Consulting services with a difference.

Leaders in Consultation and Strategic Advice - At Wanyaari, our consultancy services encompass a diverse array of activities, each spearheaded by our highly qualified and experienced team of Aboriginal consultants. We are committed to excellence and prioritise delivering top-tier outcomes that alight to community expectations and drive self-determination. Guided by strength based approaches and empowerment principles, our dedication ensures results that resonate and lead lasting impact and cultivate meaningful relationships.

Wanyaari’s expert team have the ‘know how’ required to get the job done. From leading engagement to drive outcomes in the built environment, to developing Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), to Aboriginal Employment Strategies, to Aboriginal Programs/Initiatives and everything in between. Our Unique Approach is underpinned by the following key principles:

Contextualising Programs and Developing Individualised Aboriginal Programs:

Wanyaari specialises in adapting existing programs or creating new ones that are specifically tailored to address the needs and priorities of your organisation.
By customising programs, Wanyaari ensures that they are relevant, effective, and culturally appropriate, thus maximising their impact and fostering greater engagement from both employees and stakeholders.

Embedding Aboriginal Cultural Values:

Wanyaari can assist in integrating Aboriginal cultural values into the fabric of your organisation, fostering a more inclusive and culturally sensitive work environment.
This involves identifying key cultural values and practices and finding ways to incorporate them into organisational policies, practices, and procedures.

Engaging with Intent:

Wanyaari helps organisations develop effective strategies for engaging with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owner Groups, local Aboriginal organisations, and community members.
This may involve establishing channels of communication, organising community events or consultations, and fostering partnerships that are based on mutual respect and understanding.

Strengthening Respect, Connection, and Meaningful Relationships:

Wanyaari works to build strong and enduring relationships between organisations and Aboriginal stakeholders, including Traditional Owner Groups and community members.
By fostering respect, connection, and meaningful engagement, Wanyaari helps lay the groundwork for collaborative partnerships that are built on trust and mutual benefit.

Overall, Wanyaari's services aim to support organisations in their efforts to foster reconciliation, promote Aboriginal employment and participation, and build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal communities, thereby creating a more inclusive and culturally responsive organisational culture.

Our Partners

Lead Consultants

Ricky Kildea

CEO
Ricky is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung man, a father of two daughters, a lifelong Dees supporter and the Managing Director of Wan-Yaari Aboriginal Consultancy Services. Born on Gunditjmara Country and now living and working on Wadawurrung Country in Geelong, Ricky aims to conduct himself and business in a respectful, inclusive and culturally appropriate way.
Ricky is a highly dedicated and passionate Aboriginal consultant who is committed to reconciliation and creating meaningful and lasting working relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, communities and organisations.
With over 15 years’ experience working within the Aboriginal Community in Education, Employment and Justice sectors, Ricky demonstrates the very highest standards of management, administration and governance. He is committed to driving work to address disadvantages, reduce Aboriginal unemployment rates, improve pathways to employment and make a real difference within the local community.
His values, upbringing and cultural knowledge have been accentuated with the strong belief and commitment to continually create opportunities for a better future for his people.
Kaley Nicholson

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PERFORMANCE
Kaley Nicholson, a proud First Nations woman with deep family lines throughout Victoria and into New South Wales, has been part of the Geelong community for 17 years. Her connection to Wadawurrung Country is deeply embedded, having raised two children and completed her secondary and tertiary studies in the area.
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Politics & Policy, Kaley has demonstrated a commitment to understanding societal structures and governance. Her academic journey also includes her current studies at Monash Business School where she is completing a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership, showcasing her expertise in driving sustainable and culturally sensitive business practices.
Having enjoyed a fulfilling career in the public service across all government levels, including local, state, and federal, Kaley has transitioned her focus to various impactful endeavors. She currently serves as the Chair of Taungurung Aboriginal Land and Waters Council and holds a directorial position on the Board of Alpine Resorts Victoria, where she works towards delivering the best possible outcomes for Mob across the state.
Kaley's passion lies in caring for Country, enhancing economic participation, promoting employment, and advancing education – viewing these pillars as instrumental in strengthening the position of Traditional Owners and fostering the cultural rights and economic development of First Nations People. She is dedicated to ensuring that Elders are respected and play an elevated role in decision-making, empowering young voices, and creating opportunities for future generations. Kaley's commitment resonates through her academic achievements and her active involvement in community leadership, solidifying her role as a driving force for positive change.
Milly Livesey

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EXECUTIVE
Amelia "Milly" Livesey, a proud Taungurung, Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa, and Wiradjuri woman, has called Wadawurrung Country home for 16 years. Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts with majors in English Literature and History, Milly is driven by her passion for Indigenous storytelling and her commitment to reshaping historical narratives through an Indigenous lens. She firmly believes in the importance of telling history from an Indigenous perspective, actively working towards reclaiming narratives and ensuring that Indigenous voices are not only heard but celebrated. Milly believes that understanding history through the lens of Indigenous experiences is paramount to building a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of our shared past.
In her journey, Milly has cultivated a diverse background, showcasing her expertise in program development, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Her experience spans roles in education services, disability support, and Indigenous cultural education, consistently reflecting her unwavering commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity.
Milly is dedicated to supporting community initiatives and empowering her mob through inclusive consultations. Stressing the importance of Aboriginal participation in decision-making processes, she passionately advocates for and facilitates opportunities that empower and uplift Indigenous voices and knowledge systems across all facets of her work. With a strong foundation in communication, community engagement, and cultural awareness, Milly embodies a catalyst for positive change in her ongoing pursuit of enriching Indigenous narratives and fostering a proud and reconciled nation.