Our Board
Farewell to Mark Grose, Our Founding Chairperson
Director / Chair
It was with great sadness that the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation board members
recently accepted Mark’s resignation from the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation
board. As the board’s chairperson, over the past ten years, Mark determinedly
worked in a voluntarily capacity, to realise the wishes of the late singer Gurrumul
Yunupingu.
Together with Michael Hohnen, Mark and Gurrumul launched the Gurrumul
Yunupingu Foundation in 2013 to engage young people living in remote communities
in programs and activities which enable them to contribute to culturally vibrant and
sustainable communities and give them hope for the future.
To establish the first governing board, Mark recruited board members, organised the
certification required by the foundation, spoke with community members about their
needs, sought funding for projects and provided considered collaborative leadership.
We are extremely grateful for all Mark’s work and passion for the foundation, we will
miss him and wish him all the best in whatever he chooses to do next.
Donald Wininba Ganambarr
Director
Don Wininba Ganambarr is a senior Yolŋu man from Galiwin’ku and Gurrumul’s brother-in-law. His status is that of a cultural leader, also known as Djungaya. In that role he has responsibility for cultural and family matters involving Gurrumul’s family. At the inaugural elections held in October 2008, Don was elected as one of the first councillors for the East Arnhem Shire Council (Gumurr Marthakal Ward region). His duties included representing the interests of all the region’s residents, providing leadership and guidance, and participating in the deliberations of the council and its community activities. Recently, Don co-directed buŋgul, based on Gurrumul’s posthumously released album, Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow). Receiving glowing reviews, bungul was an opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in Yolŋu music and dance, combined with Europe’s musical tradition.
Jennifer Nixon
Director
Jenny is an Amnatyerr, Kaytetye and Alyawarr woman from Alice Springs. She is currently the Director at Central Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) for Central Australia. Over the years, Jenny has accumulated skills in negotiating information and practice in education, social services, law, governance and health between two cultures. Jenny’s work history compliments her desire to improve opportunities for children, families, students and the wider community. Combined with this is a strong motivation to see Aboriginal cultures shared, incorporated and recognised more widely in education, health, support and communication networks.
Paul Ah Chee ‘Ngala’
Director
Paul is a First Nations Arrernte Elder from Alice Springs. He has Aboriginal, Chinese and European ancestry. Linked always with a strong sense of community and family, Paul has worked in the fields of sport, business and music, His key goal is to assist wherever possible in providing opportunities and pathways for individuals or groups to become economically self-sufficient with an ability to make choices about their future and day-to-day living. Currently Paul is embarking on an exciting re-entry into the creative industry which includes music and film.
Rob Collins
Director
Born and raised in Darwin, Rob Collins graduated from the National Institute for Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in 2013. Rob’s theatre credits include a national tour of THE LION KING in the role of ‘Mufasa’ and as ‘Lysander’ in Sydney Theatre Company’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.
Damian Trotter
Director
Director Damian Trotter is the Managing Director of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. After joining CBS Records (now Sony) in 1981, Damian held various positions within the company before leaving in 1990 to take up the position of General Manager of East West Records. He returned to Sony in 1991 when he was appointed to his current position. Following the merger of Sony/ATV Music Publishing with EMI Music Publishing in 2012, Damian was appointed Managing Director of both companies.
Barbara Pitman
Director
Barbara has an extensive background in developing learning materials, organisational / governance structures across arts, sport, recreation, health, community services and local government. The target audience for much of this material is Indigenous clients.
Professor Fiona Stanley AC
Director
Professor Stanley is the Founding Director and Patron of the Telethon Kids Institute, Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Western Australia, Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne, and current board member of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Michael Hohnen
Director
Michael has spent the last 20 years in the Northern Territory, working with many Indigenous people, including musicians in over 20 remote communities. After the establishment independent record label – Skinnyfish Music with Mark Grose in 1999, Michael produced numerous ARIA award winning albums (Gurrumul, Saltwater Band, Nabarlek) as well has achieving his own ARIA nomination for Producer of the Year 2008. Michael was awarded Australian of the Year (NT) 2013 (in partnership with Mark Grose).