Our People

Mr. Peter Colin Cadwallader, B.Ec, FCA

Chairman | Sydney

Appointed as a Director and Founding Chairman of the Board on 15 November 2007. Peter is the owner and Chief Executive of Intercontinental Shipping and Investment Group. He was a Board member of Opportunity International Australia for a number of years.

Mr. John Burn, B.Sc, EMBA

CEO & Managing Director | Sydney

John joined Many Rivers in October 2009. He was appointed Managing Director and CEO on 11 April 2014.

Prior to joining Many Rivers, John worked at Commonwealth Bank for 21 years, including 10 years across a range of senior leadership roles.

Ms. Kristal Kinsela, MBA, BEd (Adult Education), MAICD

Non-Executive Director | Port Macquarie

Appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 19 August 2021. Kristal is a proud and passionate Indigenous business owner and leader who enjoys connecting people and moving them into action. Through determination, resilience and hard work, Kristal built her professional career and successful consultancy business. Today, she channels her experience and energy into helping others succeed.

​A descendant of both the Jawoyn and Wiradjuri nations, Kristal brings her personal story and over 16 years of business expertise to every project. She has worked with well-known global businesses and all levels of government to drive their supplier diversity efforts, helping develop procurement plans, up-skill teams and positively impact communities. She authored the first book published in Australia on Indigenous business procurement, “Supplier Diversity How”, based on her proven approach.

A multi-award winner, Kristal has been awarded the 2019 AFR 100 Women of Influence, 2019 Indigenous Defence Leader of the Year, 2017 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year and 2017 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year.

Mr. Terry Winters, FAICD

Non-Executive Director | Melbourne

Appointed as a Director on 23 September 2010. Terry is the Chairman of Converge International Pty Ltd and TasmaNet Pty Ltd and is a Director of Redflex Holdings Limited (ASX: RDF) and TSPI Development Corporation Inc, a Micro Enterprise Development NGO in the Philippines. He has over 30 years experience in operation and governance of microfinance organisations with Opportunity International Network.

Ms. Trish Botha, BA Intercultural Ministry, MBA

Non-Executive Director | Perth

Appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 19 August 2021. Trish brings a varied professional life, from banking and finance through to co-founding multiple community programs and consequently a WA-based charity, where she served as its CEO for 7 years, servicing thousands of families across Perth’s northern suburbs.

Trish also has experience in creating a nationally recognised Job Active program which sought to transition people from chronic unemployment into sustained and fulfilling vocations. After working in the Federal Government, Trish established her own business, pursuing her passion for creating economic development opportunities, particularly within the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island community.

Trish is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, with family connections to Far North Queensland.

Mr. Sinclair Taylor, LLB

Non-Executive Director | Sydney

Nathan Hawkins

Executive Team | Sydney

Head of Business Development.

Nathan has over 15 years’ experience in leadership roles across education, marketing, not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors. After an early academic career phase in public health research and teaching, Nathan moved into community-based work designing, implementing, and evaluating Government-funded public health initiatives.

Since then, he has led charities working to tackle disadvantage both nationally and internationally. He has also provided strategic marketing consulting to a variety of Australian-based companies and most recently, has helped develop growing major and principal gift philanthropic programs, working with some of Australia’s most significant philanthropists. Nathan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Hons).

Bridget Centenera

Executive Team | Sydney

Head of Community Economic Development.

Bridget has worked in microenterprise and community development for 18 years. She has worked extensively in South-East Asia, South Asia and Africa; engaged directly with communities and with Microfinance Institutions, building capacity and developing programs. Bridget became involved with Many Rivers in 2009; since 2015 she has been leading the Many Rivers’ Community Economic Development Program with Indigenous communities in regional and remote Australia. She holds a BA and Masters in International Studies (Development Studies) and Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting and Finance.

Dean Candler-Szabo

Executive Team | Sydney

Head of Operations.

Dean has over 20 years of project management and process design experience working as a former IT Management Consultant. He has been involved in project implementation in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia/New Zealand. Dean joined Many Rivers in March 2014.  He leads Strategic Project delivery and manages the organisational infrastructure to support service delivery and operations. Dean was appointed Company Secretary from 2018-2021.  He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce.

