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
VALUES
What We Stand For
At Pipeline Talent, our values are more than words — they’re the foundation of how we work, who we work with, and the legacy we aim to leave. Grounded in First Nations ways of knowing, being, and leading, we honour the strength of culture and community in everything we do.
Integrity
We keep our word and operate with transparency, building trust through every step of the recruitment journey.
Respect
We listen deeply and act with care, respecting culture, Country and community in all that we do.
Excellence
We don’t just fill roles - we create opportunities, nurture talent and build futures with purpose.
Cultural Safety
Cultural safety is embedded in every interaction, ensuring inclusive, respectful and empowering experiences.
Truth-telling
We speak honestly, centre lived experience and act with purpose to drive meaningful change.
Giving Back
We invest in community, elevate First Nations voices and support future generations through every placement.
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
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.
Richard Allan
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Richard Allan, a proud Ngunnawal and Gamillaray man, shares culture through art, storytelling and education, driving meaningful change and empowering First Nations leadership and voices.
Tahlia Gilchrist
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Tahlia is a proud Aboriginal woman with ties to the Yuin & Wonnarua nations.