Jerome is a Larrakia and Wadjigan man who was born and raised on Larrakia country. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Major in Politics and Minor Development Studies) from the University of Melbourne.

Jerome brings to Ironbark diverse experience in multiple senior leadership roles, from Chief Executive Officer, Chairperson, Board Executive and as a Commonwealth appointed reference group member and a Manager within the Office of Aboriginal Affairs delivering the First Circles Leadership Program. As a member on the Indigenous Reference Group appointed by the Minister for Northern Australia for 2 years, Jerome advocated for Aboriginal Communities and the organisations supporting these communities across the Northern Territory.

These roles have equipped Jerome with extensive experience strategically influencing policy at a Territory and national level, which holds Jerome in good stead as the next CEO of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation.

This has included through Jerome’s tenure as CEO of the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), Chairperson of Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC), Chair of National Indigenous Business Alliance, Deputy Chair of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation, Deputy Chair of Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT (APONT) and as a Ministerial appointee to the Indigenous Reference Group for the Minister for Northern Australia.

Jerome’s most recent employment was as the CEO of the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), a position that Jerome held for four years. As CEO Jerome oversaw a major transition and growth of NTIBN, including by ensuring the NTIBN is respected as the peak Indigenous business sector body in the Territory and securing the Commonwealth tender to establish Indigenous Business Hubs across the NT.

Another example of Jerome’s leadership experience is his six-year tenure on the Larrakia Nation Board, three of which were served as Chairperson. As Chair Jerome oversaw major change management across the organisation. This included overseeing the recruitment process to hire a new CEO, who would implement the board’s vision and support the management team through a challenging period of transition for the 130 staff members of the organisation.

For the last five years Jerome served as a board member of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation (IAC), including the final two years as Deputy Chair. This has positioned Jerome well to hit the ground running having a preestablished understanding of the IAC and it’s rich history, as well as having an existing relationship with the board and senior management of IAC.

“As a board member I contributed to the ambitious agenda that spoke to the IAC vision and mission: Changing Lives – one story at time”.

Jerome was also the President of the Wanderers Football Club for four years. During his time as President Jerome was proud to have increased the club’s investment into the girls and women’s football program, creating a positive and family friendly environment that encouraged greater female sport participation and oversee the implementation of Basic Card facilities in the club so that all members and supporters were able to participate in a sport they love.

As someone who likes to push himself outside of his comfort zone, Jerome and his wife Jasmin competed in the ‘Amazing Race Australia’ in 2019. Travelling around the world to cross the finish line in the stunning Katherine gorge in 2nd place. Jerome and Jasmin were proud to wear the Aboriginal Flag as their team uniform, representing the Northern Territory and Aboriginal people across Australia. They wanted to challenge stereotypes, be positive representatives and inspire other young Aboriginal people to believe in themselves and dream big.

Jerome is no stranger to Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation having previously been a Director on the Board of Ironbark representing LNAC for five years, with two years spent as Deputy Chair. Jerome is enthusiastic to be joining Ironbark at an exciting time in the organisations 26-year existence and looks forward to continuing to build upon the incredible legacy left by the leaders who have gone before.

Jerome’s diverse experience in senior leadership roles have equipped Jerome with skills to strategically influencing policy, foster new relationships and seek greater cross collaboration and new opportunities at both Territory and national levels, which holds him in good stead as the incoming CEO of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation.

Kirstine has worked in the Non-Government Organisation sector throughout her career from the Top End of the Northern Territory in Wadeye and Darwin and internationally in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

These roles have included experience in direct community consultations, small and large scale remote area residential, commercial and civil construction projects, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) development, management and support, remote logistics and procurement, governance, finance and human resources.

Kirstine holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences, a Graduate Certificate of International Relations, a Master of International and Community Development and a Diploma of Business (Governance).

Kirstine has significant experience as Economic Development Manager, Deputy CEO and Acting CEO for a large remote Indigenous corporation in the Thamarrurr region of the Northern Territory, following this as Operations Manager of a Darwin based refugee trauma and support centre.

While living in South East Asia for an extended period she held several roles including Administrative Director for a grassroots NGO in Cambodia dedicated to using break-dancing and hip-hop culture to educate, engage and support at risk youth.

Kirstine manages Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation’s Community Development Program, which includes Case Management, Employment and Post Placement Support and the Work for the Dole Activities division, in addition she manages Ironbark’s social enterprise, ‘Aboriginal Bush Traders’ a delightful café and retail space where Indigenous artists are able to participate in a mainstream commercial economy.

Nikki Allison is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in hospitality and community service management. Her extensive work with Aboriginal organisations in the Top End of Australia highlights her commitment to both the community services sector and the hospitality industry. Nikki is passionate about driving continuous improvement and upholding best practices in every role she undertakes.

Nikki’s approach is people-centred, emphasising the importance of training and development to empower teams and cultivate a positive work environment. She is committed to creating culturally safe spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive. Nikki focuses on building strong, supportive relationships and ensuring that all team members have the skills and knowledge necessary for success.

Nikki holds an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management and a Diploma in Hospitality Management. She is currently pursuing further studies to advance her professional development.

In her current role, Nikki seamlessly integrates HR, compliance, and risk management. She oversees recruitment, staff development, and operational efficiency while ensuring strict adherence to policies and regulatory standards. Nikki also manages risk and compliance, including workplace health and safety, and maintains robust IT and administrative systems.

Adrian Massey joins Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation as our General Manager, Commercial Services and member of the Executive Team. With extensive experience in commercial strategy, property and investment management, and business development, Adrian brings a strong commercial and people-focused approach to Ironbark Services NT (ISNT).

He has a proven track record in governance, risk, compliance, contract negotiation, stakeholder and government relations, and driving organisational change, revenue growth, and financial performance. Adrian will oversee RapidClean NT, Darwin Precast Products, and Ironbark Services, supporting growth and excellence across our commercial operations.

He joins Ironbark from the Airport Development Group, where he spent five years in senior roles including Terminal Operations Manager, Development Manager – Property and Commercial, and Commercial Manager – Terminal Retail, Property Leasing and Advertising. Prior to that, Adrian worked with Royal Wolf Containers for 16 years in senior management roles across the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Queensland.