Seeking Experienced and Emerging Board Candidates

Pipeline Talent, in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), is seeking applications from qualified and experienced candidates to join the OnBoard Candidate Register. This register supports the appointment of individuals—particularly First Nations women—to statutory boards within the Indigenous Portfolio and potentially other Commonwealth agency boards and entities.

About the Indigenous Portfolio Boards
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL)
Provides culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people accessing services away from home.
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)
Supports economic self-sufficiency through home ownership, business financing, and investments.
Outback Stores
Improves access to healthy, affordable food in remote Indigenous communities while supporting local employment.
Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC)
Assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to acquire and manage land, water, and water-related interests.

For the complete candidate briefing document, contact Pipeline Talent via [email protected].

About you
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about contributing to the governance of impactful organisations that serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You may be an experienced board director or an emerging leader ready to take the next step in your governance journey. You are someone who brings:

Personal Attributes

• A commitment to ethical leadership   
• Cultural competence and a deep understanding of or connection to First Nations communities
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Integrity, accountability, and a collaborative mindset

Desired Skills and Experience
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Board and governance experience (including Chair or Deputy Chair roles)
• Finance, audit, and risk management
• Legal, regulatory, or compliance knowledge
• Financial and business acumen
• Public sector or government experience
• Community engagement and Indigenous affairs
• Industry-specific knowledge (e.g. health, housing, education, food security, land and water management)
• Leadership in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community life
• AICD or other governance training (desirable but not essential)

How to Apply
To apply, please submit:

• A current CV of no more than 5 pages
• Completion of the required form, including a brief bio. The form is available for download via the link below:

Application Form - NIAA OnBoard Candidate Register

Applications are to be submitted below by 11:59PM Monday 21 July 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.  

How to get more information
For further information or a confidential chat, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

Lesina Gibbs-Manuatu
Chief Operations Officer
[email protected] | [email protected]
M 0408 027 880 | PH 02 8001 6603

Please do not register directly with the OnBoard Register at this stage. Candidates shortlisted by Pipeline Talent and endorsed by the NIAA will be invited to formally register with OnBoard as part of the final stage of the process.

Important Note on Appointments
Being selected for inclusion on the OnBoard Candidate Register is not a guarantee of appointment to a board. The register is used by the NIAA to identify and consider candidates when vacancies arise across Indigenous Portfolio boards and committees. Appointments are made at the discretion of the Minister for Indigenous Australians.

Already Registered?
If you are already listed on the OnBoard Candidate Register, there is no need to reapply.