Mary Bell is a proud Bundjalung woman from the Wahlubal and Galibal clans. A member of the Djanangmum community, with a lifelong commitment to strengthening Aboriginal communities through leadership, advocacy, housing, community development, and cultural empowerment. As Chief Executive Officer of Buyinbin Aboriginal Corporation, Mary brings decades of experience across government and community sectors, including housing, health, education, welfare, and community services. Her leadership is driven by a strong belief that Aboriginal communities can create sustainable futures through self-determination, economic independence, and investment in future generations. Since joining Buyinbin Aboriginal Corporation, Mary has led significant organisational improvements focused on strengthening governance, improving housing outcomes, increasing accountability, and creating long-term opportunities for community growth. She is passionate about ensuring that Aboriginal families have access to safe, secure housing while also building pathways toward home ownership, employment, and generational wealth. Mary’s vision extends beyond housing. She is committed to developing innovative community-led enterprises that create jobs, generate income, and reduce reliance on government funding. Her leadership focuses on building strong foundations today so future generations can inherit thriving communities with greater opportunities and choices. A respected community leader, Mary is deeply passionate about preserving culture, supporting Elders, empowering women, and creating opportunities for young people. She believes that strength comes from knowing who we are, where we come from, and ensuring our cultural knowledge continues to guide future generations. Mary’s leadership philosophy is simple: make strong decisions today that leave a positive legacy tomorrow. “Our responsibility is not only to look after our community today, but to create opportunities that will benefit our children, grandchildren, and generations yet to come.”

Jon Bell is a Bundjalung man, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and community leader serving as Chairperson of Buyinbin Aboriginal Corporation. He is committed to advancing Aboriginal self-determination through economic development, cultural preservation, community investment, and sustainable Aboriginal-led enterprises across Bundjalung Country. As Chairperson, Jon provides strategic leadership for initiatives focused on strengthening Aboriginal families and communities through economic participation, housing development, cultural programs, community support services, youth engagement, and long-term wealth creation. He believes that strong communities are built through ownership, opportunity, and practical pathways that empower Aboriginal people to shape their own futures. Alongside his community leadership, Jon has established a successful career in the creative industries as a writer, director, and producer. His debut feature film achieved significant international recognition, screening in major cities including New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Miami, and Paris. The film's success culminated in winning the prestigious CinefestOZ Film Prize, Australia's richest film award, cementing Jon's reputation as an emerging voice in Australian storytelling. His work spans feature films, television, animation, and Indigenous storytelling projects that seek to elevate First Nations voices while creating opportunities for regional and Aboriginal creatives. Through both his creative and community work, Jon advocates for the power of storytelling, enterprise, and cultural identity as drivers of social and economic change. Jon is also actively involved in regional development initiatives, exploring opportunities across tourism, hospitality, housing, cultural enterprises, and community-owned businesses. He is a strong advocate for models that combine cultural integrity with commercial sustainability, ensuring Aboriginal communities can participate fully in economic growth while maintaining strong connections to Country, culture, and community. Under Jon's leadership, Buyinbin Aboriginal Corporation is focused on building community-owned assets, supporting cultural continuity, creating employment pathways, and delivering practical outcomes that benefit current and future generations. His vision is to help create thriving Aboriginal communities that are economically strong, culturally confident, and positioned to lead their own development for decades to come.