Simon Pachos

Executive Team | Grafton

Head of Finance.

Simon joined Many Rivers in June 2017 and is also the Company Secretary. He brings many years of experience in accounting and finance, mainly from the mining sector. Based in Grafton, Simon manages the back office, is CPA qualified and holds a Bachelor of Commerce.

Sharon Prosperi

Executive Team | Sydney

Head of People and Culture.

Sharon is a strategic and innovative HR Executive with over 30 years of experience in human resources, including a decade working in the not-for-profit sector.

With a genuine and down to earth approach, Sharon is a collaborative leader who thrives on supporting companies and people achieve their best. Sharon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organisational Psychology and Health Education and joined Many Rivers in July 2022.

Linda Fernandez

Executive Team | Sydney

Head of Microenterprise Development.

Linda is a client-focused Executive and Leader with 20 years’ experience in corporate and start-up environments across a variety of industries, including Legal, Accounting, Professional Services, Education & Training, Compliance, Technology, and SaaS.

Linda is passionate about leading teams, building businesses, and delivering exceptional client experiences with a strong focus on advocating for the ‘Voice of the Customer’. Linda holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing and joined Many Rivers in December 2022.

Linda Li

Executive Team | Sydney

Executive Assistant to CEO.

Linda is a senior Executive Assistant with more than 25 years’ experience working internationally and locally with C-suite executives in global industries spanning FMCG, luxury, magazine publishing, media consultancy and local government.

Linda applies her passion for excellence, creative problem-solving and diverse skills set to serving as an enthusiastic team player whose aim is to make things happen and make things as smooth and pain-free as possible. Linda joined Many Rivers in April 2021.

Andy Rushton

Regional Manager Community Economic Development | North East Australia

Andy has over 18 years of community development experience in Australia. He held the position of CEO for a welfare service in Victoria, followed by several community development senior management appointments, including 3 years in a remote Aboriginal community in Northern Territory and more recently 5 years with a child welfare service based in Far North Queensland. Andy has extensive remote employment and business enterprise development knowledge and hopes to combine his expertise and experience for the betterment of remote communities. Andy is currently completing a degree in Anthropology.

Andy supports communities in Far North Queensland

Marcus Tanke

Regional Manager Community Economic Development | South West Australia

Marcus comes from an extensive retail business management and financial services background and has worked throughout many metro and rural locations around South Australia. Based in Ceduna, Marcus is passionate about bringing Many Rivers’ support to his local communities and helping those communities thrive through economic development.

Graham Poon

Community Economic Development Manager | Cairns and Far North Queensland

Graham has worked in community and economic development internationally and with Indigenous groups in Australia, collectively for 18 years. He has performed this work in a variety of consultancy and senior roles in the private sector and all levels of government including three years with an Indigenous Shire Council. He also has over 30 years of varied commercial experiences through work done in Australia, South East Asia and the Pacific.

He has specific business expertise in tourism across Northern Australia and overseas, finance, retail and management consulting to SME businesses and government organisations. Roles overseas included GM of a marine tourism operation and Trade Commissioner with Austrade specializing in winning development projects.

Alicia Rackett

Community Economic Development Manager | Tasmania

Alicia has 30+ years of business experience across diverse industries including television production, event management, community development and horticulture. With extensive experience in project management, business development and communications she has worked with corporate, government, and NGO partners around Australia, and in India, Thailand, and Vanuatu.

Born and raised in Tasmania, Alicia is passionate about achieving positive and sustainable outcomes for communities in her home state. She has post graduate qualifications in Management and Business and a Masters in Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development.

David Sharkey

Community Economic Development Manager | South West NSW

David has over 20 years’ experience working across Northern Australia in Indigenous health, employment and community enterprise development.  David has developed and implemented a large number of region wide programs that involved extended community engagement. This includes Apunipima’s Health Action Teams across 11 Cape York Aboriginal Communities and working as Operations Manager at Community Enterprises Australia’s, the not-for-profit enterprise development arm of the My Pathway Group.

