Our People
Warren Miller
CEO
A Wirangu and Kokatha man from the West Coast region of Ceduna, leads Spinifex Foundation SA and is a pivotal driving force in Indigenous-led Funds advocating for philanthropic system reform in Australia. He has a deep commitment to strengthening First Nations communities through self‑determined, culturally grounded approaches.
Warren is driven by a belief in the power of community connection — creating spaces where culture is centred and celebrated, relationships are strengthened, and young people feel a deep sense of belonging. Guided by a holistic lens, he forges strong partnerships to build accessible, community‑led funding pathways that reflect the real needs and aspirations of South Australian Aboriginal communities.
Warren’s vision for Spinifex is grounded in the belief that communities hold the knowledge, capability, and solutions to shape their own futures. He is committed to supporting and creating opportunities for communities to lead design, cultural governance, and decision‑making, while ensuring their voices are heard, respected, and resourced. He places strong value on learning and collaboration, investing in environments where communities, ACCHOs, ACCOs, and partners can share knowledge and work collectively toward long‑term change.
Through this integrated, strengths‑based approach, Warren and the team at Spinifex Foundation SA are committed to understanding community‑identified root causes, elevating cultural strengths, fostering connectedness through partnership, and empowering young people and families to build strong, connected, and self‑determined futures.
Alicia (Ali) King
Operations Manager
Ali brings over 20 years of experience in Aboriginal health and community-controlled organisations, with more than a decade in senior leadership roles.
As Governance and Operations Leader at Spinifex Foundation SA, she drives policy development, HR, asset management, financial compliance, and strategic communications.
Ali is known for her proactive approach to continuous improvement, translating complex compliance requirements into accessible, culturally safe practices that empower staff and strengthen community connections.
Passionate about reconciliation and self‑determination, she combines strategic vision with hands-on operational expertise to build resilient systems that support sustainable growth and positive impact for Aboriginal communities.
Belinda Hammond
Grants and Engagement Manager
Belinda Hammond is a proud Tanganekald woman from the Coorong region in South Australia, with over two decades of experience dedicated to improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing. She has worked across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector, mainstream services, and government, always advocating for culturally safe and community-led approaches.
An experienced Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner by background, Belinda also brings strengths in health informatics, continuous quality improvement, research, and project leadership. Her work is grounded in cultural integrity, systems change, and collective impact. She is deeply committed to ensuring Aboriginal-led voices and solutions are central in driving positive outcomes across health and social systems.
Board Members
Leeroy Bilney
Chairperson
Leeroy Bilney is a proud Barngala, Kuprun, Wirangu, Kokatha, Mirning and Noongar person. Leeroy was born in Port Lincoln and lived most of his life in Ceduna, South Australia, growing up in an Aboriginal Community ‘Tia Tuckia’. He has spent his working career servicing community, being involved in many employment sectors, committees, initiatives and projects.
He is an experienced professional with a proven track record of working with Indigenous Communities and advocating for their voices to be heard. With a background in various leadership roles within Aboriginal health organisations, government agencies, and Community development projects, Leeroy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. In particular, his passion has remained the same in working with Community people and alongside them in achieving true capacity building. With a background in performing arts, he takes advantage of the opportunities to share his stories, in advancing others to explore their journey.
Leeroy is currently the Regional Manager, Australia, for International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, the Presiding Member for South Australia’s inaugural First Nations Voice to State Parliament and Chairperson of the Spinifex Foundation SA, formerly known as the First Nations Philanthropic Working Group. He has held positions as a Director of NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation). He was the former Chairperson and then interim CEO of Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation, and previously held a position as a Director on the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA)
Patricia Cotton
Secretary
Patricia is a proud Kamilaroi and Māori woman, born and raised on Kaurna Land, deeply committed to creating culturally safe, empowering spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her passion lies in uplifting community through meaningful, grassroots-driven change that is led by culture, grounded in strength, and focused on the future. She believes in building spaces where First Nation people can thrive — spiritually, emotionally, and professionally — and where the next generation of leaders are not only welcomed but nurtured.
With a strong educational background in Population Health, she understands the critical importance of addressing the social determinants of health through culturally appropriate, community-led solutions. Her work centres on co-designing programs that reflect the values, voices, and visions of our people, ensuring that health promotion and healing come from within the Community, not just to it.
Alongside work in health, she brings years of experience in marketing, branding, and promotions, with a focus on developing and strengthening small businesses at a governance and strategic level. Her keen eye for building identity and influence through storytelling and strong brand presence — all while maintaining cultural integrity.
Leadership development and succession planning are at the core of what she does. Passionate about creating opportunities for others to grow, heal, and lead with confidence and pride. She believes that by investing in ourselves, we become better mentors, role models, and ancestors for those who walk behind us.
Lavene Ngatokorua
Lavene Ngatokorua is Wangkangurru, Adnyamathanha, Kuyani, and mother to Dre, living at Umeewarra, Davenport Community, Port Augusta. With over 50 years of experience in Aboriginal community life and 30+ years in governance, she is a respected cultural leader, advisor, and advocate for justice and self-determination.
Lavene has worked across government, corporate, philanthropic, and grassroots sectors, bringing deep insight from frontline work in health, justice, youth, and community development. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience, cultural strength, and a commitment to community-led decision-making.
She continues to serve across arts, media, enterprise, and cultural governance spaces, ensuring community voices are heard and respected at every level. Lavene is also a recipient of multiple local, state, and national awards recognising her lifetime of service.
She believes that strong futures must be shaped by those who live the story—walking forward in truth, honouring culture, and creating space for the next generation to rise.
Sarah Lindsay
Phillis Sarah Lindsay, known as Sarah, is a proud Ngarrindjeri and Erawirung woman who also acknowledges her Scottish heritage through her mother. Her greatest hope is that her children and grandchildren continue to strive to be the best they can be.
With over two decades of experience in Aboriginal health and wellbeing, building strong relationships within Aboriginal Communities across regional and metropolitan areas in South Australia. Sarah’s career is rooted in her passion for Community and Cultural empowerment.
Currently, Sarah is the Link-Up/Redress Team Manager at Nunkuwarrin Yunti. In this role, she leads a team supporting individuals and families affected by the Stolen Generations and those who have endured trauma from institutional and state care. Her work prioritises healing, justice, and cultural reconnection.
Her qualifications include a Diploma of Narrative Approaches, completed in 2004, and a recent Certificate IV in Stolen Generations Research and Case Management. These demonstrate her ongoing commitment to professional development and her aspiration to inspire the next generation of Aboriginal workers in health and community services.
Sarah’s story is one of resilience, growth, and unwavering dedication to her family, her mob, and her culture. She continues to lead with heart, humility, and strength — ensuring that her journey leaves a positive impact on the people and communities she serves.
