First Nations Wellbeing Program

John Penny is a Noongar man from the Great Southern with ancestral ties to the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar and Gnaala Karla Booja regions. His passion for supporting carers stems from his family’s experience caring for elderly parents, as well as witnessing the vital role carers play within families and communities. He works as a consultant in the employment and training sector and serves as Chairperson of the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation. As a member of the Carers WA Aboriginal Advisory Group, he brings strong corporate governance experience and a commitment to empowering First Nations people through self-determination and positive community outcomes.

Marion Kickett is a Ballardong Whadjuk woman from the Noongar Nation, recognised as an Elder and cultural advisor within her community. Drawing on her experience caring for her mother and sister through cancer, she is passionate about supporting carers and advocating for culturally informed change. She works at The University of Western Australia, advising on First Nations culture, health and wellbeing, and proudly serves on the Carers WA Aboriginal Advisory Group.

Corey Jacobs is a proud Nyoongar man with ties to the Ballardong, Yued, and Whadjuk on his father's side, and to Wagyl Kaip, Gnarla Karla Boodjar, and southern Nyoongar on his mother's side. Corey is the Health Promotion Coordinator at Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, raising community awareness for ways to improve Aboriginal health and manage chronic illness. He also runs the Derbarl Yerrigan Elders group and values listening to Elders’ stories. Corey has been involved with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee in Perth and is a full-time carer for several family members. He knows from a younger generation’s perspective on his caring experiences. As a CCAG representative, he brings valuable cultural, professional and caring experience, as well as the perspective of a younger-generation leader.

Brenda Larsen is a Whadjuk Ballardong woman, Noongar language teacher, mother and grandmother. Drawing on her experience as a long-term carer for her son following an acquired brain injury, she is a strong advocate for carers and navigating complex support systems. As a member of the Carers WA Aboriginal Advisory Group, she is committed to representing First Nations carers and supporting reconciliation initiatives.