David has extensive business experience as an owner operator, contractor and as a Director of an Indigenous not-for-profit. David’s three children are of Torres Strait Island descent and while he has long-held relationships in Cape York and the Torres Strait, he is fully dedicated to building new relationships, experiences and contribution in Western NSW.

Tom Hulse

Community Economic Development Manager | West Kimberley

Tom has been helping businesses develop and grow throughout his career.  He has run marketing consultancy agencies in London and Australia, working with businesses of all sizes from multi-nationals to sole traders.

For the last seven years Tom has been providing business, marketing and tourism consultancy services in the NW region.  With a BA Hons Degree in Tourism & Planning, Tom has specialised in the industry his whole career including work with numerous tourism, accommodation, transport and hospitality operators in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Tom is a passionate advocate for indigenous tourism in Australia.

Joy Eggenhuizen

Community Economic Development Manager | Darwin & East Arnhem

Joy has lived in the Top End of the Northern Territory for over 30 years and has had extensive experience in the tourism industry, both in the private and public sector. Joy operated and managed successful tourism businesses before moving to business development roles within government, providing support to small business owners across all industries.

She has been fortunate to have spent many years living and working in remote communities and has a passion for supporting individuals and organisations to achieve their economic and social goals.

Joy’s region includes Arnhem Land, West Daly and Darwin.

Matt Scott

Community Economic Development Manager | Adelaide

Matt is a certified economic development professional (ACEcD) with over 25 years of experience within the travel and tourism industry and has worked in over a dozen countries across five continents.

Matt has managed one of Australia’s top tourism destinations, developed products for some of the world’s most awarded tour operators and managed operations in complex and dynamic international environments. He has worked with governments, NGOs, charities and private businesses of all sizes.

Qualified with an MBA focused on sustainable tourism, a Master’s in Strategic Management and Leadership, Matt also holds an undergrad in International Relations and Journalism and numerous certifications in sustainable operations and implementation.

David Adams

Community Economic Development Manager | Cairns and Far North Queensland

David has worked for 18 years as a corporate manager with a background in sales and marketing as well as owning and operating a number of successful businesses in retail, event management, commercial cleaning, restaurants, student accommodation, groceries and organic farms.  He has worked in Australia, The United States, Colombia, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. For the past 6 years he has lived full time in remote indigenous communities in Colombia, Northern Territory and Queensland with a focus on community development and training, economic development and stakeholder collaboration.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Chris Palmer

Community Economic Development Manager | Cairns and Far North Queensland

Chris is an experienced and successful ‘Hands On’ Sales, Brand and Commercial Management specialist with 30 years of experience and success driving revenue growth across various sectors, including Aviation, Tourism and Travel and Publishing. During his time, he has worked with Indigenous communities in Cape York and Torres Strait and all three levels of government to develop easy yet strong travel connection links to Cairns, allowing the delivery of essential services into communities throughout the region.
Chris’ strength is being a strong and accomplished strategic negotiator with a firm understanding of the modern business market, exceptional communication and networking skills, ensuring a consultative sales style and natural problem-solving abilities. Chris has an MBA from the University of Queensland Business School with an emphasis on marketing, organisational behaviour, strategic management and supply chain systems.

Luke Silvester

Community Economic Development Manager | Eastern NSW

Luke Silvester is an experienced Economic and Community development professional based in Wollongong, supporting communities on the East Coast of NSW. From 2008 until recently, Luke was based in remote Northern Territory Communities. With over two decades of professional experience, Luke has always focused on improving the economic and social lives of those he is working and living alongside of. Luke holds a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology and another in Economics, giving him a unique insight on the challenges facing disadvantaged and marginalised communities and the real positive impact that economic and business development can make to the lives of those in the respective communities. Just prior to commencing work with Many Rivers Luke graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, demonstrating his commitment to ongoing professional development and his desire to make a positive impact to the lives of Indigenous Australians.

Matthew Beare

Regional Manager Microenterprise Development | Southern NSW

Matt has a background in financial services with over 15 years’ experience in management, business development and sales.

