Aurora Strengthens Board with Three New Directors, Bolstering Governance & Strategic Leadership

Aurora Education Foundation (Aurora), is strengthening its strategic oversight with the appointment of Yuin man Tim Goodwin, Sharon Davis of the Bardi and Kija peoples, and finance specialist Evan Leslie.

Tim, Sharon and Evan have been appointed to help Aurora deliver on its vision of a society in which Australia’s First Peoples determine their own aspirations through education and life-long learning, shaping a new future for our country – a vision that has become all the more important with Aurora’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Both Tim and Sharon have a long history with Aurora, having previously taken part in the organisation’s Scholarships and Study Tour programs.

Sharon brings a deep commitment to social justice, having previously worked as the Director of Education at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). Sharon hopes to positively impact the journeys of future generations of First Nations leaders, the same way Aurora has impacted their own.

“I never saw myself going to university, let alone the University of Oxford. The connections to mob I made through the Aurora Study Tour helped me to not only see myself at Oxford, but also sustained me while I was so far from home. I am looking forward to contributing to other First Nations students journeys in the same way,” Sharon said.

Tim is a barrister who practices primarily in commercial and public law. He has worked as the Junior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, and is currently Junior Counsel Assisting the Yoorrook Truth-telling Royal Commission in Victoria.

“I believe strongly in the power of education for our mob to succeed and thrive. My grandparents and parents always encouraged me to get a good education in order to give back to our people. That’s why I’m proud to be on the Board of Aurora as it continues to grow and provide the space for those opportunities for others,” Tim said.

Joining Tim and Sharon is Evan Leslie, a non-Indigenous finance specialist with more than 25 years of experience in private equity capital raising, investor relations and corporate strategy. During his career, Evan has worked closely with various Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver social and affordable housing to First Nations communities.

“This experience taught me that progress towards equality for First Nations peoples must be based on self-determination and must be delivered through local programs focusing on meaningful generational change. So, when you are lucky enough to see the positive impact that Aurora’s programs can have on both an individual’s life and their broader community, it’s incredibly inspiring, and something which I am very honoured to contribute my energies towards.”

Chair of the Board, Nyikina man Charles Prouse, said these new appointments will elevate Aurora’s governance and bring new insights and energy to Aurora’s strategic priorities:

“I am excited to welcome Tim, Sharon and Evan to Aurora. Their personal life experiences and professional national and global experiences add further diversity to the board.  I am confident they will help to bolster our impact at Aurora and support the team as we continue to deliver on our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.  Their commitment to creating a future where First Nations kids can thrive in whatever path they choose will benefit the Aurora, our partners, our community and most importantly, First Nations people in their education journey.”