Kali Pathways is an Indigenous-controlled and led organisation creating social and economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples through employment, training, and partnerships in the renewable energy industry.
Kali Pathways isn’t just about finding work — it’s about creating long-term opportunities for Indigenous people in the renewable energy industry.
At Kali Pathways, we walk alongside participants, employers and partners to build a future grounded in respect, connection and self-determination.
“Kali” means boomerang — symbolising the importance of respecting the deep cultures, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations Australians and their enduring connection to country.
Connecting Indigenous people to training, education & employment opportunities
The renewable energy industry is growing fast — but to meet future demand, we need 40,000 new workers by 2030. Right now, Indigenous people represent just 0.3% of the sector’s workforce.
Barriers like access to training, transport, and culturally safe workplaces continue to limit opportunities — especially in remote communities. To close the gap, we need Indigenous-led solutions that support self-determination, respect culture, and create real, long-term jobs that connect people to purpose, place, and community.
In the renewable energy sector
are needed in Australia by 2030
Founded in 2024 by EPC Solar, Kali Pathways is an Indigenous-led organisation creating social and economic opportunities in the renewable energy industry for Indigenous Australians.
We provide tailored and culturally appropriate supports so that Indigenous people can gain and sustain employment in the industry.
We work closely with community, employers, education bodies, government, industry groups, and corporates who share our commitment to achieving long term employment and economic benefits and outcomes for Indigenous people.
Our team is led by a CEO and supported by a small, dedicated leadership group overseeing operations, partnerships, and program development. We work closely with our Board to stay focused, effective, and aligned with our mission.
Leonie Patterson is a proud Aboriginal woman with connections to the Kitja, Bardi and Worrora peoples.
She brings deep experience working with Indigenous communities, organisations and across government sectors, with a strong focus on cultural integrity, collaboration and community engagement.
Leonie is known for championing inclusive leadership and driving initiatives that support equity, social justice and self-determination for First Nations peoples.
Mark Weeden leads Business & Investments for the executive office of NBA Champion and Olympian Patty Mills, driving strategic growth across Team Mills’ commercial and impact ventures. He is also a Director at Akana Mills, a groundbreaking partnership between Team Mills and the Akana Group focused on transforming global trade through Indigenous economic empowerment.
Akana Mills exists to unlock opportunity for Indigenous communities worldwide – championing equitable access to capital, markets and resources to drive generational change and reshape international commerce.
Mark also holds multiple advisory board positions and is deeply committed to advancing social equity, with a sharp focus on building scalable, sustainable solutions for underserved communities around the globe.
Pauly Vandenbergh grew up among the Wirangu and Kokatha peoples on South Australia’s far west coast, which shaped Pauly’s deep commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal youth.
A former elite basketballer with the Canberra Cannons, Pauly established the Aboriginal Basketball Academy, which empowers Aboriginal youth to excel in both basketball and education.
Pauly also built a distinguished career in Australian football, serving as Director of Aboriginal Programs at Port Adelaide Football Club and as the AFL’s National Diversity Talent Manager.
Pauly’s achievements are many. He is successful entrepreneur, founder of Wanna Mar tuna fishing and Munda Wines. As well as co-founder of the Tjindu Foundation, which delivers culturally responsive education, sports, and cultural programs to support Aboriginal students in their schooling, career pathways, and leadership development.
In 2024, Pauly was a nominee in South Australia’s Australia Day Local Hero category.
Lee Smallwood resides in Townsville and is the youngest sibling of 11 brothers and sisters.
Lee is a descendant of the Bindal and Birriah peoples, the Traditional Custodians of Townsville’s south and west region, and the Iman, Goreng-Goreng, and Wakka-Wakka peoples, who are the Traditional Owners of the area within the Burnett region of Gayndah and Hervey Bay.
Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts Communication, as well as a Certificate IV in Project Management, and Certificates I, II and III in Business Administration.
Following over 20 years working in Indigenous Affairs in various Australian Government agencies, she now operates a family business called ‘Mainleejays Consultancy’, working closely with Indigenous people to build their confidence to navigate and overcome life’s challenges.
