections in Leeton, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Euabalong.
Lisa has spent majority of her working career within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector, working closely with the community on the ground, as well as at a state and national level. Lisa began her journey at National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) as the Receptionist, which then led to a position as Senior Administration Officer. Prior to joining GDPSA, Lisa spent three years as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor at Winnunga Nimmityjah Health and Community Services. Lisa has also completed a Certificate IV in Government and a Certificate IV in Business Administration. Lisa is currently midway through her Diploma of Business.
Lisa has worked at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia as the Administration Officer and Executive Assistant since the organisation was established in 2020. For the first few months of Lisa’s employment at GDPSA, the CEO and Lisa were the only employees of the organisation. In this time, Lisa worked closely with the CEO to establish the secretariat and setup a functional office space. Currently, her main responsibilities include assisting staff with administration tasks and anything IT related, managing and responding to external enquires/correspondence, IT system implementation and support, organising travel, managing the CEO’s diary, organising board meetings, board papers and managing board correspondence.
Lisa’s combination of experience in Administration and her work providing Social, Emotional and Wellbeing support to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is what made her excited to join the GDPSA team. She is excited to bring her skills acquired over the years and make significant contributions to GDPSA’s goals, and to ultimately grow with the organisation.
Lisa Barnes
Senior Project Officer
Lisa Barnes is a proud Wiradjuri woman born in Griffith NSW with family connections in Leeton, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Euabalong.
Lisa has spent majority of her working career within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector, working closely with the community on the ground, as well as at a state and national level. Lisa began her journey at National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) as the Receptionist, which then led to a position as Senior Administration Officer. Prior to joining GDPSA, Lisa spent three years as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor at Winnunga Nimmityjah Health and Community Services. Lisa has also completed a Certificate IV in Government and a Certificate IV in Business Administration. Lisa is currently midway through her Diploma of Business.
Lisa has worked at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia as the Administration Officer and Executive Assistant since the organisation was established in 2020. For the first few months of Lisa’s employment at GDPSA, the CEO and Lisa were the only employees of the organisation. In this time, Lisa worked closely with the CEO to establish the secretariat and setup a functional office space. Currently, her main responsibilities include assisting staff with administration tasks and anything IT related, managing and responding to external enquires/correspondence, IT system implementation and support, organising travel, managing the CEO’s diary, organising board meetings, board papers and managing board correspondence.
Lisa’s combination of experience in Administration and her work providing Social, Emotional and Wellbeing support to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is what made her excited to join the GDPSA team. She is excited to bring her skills acquired over the years and make significant contributions to GDPSA’s goals, and to ultimately grow with the organisation.