Matt  successfully operated his own business in hospitality and retail. He has lived on the South Coast of NSW for the past 15 years and has a passion to support people to realise their potential in their small business and to help their community thrive.

Matt was appointed to Regional Manager Microenterprise Development in October 2022.

Tiani Cook

Regional Manager Microenterprise Development | Southern QLD

Tiani is an enthusiastic and passionate advocate for rural and remote families, having firsthand experience in raising and educating a family alongside business, study and community engagement in Outback Australia. Tiani has owned and managed various businesses and NFP’s for over 23 years. She studied Agribusiness and is an ARLP C25 Alumni of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Tiani joined the Many Rivers family in May 2019 as the Microenterprise Development Manager (MEDM) in Alice Springs NT and then moved to Gympie and South Burnett in QLD.

Tiani was appointed Regional Manager Microenterprise Development in October 2022.

Colin Long

Regional Manager Microenterprise Development | Western Australia

Colin has a dynamic career of experience and has lived in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. His experience varies from industries including dairy farming, social media marketing for the hair and beauty sector, and the steel industry. He has successfully operated his own business three times, developing each business from a start-up enterprise to a mature company.

Colin was a Many Rivers business coach in Roma QLD for two years before taking up the same role in Perth three years ago. Colin is highly motivated to make a difference and help people succeed.

Colin’s strength is his confidence around technology after working in the sector and owning a social media marketing business. He is also always looking on the bright side and believes that this is a very helpful skill to have. “If someone tells you bad news there is always good news to go with that.”

“Working with Many Rivers, you start off with clients – but you end up with friends. Seeing them succeed is what motivates me everyday. Seeing what they do. Sometimes I see what they are doing and I think ‘wow I could never do that’. We have our own skill set to help them succeed but then looking at what they do is so motivating. So I don’t have favourite memories, I just think most of what I do creates memories. It’s about the people.”

Colin’s business tip is to make sure your social media posts are quirky and have captions that make the customer want to go and purchase the product or service you offer. Colin recommends books by the author, Mick Michalowicz. He has read quite a few and says that they are really good and practical. He also listens to a lot of podcasts on personal development as well as business managed as he thinks that his role as a Many Rivers business coach is just as much about supporting the personal development of his clients as it is about supporting their small business goals.

Colin was appointed Regional Manager Microenterprise Development in October 2022.

Sam Drummond

Regional Manager Microenterprise Development | South Australia & Northern Territory

Sam has an extensive background in business management that spans the private, community and government sectors. This includes successful business operations, senior management, business development and consulting experience. Sam has a supportive and creative business coaching style. That is well placed to assist micro and small business operations.

He has been working with Many Rivers for four years and enjoys meeting with clients one-on-one to support them to reach their business goals. Sam recognises that one of the biggest strengths that a Many Rivers business coach must have is emotional intelligence. He says that it is important to understand each small business owner and their story, in addition to typical business skills.

“Throughout my career, even though there seems like there has been a lot of different things that I have done, the one theme is service and wanting to do things in an ethical nature. For me, Many Rivers is about providing equal access to services where there is huge inequality. There are so many people who can’t access the business services sector in Australia. There are all sorts of reasons why they are never going to provide quality services. So for me, Many Rivers is a package of services supported by amazing people to provide access to those services. We give access to finance, legal support and business coaching. It is almost impossible to access if you are experiencing the kind of challenges that our clients are.”

Sam tailors his support to each client. One of the most important pieces of advice he can give is to to step into the shoes of a customer. He explains that a lot of people go into business and are not careful to see that their offering is a reflection of customer needs.

‘A deep understanding of your customers drives effective and efficient marketing!’

Sam was appointed Regional Manager Microenterprise Development in October 2022.

Gina Ezard

Regional Manager Microenterprise Development | Victoria & Tasmania

Gina has extensive experience across a diverse range of industries and roles including community development projects and social enterprise initiatives. Gina is qualified in business management and as a youth worker and has held managerial and consultant roles in the community sector.
Gina was appointed Regional Manager Microenterprise Development in 2022.

