Our People
Our Board of Directors play a crucial role in the governance and oversight of the organisation, ensuring it is being managed effectively, ethically and in alignment with our strategic goals.
Dawn Wallam
ChairpersonDawn is a Bibbulman Wadandi women of the Nyoongar Nation who has been making a huge difference in the lives of Aboriginal children through her work in the community services sector for 40 years.
CEO of Yorganop, Western Australia’s only foster care agency, Life Member of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, Life member of NAIDOC WA and first Chairperson of the Noongar Child Protection Council, Dawn maintains the vision of nurturing children is central to every decision she makes.
Served as a SNAICC Board member for over 20 years and is a founding member of the Nyoongar Outreach Services and the Nyoongar Family Safety and Wellbeing Council who also served as the elected representative for the Karlkarniny Regional Council of ATSIC and is the current chair of West Coast Language Development Centre.
Proactive in representing Aboriginal children and family issues at all levels, including local, state, national and international forums in her many advocacy roles.
Inductee of the WA Women’s Hall of Fame and finalist in the Aboriginal Award category of the 2019 Western Australian of The Year Awards, 2018 recipient of the Community Services Excellence Award for ‘Excellence in Leadership’ and Life Member of NAIDOC WA.
Dawn joined the Yorgum Board in June 2018.
Lennett Sandy
SecretaryLennett is a Great Grandmother from Busselton – Wardandi country, who grew up on the Moora Reserve with her extended family and is passionate to ensure all Aboriginal people, their families and communities are empowered, and have the skills and supports, to improve and maintain their social and emotional wellbeing and is committed to promoting and protecting at all times the best interests of children and vulnerable people involved in its services.
Currently holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Indigenous Community Management and Development) at Curtain University and extensive positive relationships within the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector and Community.
Proud Founding Member of Yorgum and currently holds Board of Director positions with Marr Mooditj Training Aboriginal Corporation, Moorditch Gurlongga Association, (trading as Coolabaroo) and Street Friends WA.
Farley Garlett
Board MemberFarley is a proud Whadjuk Nyoongar Elder who was raised on Ballardong country, with lived and professional experience embedded in Native Title and Aboriginal heritage and is passionate about working positively with Aboriginal people to achieve meaningful community outcomes.
He has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the past and current issues affecting Noongar individuals, families and the wider communities, his leadership as an Aboriginal Elder and cultural authority is recognised throughout Western Australia and is an Award Winner of NAIDOC Elder of the Year and the Silver Star by the Governor General of Australia.
Farley was previously the Chairperson Perth Noongar Regional Council, ATSIC from 1999 to 2002 and then was elected as the WA ATSIC Commissioner and is currently a Board member of Nyoongar Outreach Services, Nyoongar MiaMia Housing Corporation and Mandjah Boodjah Aboriginal Corporation.
Laurel Sellers
Chief Executive OfficerLaurel proudly identifies as a Goreng/Menang Noongar woman from Katanning, within the ancestral lands of Wagyl Kaip. Her lineage is rich, with her father having Yamatji heritage and familial connections to Martu through his maternal line. Moreover, her ties extend into the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, thanks to her children’s paternal lineage.
Since 2014, Laurel has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Yorgum Healing Services, a role that has allowed her to steer the organisation into becoming a respected leader in trauma-specific care within a social and emotional well-being framework, particularly focusing on Aboriginal communities across Western Australia (excluding the Kimberleys).
Beyond Laurel’s professional roles, she has actively engaged in advocacy and advisory capacities, collaborating with government entities on diverse topics such as community engagement, housing, corrective services, child protection, family violence, and responses to child sexual abuse. Laurel involvement extends to serving on boards, including a two-year tenure on the WACOSS Board, and co-founding the Noongar Family and Safety Council in 2017.
Overall, Laurel journey reflects a commitment to holistic healing, cultural preservation, and advocating for the well-being of Aboriginal peoples, underpinned by a strong foundation in community leadership and governance.
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