Meet The Team

Our Executive Management Team

Paul Synnott

CEO National Indigenous Partnerships

Paul Synnott is an experienced social and economic development professional whose strengths and approach are based on 20+ years of industry experience. A Masters of Business Management (MBM) and Diploma of Employment Services compliment his extensive industry experience.

Paul brings a very logical and practical way of working that is driven by a clear understanding of the objectives and the vision that his clients are striving to achieve. His strengths lie in being able to activate people’s thinking to form solutions. As an enabler of those solutions, he takes responsibility for ensuring people have the necessary skills and systems in place to achieve the desired results.

Paul understands the importance of adopting a whole of community approach to implementing a successful business model and how business needs to be strategic to ensure it effectively utilises available resources to sustain its purpose. He welcomes the challenges inherent in developing service models, solutions, and lasting relationships with clients and communities.

Paul also sits on the Boards of RN Employment Services, Real Futures and NESA.

 

 

Megan Logan

Megan Logan

General Manager

Megan Logan comes to Kowanyama with 15 years experience in remote delivery in both Queensland and the Northern Territory. She has participated in community development in many different capacities over the years, notably including Wadeye and Aurukun, with the set up and ongoing running of locally staffed accommodation centres and food service outlets.

Her passion is Small Enterprise Development and is a wealth of knowledge, experience, and support for the Kowanyama Team in all aspects of community development.

 

 

 

Marty Chambers

National Indigenous Engagement Manager

Marty Chambers is a proud Indigenous man with Torres Strait Island heritage. Marty builds strong connections with local people and helps communities develop business together. He is a great communicator and understands the issues Indigenous people face in remote areas of Australia.

He has held various roles within Jobfind and RISE over the last 10 years of his employment with Angus Knight before becoming a Board Director. Marty has a strong background in managing projects and has considerable experience with Indigenous communities and relationships. Marty’s passion is family and communities and he is enthusiastic about Indigenous Advancement in the workplace.

He is invested in his role as a mentor for Indigenous staff within our organisation.

 

 

Leah Simmons

Pathway Services Manager

Leah Simmons has worked for Jobfind and Rise Ventures in various roles since February 2012. Leah’s journey started as an administration officer in Coen Cape York and has progressed over the years to Regional Manager of Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw Community Development Programme then on to Performance Support Manager for Rise Ventures.

Her most recent role is Project Manager – Pathway Services covering Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw, Katherine, and Central Arnhem. Along the way, she has made many valuable and long-lasting community relationships. Leah’s passion is Indigenous staff development and building strong teams with a variety of skills.

 

 

Dave Peterson

Dave Peterson

Operations Manager Remote Employment Services

Dave Peterson is an experienced business adviser whose strengths are based on 22 years working in employment services. A Diploma of Business – Employment Services compliment his extensive industry experience.

Dave has a talent for motivating and engaging others in the achievement of goals, well-honed research and analytical skills, and the ability to generate new ideas and approaches to issues and work practices. Passionate about employment services and its possibilities, Dave provides support, coaching and guidance in a professional, inclusive and supportive manner in an effort to continually improve the quality of delivery in employment services.

Dave works with Providers to ensure financial performance, risk management and the appropriate response to data analysis and compliance reports. Where these indicate that providers are not achieving targets, he works to introduces strategies to positively impact their performance.

 

 

 

Coral Harris

Coral Harris

Remote Employment Services Manager - Pormpuraaw

RISE Ventures welcomed Coral to the Rise Pormpuraaw team in August 2023.

Coral has long recognised that ‘People’ are the primary resource of ALL organisations, regardless of what position you hold or which side of the counter you stand. Her belief is “People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.”

That is now more evident in the wonderful Pormpuraaw community, where we get the opportunity to demonstrate how our work recognises and values the values of the community and our clients.

Coral is excited about being a member of the Rise Ventures team and connecting with the people of Pormpuraaw by building meaningful relationships. She wants to help her team and clients RISE-Up to achieve the goals they aspire to based on their values.

 

 

Cameron Josiah

Cameron Josiah

Business Manager - Kowanyama

Cameron, a proud Kokomenjena and Yir Yorant man, is a Kowanyama local through and through. Growing up in “Kowie” has fuelled his commitment to give back to the town and people he loves so much.

A talented sportsman, Cameron first big opportunity came in the form of AFL. He moved to Cairns and then Brisbane, training and playing there for four years. After working in AFL development for a number of years, Cameron moved home to Kowanyama and began his journey with RISE Ventures. Starting as a Service Coordinator, before moving to Community Project Coordinator, he knows RISE Kowanyama inside out.

In 2023, Cameron seized the opportunity to be Business Manager, becoming the first local Indigenous person to lead RISE Ventures Kowanyama. A proud moment for both Cameron and his community! Motivated by his local people, Cameron wants to make a difference to their lives and build pride in his community.

Outside of work, Cameron loves to watch footy and is also a valued member of the Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council, holding the position of Deputy Mayor.

 

 

Duane Darby

Duane Darby

Remote Employment Services Manager - Katherine

Duane is from Halls Creek in the Kimberly and his people are the Kidja Mob.

With an extensive background in various industries, particularly in mining and construction, Duane made the move into remote communities services when he moved to Central Arnhem Land.

Duane’s track record includes several years of successful remote work across different roles, demonstrating his adaptability and capability to thrive in diverse environments. Having previously worked at the Roper Gulf Regional Council, Duane brings a wealth of experience about the local area and a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities working in remote communities.

One of Duane’s strengths lies in mentoring, having dedicated more than four years to this crucial aspect of workforce development. His commitment to empowering individuals aligns perfectly with the RISE Ventures values.