Garry Harris

Regional Manager Microenterprise Development | Northern NSW

Garry started at Many Rivers in 2011 as a Microenterprise Development Manager in Western Sydney and was appointed to Regional Manager Microenteprise Development in October 2022. Garry has a passion to see people become personally and financially successful and expects to see these benefits achieved for Many Rivers’ clients through microenterprise development program.

Jenny Carmichael

Regional Manager Microenterprise Development | Northern QLD

Jenny has many years experience owning and operating small businesses. She has successfully operated a building company, a zoo, a mortgage brokerage and online businesses. Jenny  is currently involved in small business groups and continues to encourage small business into the community. Born in Far North Queensland, Jenny has lived in Cape York, Horn Island, Lockhart River and Coen and is keen to support local businesses to start, stay and thrive.

Jenny was appointed Regional Manager Microenterprise Development in October 2022.

Rita Gutchen

Microenterprise Development Manager | Cairns

Born and raised in Cairns, Rita worked extensively in the region, for a State government department for eighteen years, in the areas of employment and training.  Upon completion of her studies of BAS Indigenous Community Management and Development, Rita  moved to Bamaga, and focused further on Indigenous contexts for employment and training. Rita lived and worked in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area for combined total of almost eighteen years. She has extensive experience of government, community organisation, job network and the business sector.  Rita set up and operated her own small car rental business for ten years on Thursday Island.  Rita is passionate about empowering individuals, who have a dream and desire to create a small business for themselves, to journey with them, to create inter-generational wealth for themselves and their families.

Shelley McCarthy

Microenterprise Development Manager | South Coast NSW

Shelley has a background in retail and business, with over 17 years’ experience in retail management, customer services and sales.

Shelley owned and operated two small businesses with her husband – an online/markets business and a trade based business. For the last 8 years Shelley has worked as a Vocational trainer and assessor, teaching retail, business, foundation skills and vocational pathways to students with complex backgrounds and barriers in language, literacy and numeracy.

She has lived on the South Coast (Illawarra region) for the past 41 years and has a strong connection with the community and a love of the people and the area.

Shelley’s region is the Wollongong region, covering Nowra to Campbelltown and surrounds.

Danny Hile

Microenterprise Development Manager | Dubbo

Danny has over 20 years of experience in new business development and growth, working primarily in the fields of media, information technology and e-commerce.

During this time, he developed core strengths in sales, marketing, new product incubation and time management.

Previously Danny earned a Master of Business and Commerce degree, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce with a Marketing Major.

Cyan Earnshaw

Microenterprise Development Manager | Darwin

Cyan is a Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri woman born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory. She spent 8 years in Melbourne working in Indigenous student support roles at both RMIT University and Swinburne University. In these roles Cyan assisted Indigenous university students to understand and access the range of support services that are available to them. Cyan has since relocated back to her hometown of Darwin to focus her energy and passion for the good of her community.

Cyan also has experience working and living in remote communities such as Galiwinku and as a sole-trader, delivering Welcome to Countries and other Larrakia cultural experiences in the Darwin Region.

Natasha Pirrottina

Microenterprise Development Manager | Geraldton

Natasha is a dedicated people person with over 20 years of experience in banking, finance, insurance broking and risk management. She has completed various training in compliance, people management, business development and strategic planning throughout her career.

Natasha has lived and worked across Western Australia and has a passion to help people realise their dreams and creating a future for communities to thrive.

Kris Young

Microenterprise Development Manager | Kimberley

Kris has over 15 years experience in the development of small business and 19 years experience working with community organisations. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) and has previously provided mentoring under the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS).  Kris is enthusiastic about helping clients start and grow their businesses and achieve their personal goals.
Kris is based in Broome.

Maninder Malhi

Microenterprise Development Manager | Darwin

Maninder comes with a successful career in banking and business development management along with the real practical experience of starting and operating his own small business in accommodation. Maninder holds a bachelor’s degree in Management (Human Resources) and brings in a wealth of experience in areas of sales, account management, business development, product growth management and client financial wellbeing management.

