Our Team

David is a proud Wakka Wakka man and the Executive Director and founder of Gilimbaa. He is driven by a deep passion for harnessing the transformative power of creativity in order to amplify, celebrate, and educate wider Australia about Aboriginal culture.

Under his visionary leadership, Gilimbaa has become a trailblazing company, weaving First Nations stories into Australia’s national fabric, while using a diverse range of artistic mediums and communication to foster connection and understanding across communities.

As a practicing artist, designer, and musician for over 20 years, David aims to shine a light on First Nations culture at home and overseas, leaving an indelible mark on public art, design, and cultural projects. He also contributes to Queensland’s cultural landscape through his positions as Chairperson of the Indigenous Advisory Panel and Board of Trustees Member at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.

Helga has over 20 years’ experience as an advertising communication specialist with a solid background in traditional and digital communication. She has worked in senior strategic roles with major advertising agencies across Australia, managing communication programs for a range of corporate, retail, government and not-for-profit organisations. She’s adept at initiating, leading and managing projects, no matter how large or small. Helga thrives on a challenge and is highly solution-focussed for Gilimbaa’s clients. She places a high priority on building relationships, by working closely with her team and clients to create an honest and collaborative environment.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Paul has worked in business development and as a writer for Gilimbaa since 2019. He has been a writer and editor since 2011 and has been published in a wide variety of print and online publications throughout Australia and overseas in that time. He holds a Master of Communication and Bachelor of Journalism and Public Relations, and has experience working in industries including health, education, design, consulting, insurance, real estate, and government. He has also worked as an in-house copywriter, content editor, freelance writer, and music journalist.

Sophie has had a career in media communications that spans over a decade and three continents. Having worked with a suite of globally recognised brands, she has extensive experience in managing a wide range of stakeholders with diverse requirements. Her experience in working with government departments and with marginal communities in Africa means she is well-versed in working with sensitive subject matter and with audiences who have particular communication needs, while she possesses the empathy required to be able to deliver powerful campaigns to a variety of audiences. Sophie is approachable and thorough and enjoys the teamwork required to get the job done.

Renée has over 18 years’ experience in communication design and has worn many hats: designer, art director, educator and mentor. She has extensive experience across a wide range of brands, with her main focus on branding and visual identity, campaign strategy, print and publication design, typography and web design, as well as five years’ experience in design education. Renée’s background as an educator informs her approach to creative problem-solving, learning and discovering along the way to creating unique solutions for her clients.

Navada is a Mununjali and Kabi Kabi woman whose creative career started at Inala Wangarra in 2015, where she had the opportunity to work with Aboriginal children to create a pop-up art museum named Jarjums Life Museum. Since then, she has had the opportunity to contribute her skills to several charities and fundraising campaigns, playing a part in raising funds to help support Australians facing a range of challenges. Navada’s path as a graphic designer in the not-for-profit space has taught her the power of visuals to inspire change, raise awareness, and make a difference. She has also worked as a freelance designer and within a digital marketing agency.