About Us
Proudly 100% Indigenous-owned, Pipeline Talent is a small team with a big commitment: connecting First Nations professionals to leadership opportunities across Australia. Our work is built on cultural integrity, trust, and a deep dedication to lasting change.
Our Story
A Pipeline of Talent, Built on Purpose
Pipeline Talent was founded by Rachelle Towart OAM, a proud Aboriginal woman, to transform the way Indigenous leadership is recognised, recruited, and retained across the country.
After years of seeing culturally unsafe recruitment processes and a lack of support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, Rachelle created Pipeline Talent — not just as an agency, but as a movement.
Today, we’re Australia’s only 100% Aboriginal-owned executive recruitment firm specialising in Indigenous appointments. From a single desk to a national team, we’ve grown by walking alongside clients and candidates who share our vision for equity, leadership, and real system change.
What Makes Us Different
Pipeline Talent is proudly Aboriginal-led, and every part of our work reflects that.
We bring a unique blend of lived experience, professional expertise, and cultural authority to every engagement.
- 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated
- Proven success in $130K+ executive and board-level placements
- Deep understanding of Indigenous leadership and community expectations
- Experience recruiting across metro, regional, remote, and international roles
- Trusted by government, corporate, university, and community sectors
Rachelle Towart OAM
Founder and Managing Director
Rachelle Towart is a nationally recognised Aboriginal leader and changemaker. With over 25 years’ experience in Indigenous governance, leadership development and public service, Rachelle founded Pipeline Talent to create culturally safe, values-aligned pathways to leadership.
She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the Indigenous community and is known for her straight-talking, values-led approach. Under her leadership, Pipeline Talent has become a trusted name in First Nations executive recruitment.
Team Members
Meet the team
Kyra Scott
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Kyra is a proud Ghunghanghi woman with ancestral ties to the Kuku-Yelangi and Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba people of Far North Queensland. Kyra proudly lives and works on Ngunnawal and Ngambri – Kambri Country.
Tahlia Gilchrist
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Tahlia is a proud Aboriginal woman with ties to the Yuin & Wonnarua nations.
Rachelle Towart
Founder and Managing Director
Rachelle Towart OAM is a nationally recognised leader dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through education, governance, and leadership development.
Lesina Gibbs-Manuatu
Chief Operations Officer
Lesina is a dynamic leader and communicator. She is passionate about social justice with strong intercultural skills and a commitment to First Nations advancement.
Tiana Callaughan
Head of Recruitment
Tiana is an experienced recruitment leader with expertise in executive hiring, business operations, and a strong commitment to advancing Indigenous leadership across all sectors.
Brianna Meddemmen
Marketing and Communications Lead
Brianna is a passionate professional committed to improving outcomes for First Nations communities, using her psychology and marketing expertise to drive positive change.