He is also committed to community-based activities and is currently on the board of the Katherine community radio station to secure sponsorships through local businesses.

Shaun Atkinson

Microenterprise Development Manager | Goldfields

Over the past 6 years Shaun has volunteered his time for the community as an Emergency Medical Technician with St John Ambulance. He loves supporting the people of the community and surrounding communities. His previous work history he spent 4 years working with CDP and jobactive supporting people back into work and helping them obtain the necessary experience and identification required upon being successful in their new role. Prior to this he successfully operated the businesses in the fast food industry, the first of which he bought at 21 years-old.

Richard Morfaw

Microenterprise Development Manager | Mildura

Richard has over 25 years’ business and management experience, including managing Mildura City for 5 years and acting as Operations and Marketing manager for a chain of 15 hotels in Papua New Guinea. Most recently, Richard successfully owned and operated three registered training organisations in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Richard is passionate about making a difference in his community.
Richard’s region includes Mildura, Broken Hill and Wilcannia

Richard Belford

Microenterprise Development Manager | Melbourne

Richard has a background in small business development and has successfully owned and operated several cafés in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Richard also has extensive experience in the community sector having worked with schools and businesses to promote career education and youth employment. Richard is passionate about working with the local community to help people thrive in small business.
Richard covers the Hume area of Melbourne.

Anthony Whish-Wilson

Microenterprise Development Manager | Tasmania

Anthony has over 25 years’ experience in Banking & Financial Advice with various roles throughout Tasmania. He also has an extensive background in small business, owning & operating farming businesses. Anthony holds an Advanced Diploma of Business Management and a Diploma of Financial Advising. He enjoys the outdoors and has been active in Community sports for many years.

Ricky Roth

Microenterprise Development Manager | Sydney

Ricky has over 15 years’ experience owning and operating successful small businesses. He started a professional development events and conference business before trying his hand at retail, where his niche toy business forged a reputation as an industry icon.

Born and bred in Sydney, he is enthusiastic about the role small businesses play in helping local communities thrive.

He is passionate about helping people start business as a way to climb the socio-economic ladder and provide positive generational change.

Tod Wills

Microenterprise Development Manager | Central Coast, Lake Macquarie NSW

Tod has over 30 years experience in  Banking and Finance, both in leadership, retail, commercial, credit and operational roles. He is passionate about small business and his local community, and has supported local charities including Lifeline, Coast Shelter, Sunnyfield and Meals on Wheels.

Through his involvement with local rugby, he has been influential in shaping the lives of both Indigenous and Non Indigenous youths from the Frank Baxter Juvenile Detention Centre. Tod has a Diploma in Financial Markets, is Level 2 Rugby Union Coaching accredited and is currently a Board member of Central Coast Rugby Union.

Tod is looking forward to making a difference to lives in the disadvantaged sector, and helping these clients reach their true potential. Tod’s region includes Central Coast and Lake Macquarie.

Ofelia Benn

Microenterprise Development Manager | Grafton

Ofelia has over 25 years experience in financial, administrative and human resource management environments as well as many year in the banking sector in the Philippines. She has also operated as a sole proprietor in a mortgage brokerage and bookkeeping business. Ofelia has always been involved in local community development organisations and continues to be an active participant in the changing perspective of community support in the Clarence Valley.

Gary Lawrence

Microenterprise Development Manager | Bunbury

Gary is a local to the South West of Western Australia residing in Bunbury.

He has many years experience in agribusiness banking and has lived and worked in WA’s wheatbelt and coastal regions supporting his farming and business clients. He has also been the General Manager of a WA Liquid Fertlisier Manaufacturer and for something completely different, a Drillers Offsider (FIFO) up in the Pilbara region.

Gary is passionate about making a difference to people starting out or needing a helping hand in their business journey.

Jamie McMillan

Microenterprise Development Manager | Toowoomba

Jamie has over 16 years’ experience in business banking throughout rural, regional and metropolitan Queensland. His experience has been in the areas of relationship management, business development and community development. Jamie holds tertiary qualifications with a Bachelor of Information Technology, majoring in IT Management and Administration Management and a Diploma in Banking Services Management. Jamie is passionate about community engagement and small business development to ensure future opportunities and growth can be achieved in his local area.

