Our Board

“We’re reconciling our history and designing our future as we go. The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is a way of walking towards our future. Having a vision is critical to be able to pull us out of the crisis elements of our community.” - Paul

Paul is a proud Yorta Yorta man based in Shepparton. Building with his community on the foundations set by his elders such as renowned Yorta Yorta leaders Sir Doug Nicholls and William Cooper OAM, Paul’s leadership contributions are across sectors including social welfare, health, sport, education, economic and regional development.

Paul is the founding chair of the Kaiela Institute, First Nations Advantage Credit Union, First Nation Foundation, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), and the AFL Indigenous Advisory Committee. Paul was the first Aboriginal person elected to University of Melbourne Council.

In 2024, Paul received the Order of Australia for service to the Indigenous community in the areas of sport, education, health, and employment.

Paul is dedicated to the vision of building a sustainable, inclusive and engaged community, one that secures a prosperous future for First Peoples.

Janice is a Yorta Yorta, Waddi Waddi and Ngarrindjeri woman who has worked across a range of Aboriginal community sectors.

As an academic, she holds a Master’s in Public Health. Janice has built her career in higher education working on a variety of community research projects that include strengthening service provision in Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. She has recently retired but remains engaged in community projects and activities. 

Janice is currently a board member of the Njernda Aboriginal Corporation, Munarra Limited, Kaiela Institute, and the Traditional Owner Land Management Board for the Barmah Forest.

Janice is also a practising artist and cultural knowledge holder. 

Board member profile currently being updated.

Board member profile currently being updated.

Shonelle Ritchie is a proud Yorta Yorta woman with over 15 years’ experience in social justice, education, youth services, and Aboriginal engagement. She currently serves as Senior Adviser for Aboriginal Engagement and Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, leading cultural safety and workforce development initiatives.

Her previous leadership roles include Koorie Education Manager at the Department of Education and Training and Practice Leader in Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making within Child Protection. Shonelle has also held governance roles as Secretary and former Director of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club and as a Director of the Viney Morgan Aboriginal Medical Service.

She holds an Advanced Diploma of Justice from RMIT and has completed leadership and governance programs through the Victorian Public Sector Commission and the Australian Institute of Community Directors. Shonelle brings to the Board strong expertise in Aboriginal affairs, community engagement, and culturally informed governance.

Tony Peardon is an experienced entrepreneur and executive with over 30 years of leadership across agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, and international trade. As CEO and Managing Director of Agrisystems, b efficient, and Star Energy, he has led major projects throughout Australia, New Zealand, the Indo-Pacific, the United States, China, and Europe.

Tony’s career spans innovation in solar and energy storage, bioenergy, waste-to-energy, green hydrogen, and energy-efficient technologies. He has founded and led companies focused on sustainable solutions and global partnerships.

He is Chairman and CTO of Yeyurringal Energy, an Indigenous-owned social enterprise dedicated to eliminating First Peoples Energy Poverty and advancing Energy Sovereignty. Tony also serves as a Director of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club.

A recipient of several industry awards, Tony continues to consult to government and present internationally on renewable energy and sustainable development. He brings to the Board extensive experience, a global perspective, and a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community advancement.