Meet the Team

Chief Executive Officer

Dominic Hill-Panaia is a Noongar man who has lived and worked on Whadjuk Country for nearly 50 years. He brings over 25 years of leadership experience across government, business and community organisations, including senior management, governance and leadrship roles.

As Chief Executive Officer of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, Dominic is focused on strengthening the Corporation’s governance and operations, building sustainable opportunities for Whadjuk people and ensuring the Corporation is positioned to deliver long-term cultural, social and economic outcomes for its members.

Dominic is committed to strong Aboriginal-led decision-making, protecting Whadjuk cultural interests and Country, and building partnerships that create genuine opportunities for current and future generations of Whadjuk people.

Heritage & Culture Executive

Wayne Ryder is a proud Noongar man, family man and respected Aboriginal community leader with over a decade of experience across community services, mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors. He brings strong expertise in Aboriginal leadership, governance, advocacy and community development, underpinned by a commitment to self-determination.

As Heritage and Culture Executive at Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, Wayne is committed to protecting and strengthening Whadjuk cultural heritage, supporting Aboriginal-led decision-making and ensuring Whadjuk voices remain central to the protection and management of Country and culture for future generations.

Wayne holds qualifications in mental health, counselling, leadership and management, and a Master of Social Work from The University of Western Australia. An award-winning advocate, mentor and public speaker, he is passionate about strengthening cultural integrity, building meaningful partnerships and empowering Aboriginal communities.

Senior Heritage Coordinator

Connor Ellis is the Senior Heritage and Environment Coordinator at Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, supporting the protection and management of Whadjuk cultural heritage and environmental values across Country.

Connor brings expertise in environmental management, stakeholder engagement, environmental assessment, and consultation. She has experience in building relationships and working collaboratively with Traditional Owners, Elders, government agencies, and other stakeholders to support meaningful outcomes for Country.

Connor is passionate about the connection between culture, heritage and the environment, and is committed to supporting the protection of Boodja and the continuation of cultural knowledge and practices for future generations.

Lands and Tenure Coordinator

Tarah is the Membership & Administration Officer at Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation. She has strong cultural connections through her father’s side to the Ballardong and Wagyl Kaip peoples and is also of Māori descent.

Born in Kalgoorlie and having spent most of her life living and working on Whadjuk Country, Tarah is passionate about supporting community and building strong connections. In her role, she enjoys engaging with members and helping to strengthen community participation.

Heritage Administration & Rostering Coordinator

Daniel Chuang is the Heritage Administration and Rostering Coordinator at Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, supporting the coordination of heritage administration, rostering, and operational activities across the Corporation.

Daniel brings strong organisational, administrative, and coordination skills, with experience supporting teams, maintaining accurate records, coordinating schedules, and working collaboratively with Traditional Owners, Elders, staff, contractors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Daniel is committed to supporting efficient and culturally respectful heritage operations, ensuring heritage activities are well coordinated, and that Whadjuk cultural values, knowledge, and Country remain central to the Corporation’s work.

Project Manager - Environment - Urban Rivers

Dr Leanda Mason is a Minang Nyungar conservation biologist and Project Manager for Healing Swamps Together at Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation. Their work brings together cultural knowledges, ecological sciences and community priorities to support Whadjuk-led care for Country.

Leanda holds a PhD in conservation biology focused on the ecology and conservation of trapdoor spiders in urban areas. They have broad experience across environmental research, Indigenous science, tertiary and secondary education, community engagement, and equity and diversity. At WAC, Leanda coordinates partnerships, research and on-Country activities supporting the healing of Grogan Swamp, Bennett Brook and the surrounding landscape.