Gordon Rowlings

Microenterprise Development Manager | Roma

Gordon has a wide range of experience and skills from a variety of different industries having spent his early life working on his family’s cattle, orchard and vegetable growing properties and later working for major banks as well as successfully owning and operating a convenience store and a mortgage broking franchise. Gordon is experienced in areas of workplace health and safety, insurance, staffing and financing. Gordon is keen to ensure the future strength and depth of the local communities and hopes to ensure future generations have improved opportunities.

Gordon covers from Charleville, across to Roma, Dalby and down to St George.

Kyle Bischoff

Microenterprise Development Manager | Brisbane South

Kyle has spent his career working in not-for-profit organisations supporting education in the South Pacific region as well as supporting the financial growth of a local hospital in the Brisbane area. Kyle studied business and has had extensive experience owning and operating small businesses. Kyle is driven to support people experiencing disadvantage to create, expand and thrive in business.

Patrick McArthur

Microenterprise Development Manager | Northern QLD

Patrick has over 20 years of Banking and Finance experience working with retail, small business and agribusiness clients. Patricks’ financial experince is complemented with several years supporting primary producers in a Natural Resource Management role and 6 years owning and operating has own tropical fruit farm in Cooktown.

As a local North Queenslander with 3 young children Patrick is looking forward to making a difference to people starting out and needing a helping hand on their business journey.

Alex Silva

Microenterprise Development Manager | Brisbane South

Alex Silva brings 19 years of business coaching experience to Many Rivers, having directly coached over 120 business owners ranging from small businesses to large brands such as Subway, Inxpress Logistics and Donut King. Alex has started and managed his own independent small businesses as well as operating as a franchisee, and is well versed in the franchise industry – winning the Area Manager of the Year Award at his time at Chicken Treat in Perth from the FCA (Franchise Council of Australia).

Alex understands firsthand the hurdles that small businesses encounter such as making enough money to pay the bills, trying to develop a predictable stream of customers and juggling the demands of running a business with personal and family life. Alex’s vision has been to coach small business owners so they can have a greater quality of life and better serve their customers, employees, their own families and the community around them.

Alongside a wealth of life experience, Alex holds a Bachelor of Marketing, a Post Grad Certificate in Counselling, a Business Certification from the largest Business Coaching group in the world, ActionCoach, a second language course from Harvard University and speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish fluently.

Charles Fisher

Microenterprise Development Manager | Townsville

Charles has spent most of his working life in North Queensland and after a long and successful career in the banking industry he is now using his skills to help Many Rivers’ Clients achieve their dreams. Charles’ two passions are rugby league football and social justice for all Australians. He is still actively involved in his football club in Townsville. Charles believes everyone should have the opportunity and assistance to start their own small business and looks forward to helping his Many Rivers’ Clients start, stay and thrive in their businesses.

Charles looks after Townsville, Palm Island, Mackay and everywhere in between.

Tracey Lonergan

Microenterprise Development Manager | South West NSW

Tracey has over 30 years’ experience in senior management and consulting roles including 9 years working in Economic Development and operating several businesses of her own.  She has taught financial management at university and assisted a broad variety of organisations with business and strategic planning. Tracey holds a Bachelor of Business and an MBA and is an active investor who enjoys sharing her experience & passion with her clients to help them grow successful, sustainable businesses.

Donna Burton

Microenterprise Development Manager | Cairns

Donna has experience working as a Financial Counsellor with people living in remote communities as well as diverse roles in community development and adult education. Donna is passionate about social justice and believes in helping people to achieve their life goals by supporting them to develop confidence and a belief in their own ability to succeed.

