STRONG FEMALE DIRECTORS ROUND OUT IBA BOARD
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) rounds out the board with strong First Nations female representation with new directors announced as Bronwyn Dodd, Jessica Bulger, and Krista Dunstan. This brings the IBA board to full capacity with both a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation at 8 of the 9 directors and a majority female board (5 of 9).
A Ngarrindjeri woman from South Australia, Bronwyn Dodd is a values-driven executive recognised nationally and internationally for her leadership in Indigenous economic development, social inclusion, digital equity and governance. Previously National General Manager for Indigenous Banking at Westpac Group, she led the national customer strategy to advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Ms Dodd brings significant governance expertise, currently serving as a Non-Executive Director of the Diversity Council of Australia, IBA Asset Management, and Cancer Council SA, as well as an Advisory Board Member to Amazon’s Global Project Kuiper. Ms Dodd holds an MBA from the University of Adelaide.
Wiradjuri woman from Tumut/Brungle NSW, Jessica Bulger is a Senior Fellow at Australian National University and Co-Chair at Outward Bound Australia. She previously worked as CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, leading national efforts to empower communities and embed culturally legitimate governance systems.
With more than 15 years’ experience, predominantly in the not-for-profit sector, Ms Bulger has dedicated her career to advancing Indigenous governance, leadership, and economic justice. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to community-driven change and systemic reform.
A proud Nyoongar woman from South West Wagyl Kaip, Krista Dunstan brings extensive expertise across corporate affairs, advocacy, government relations, energy transition, First Nations policy and international trade. Recognised for shaping policy, advancing ESG and decarbonisation strategies, Ms Dunstan is the CEO of Port Hedland Industries Council. She has the ability to negotiate complex agreements and build cross-cultural partnerships that deliver economic growth and stakeholder trust.
With over 15 years’ experience across government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Ms Dunstan’s current governance roles include Chair of Blak & Bright, Independent Director of Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation and Expert Director of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation. She holds a Bachelor of Laws, Master of International Relations, Master of International Law, and an MBA from the University of Western Australia.
IBA Chairperson and descendant of the Kokoberren peoples of Cape York, Darren Godwell, highlights that a strong board with diverse skills will empower the vision of IBA forward.
“Bronwyn, Krista and Jess bring direct expertise in banking, international trade and governance and that speaks to the calibre of leadership across Indigenous Australia.
“It also reflects the composition of IBA’s own customer base, where Indigenous women are new business banking relationships in record numbers. These appointments are not a coincidence. It’s a signal.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy congratulated the appointees and looks forward to working with them to advance the economic empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“I congratulate Ms Bulger, Ms Dodd and Ms Dunstan on their appointments to the Board of Indigenous Business Australia.
“Their diverse and extensive experience will support the important work of IBA and the self-determination and economic empowerment of First Nations families and communities.”
The new directors join a multi-skilled board of representatives including Darren Godwell (Chair), Olga Havnen (Deputy Chair), Brian Bero, Leah Cameron, Josh Gilbert, and Dr Doug McTaggart. Our board – Indigenous Business Australia
The organisation is driven with a strong purpose: to assist and enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-management and economic self-sufficiency, and to build a substantial Indigenous capital base for the benefit of future generations. The IBA Towards 2030 Strategy outlines that drive and IBA Corporate Plan 2025-26 determines how the organisation is going to get there.
Media contact: Tara Toohill 02 9207 6362 or tara.toohill@iba.gov.au
