Organisational Overview

The ELLA Foundation is guided by a dedicated team committed to empowering First Nations dancers and creatives. Our Board provides strategic leadership and ensures strong governance, while the Managing Director oversees day-to-day operations and program delivery. Supporting them, our Advisory Group offers expert guidance on cultural protocols, community engagement, and program development. Members of the Foundation help advance our mission and contribute to fundraising, and an independent First Nations Scholarship Selection Panel ensures fair and culturally safe award decisions. First Nations Creatives and Mentors bring their skills through performances, workshops, mentorship, and projects, helping us deliver meaningful programs with cultural integrity and impact. Together, this network of leaders, advisors, and practitioners enables The ELLA Foundation to operate with transparency, accountability, and respect for First Nations perspectives.

The Board

The Board of The ELLA Foundation is responsible for providing strategic direction, governance, and cultural leadership to ensure the organisation fulfils its vision, mission, and purpose.

  • Dr Jane Havelka JP - Director (Co-Chair)

  • Aunty Lorraine Tye - Director

  • Ella Havelka - Director (Co-Chair) - Managing Director

  • Amanda Ugo - Director (Secretary)

  • Professor Dr Faye McMillan AM - Director - Outgoing 

  • Professor Dr Mark McMillan - Director - Outgoing

  • Joshua Ugo - Director - Outgoing

First Nations Elders, Artists & Mentors 2025

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Elders, artists, and mentors who guide and strengthen our work. Your cultural leadership, creativity, and generosity ensure that our programs remain grounded in respect, integrity, and community strength. We are deeply grateful for the knowledge you share and the care you bring to every young person and project you support.

  • Aunty Christine Harris

  • Aunty Isobel Reid

  • Aunty Janna Havelka

  • Aunty Joyce Hampton

  • Aunty Lorraine Tye

  • Uncle Lloyd Dolan

  • Uncle Richard Gilbert

  • Amy Flannery

  • Audrey Goth Towney

  • Erica Dixon

  • Evie Ferris

  • Jahna Lugnan

  • Kiera Ah-see

  • Koby Elliot

  • Ngioka Bundaheath

  • Olivia Scott

  • Rika Hamagucci

  • Ryan Person

  • Tahlia Gilbert

  • Tristan Feild

  • Troy Schriber

Supporting Organisations 2025

We warmly thank the following organisations for promoting or partnering with us to deliver our programs, and for providing pro-bono or in-kind support. Your generosity and collaboration help strengthen opportunities for First Nations dancers and communities.

  • Arnold Bloch Leibler

  • Ballet Without Borders

  • Bangarra Dance Theatre

  • Blakdance

  • Colour City Dance

  • Dance Works Sydney

  • Finicky Finance

  • Hands on Weavers

  • Moorambilla Voices

  • ProYou Business Advisory

  • Rokit Performing Arts

  • The Australian Ballet

  • The Australian Ballet School

Get in Touch