John Coleman

Microenterprise Development Manager | Rockhampton

John’s career has ranged across various industries, including media production to technical sales and marketing in the military, heavy industry, banking and health sectors. Whether it be recruitment, sales training or assisting people with personal development, John has established a reputation as a creative innovator seeking new and better ‘best practices’.
In his spare time, John (a self-professed geek with a love for Sci-Fi movies and strategic PC games) enjoys building and upgrading his own technology. With a passion for innovation and technology and his academic and business background, John looks forward to applying his skills in business, economics and marketing to support clients in business.
John looks forward to guiding and mentoring his clients in Rockhampton to help contribute to a better world for us all.

Trish King

Microenterprise Development Manager | Central South Australia

Trish has experience across the non-for-profit, private, government and education sectors and has successfully operated her own accredited training and project management consultancy business for 20 years in Queensland and Western Australia. Trish has worked extensively in remote locations nationally and has a strong passion to support people to realise their potential and make positive changes within their communities.

Trish works with clients in the Central SA region.

Angie Schoonraad

Microenterprise Development Manager | Gympie, South Burnett QLD

Angie is a champion of the human spirit and is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey of self-development and economic empowerment. For over 15 years Angie’s volunteered for NGO’s operating in communities throughout Africa, South-East Asia and Australia.  In a commercial sphere, her experience with Startup Incubator programs in QLD, NSW and VIC has established her in Australia’s innovation ecosystem and fuels her enthusiasm for seeing entrepreneurs succeed. She brings to the team a strong background in Forex Banking, and Corporate Services for State and Local Government.

Debera Anne

Microenterprise Development Manager | Perth

Debera has experience working with multicultural clients supporting entrepreneurship and business start-ups.  She has worked in the private and public sectors in industries such as community development, community services with a background across business administration, project work, and as a small business owner.  Debera is motivated to help individuals and communities prosper and has a passion for entrepreneurship and economic development.

David Craig

Microenterprise Development Manager | Bendigo and Shepparton

David has worked as a business consultant for a State government and then as an independent consultant, specialising in small business start-up and small and medium business development.  He has also worked extensively in the Pacific region, South-East Asia and Central Asia in development programs, building the capacity of organisations and individuals.

Grace Dukes

Microenterprise Development Manager | Burnie

Grace is a proud Marra woman, currently living on the Northwest Coast of Tasmania. Grace has over 11 years’ experience in the banking industry, having worked across different areas and leadership roles. She brings a passion for coaching and the development of others. Grace also provides support with the start-up and day-to-day running of her partner’s small business and has previously volunteered as a Treasurer with a not-for-profit.

Grace is passionate about helping others believe in their own potential and supporting with meaningful impact to Tasmanian small businesses.

Emma Irvine

Microenterprise Development Manager | Adelaide

Emma began her career as a young entrepreneur, starting a business in the arts and education sector at the age of seventeen. Today, her South Australian dance school network operates in over 30 locations providing a unique, wholesome experience to thousands of children. An integral part of the work in the organisation is delivering a sponsorship program for young Australians experiencing hardship, this program has a focus for Indigenous and refugee children. Emma has guided this company to commence an Australia wide plan for their platform that inspires, educates, and brings together communities to reach as many families as possible.

Emma’s professional experience extends into the business coaching space, supporting, and inspiring business owners in finding confidence and clarity within themselves at whatever stage they may be in their business journey. Working with business owners across a range of different business industries, Emma enjoys meeting new people and share her love for business by helping others.

Emma’s other great achievements are her three children.

Leigh Aitken

Microenterprise Development Manager | Adelaide

Leigh Aitken has more than 30 years’ leadership and management experience, having worked with national and local organisations across a variety of business sectors. Leigh has first-hand experience as a sole trader, previously operating two small businesses. From 2005 to 2022 he ran a coaching and training consultancy where he personally worked with more than 9,000 people, including small business owners, to develop their business, leadership and management skills.

Leigh is passionate about helping others to become the best version of themselves and this is reflected in his personal life where he volunteers with Operation Flinders – an Adelaide based charity that provides a wilderness therapy program for young people experiencing life challenges. Leigh has personally led 14 expeditions and more recently volunteers in a leadership capacity with the organisation.

Leigh has spent most of his life living in Adelaide and has two adult children. Leigh is a very keen tennis player and enjoys bushwalking and some more extreme trekking adventures.