Lee is also the Senior Training Advisor with CPB Constructions, responsible for the development and delivery of training to enable Indigenous people to seek and obtain employment in the construction industry as part of the ‘Change of Poverty Cycle Program’.
Amanda Healy is a proud Wonnarua woman from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and a distinguished Indigenous Australian business leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for economic empowerment.
Amanda’s many achievements include:
Amanda is also the founder and Managing Director of Kirrikin, a social enterprise launched in 2014 that produces luxury fashion items featuring authentic Aboriginal art, aiming to provide sustainable income for Indigenous artists and support at-risk Aboriginal youth through various development programs.
In addition to Kali Pathways, Amanda also serves on several boards, including the Wirrpanda Foundation and the Curtin University Business and Law School Advisory Board.
Amanda is passionate about bridging economic barriers that Indigenous people experience and Indigenous-led business.
Nicole Petrilli is the Director of Indigenous Services at KPMG Australia, based in Sydney. Since joining KPMG in 2015 as a founding member of the Indigenous Services team, Nicole has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s approach to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, and social impact.
In her role at KPMG, Nicole collaborates with Indigenous communities, government bodies, and private sector clients to develop strategies that promote social justice and sustainable development.
Nicole’s holds a Bachelor of Communications (Media and Culture) from the University of South Australia, a Master of Laws from the Australian National University, and an Executive Certificate in Advancing Sustainability from New York University and is a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Nicole’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Communications (Media and Culture) from the University of South Australia, a Master of Laws from the Australian National University, and an Executive Certificate in Advancing Sustainability from New York University. She is also admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nicole has served as a Non-Executive Director for the United Nations Association of Australia, reflecting her commitment to human rights and Indigenous empowerment.
In her role at KPMG, Nicole has a dedicated focus on ensuring that First Nations people and communities actively participate and benefit from Australia’s renewable energy transformation.
Nicole Hucks is a proud Larrakia, Wadjigan, Arrernte woman—born and raised in Darwin with strong connections to Anmatjere and Kaytetye Country. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and has dedicated her career to child and family welfare, including roles in child protection, youth justice, out-of-home care, as well as policy and program development.
Nicole previously served as Larrakia Director on the Danila Dilba Health Services Board (2017–2019) and returned to the Board in 2023; her current term extends until 2026 Danila Dilba Health Services.
Nicole is the General Manager (acting CEO) of Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT), where she champions policies aligned with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and advocates for culturally responsive, community-led solutions across health, education, justice, housing and economic development.
In her role as Acting Northern Territory Children’s Commissioner, Nicole led initiatives amplifying children’s voices on issues such as housing, homelessness, education, racism, and youth detention—including participating in the Children and Families Tripartite Forum in 2023.
Nicole is a mother of two young girls, bringing lived experience and a deep commitment to future generations and self‑determination for Aboriginal Territorians.
Brett Chamberlain is a proud Wiradjuri man from a large NSW family.
A highly experienced ICT leader, strategist, and Indigenous advocate, Brett blends technical excellence with social purpose.
His 20+ ears career in the banking sector in accounting, sales and project management at AMP, NAB, CBA, State Street, Citigroup and NSW Treasury.
In 2016, Brett established Australia’s leading Indigenous ICT consultancy and delivery partner Patonga Projects, specialising in strategic advice, digital transformation, and project delivery across governments, NFPs, and corporates.
Brett is committed to partnering and empowering Indigenous communities evident in supporting organisations to meet Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) targets.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and MBA in Technology from UNSW, plus a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance via Kaplan. Certified in project management frameworks (RegPM) and SCRUM (SFC).
Kali Pathways acknowledges and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Australia. Their continuing connection to land, waters and communities has endured for over 65,000 years. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Elders past and present.
Aboriginal Flag designed by Mr Harold Thomas. Torres Strait Islander Flag reproduced by kind permission of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, designed by the late Mr Bernard Namok.
