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BARANG ANNOUNCES NEW CEO –
LILLIAN GORDON
Barang Regional Alliance Ltd. is thrilled to
announce the recent appointment of Lillian
(Lil) Gordon as the organisation’s inaugural
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) which
is a welcome step forward for Barang
and the Central Coast’s Empowered
Communities agenda.
Lil commenced her role in October 2016
and brings with her strong leadership
skills, determination and a commitment
to growing and empowering Aboriginal
communities. “I strongly believe it’s
essential for Aboriginal people to influence
decision-making at the highest levels
to provide our perspective and drive
outcomes for our communities,” said Lil.
Lil is a proud Aboriginal woman from
Nyiampaa (Ngemba) and Gamilaroi
country in Brewarrina in Northern NSW.
Her family relocated to Wonarua country
in Maitland when she was 14 years old to
explore greater opportunities in education
and employment.
“Whilst it was hard to move off country
from Brewarrina and our connection to
country, my mum was instrumental in
ensuring we had the access to a range of
education options.”
Lil’s mother, Joyce Fazldeen, worked for
many years in Aboriginal education and
her father, Steven Gordon, is the longest
serving ATSIC Commissioner (Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Commission).
“For my commitment, strength and
resilience in everything I do, I thank
my parents.”
Lil was drawn to this position for the
opportunity to play an integral role in
Empowered Communities. Given her
family history, Lil is excited to be a part of
such a movement.
Lil has over 28 years’ experience working
in education in a range of environments
including high school, juvenile justice and
correctional centres and most recently
TAFE NSW as the Director of the Hunter
Aboriginal Learning Circle.
“My passion is working in the field of
empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people to create their own destiny,
to provide those opportunities to give us
the best chance to be the very best we can
with whatever we choose to do,” said Lil.
Her experience, passion and drive is
what aligns Lil to Barang and Empowered
Communities describing herself as both
determined and resilient.
Lil’s biggest accomplishment is her
son, Ngarlan Kii Gordon, which means
“light/flame and heart” in her language
from home. “Ngarlan Gordon keeps my
spirit aligned to what is required for the
future of the First Peoples of this country.
I also thank those that have gone before
that allows me to build on the strength,
resilience and perpetual Aboriginal spirit
of our ancestors.”
Lil’s vision for Barang is about a shared
vision for the Central Coast. “It’s about
being able to bring a number of strengths
together to drive the collective power.
We are greater than the sum of all
our parts.”
Over the coming 12 months, Lil hopes
to become familiar with Empowered
Communities and Local Decision Making,
drive the collective vision, grow her skills
and knowledge and stay grounded in
her identity and culture. Lil is focused on
building relationships across the region
and achieving collective milestones to
improve the lives of Aboriginal people here
on the Central Coast.
“I like to challenge myself and the status
quo. I hold my leadership responsibility
high and look forward to working
alongside
Aboriginal
communities,
organisations and people of the lands
of the Darkinjung nation in the role of
CEO Barang.”
IMAGE ABOVE:
BARANG INAUGURAL CEO LILLIAN GORDON
“I am a strong,
determined
Aboriginal woman
committed to
growing and
empowering
Aboriginal
communities”