Board of Directors

William Paulson

Will’s people are Worimi/Biripi and further back, Bundjalung and Mununjali.
He was elected to the Board in 2023. His aim is to encourage and facilitate the development of Biripi ACMC into a sector leader with a strong reputation for service, integrity, and professionalism.

Prior to his retirement Will worked with the NSW Police Department as an Indigenous Liaison officer for 15 years and before that with local government for 14 years. Will has served on many local committees and community groups in a voluntary capacity.

Amanda Forbes

Amanda is a Biripi woman who was born and grew up in Taree.
Following her retirement Amanada wanted to continue to contribute to her community in a meaningful and useful way and joined the Board in mid-2024. 

She has certification as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, a Certificate in Aboriginal Health Worker and a Diploma in Leadership and Management. 

She worked for Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre for more than 15 years, most recently in Aged Care where she was an integral part of a team delivering high quality services to our elders.

Amanda is very keen on being part of the Biripi’s strong and prosperous future and sees the work we do as vital to the health and well-being of our mob.

John Clarke OAM

John was born at Purfleet and is a proud Biripi/Worimi man. 
He has been on the board for more than 20 years.  

John was a founder and most recently CEO of Taree Indigenous Development and Employment (TIDE).  He has previously served on the Purfleet Taree Local Aboriginal Lands Council.   John started his work with the community as a regional culture and heritage officer for NSW Aboriginal and Council and then as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer for Greater Taree City Council and the federal Department of Social Services.  John has collaborated extensively with the Aboriginal community including as a member of the Saltwater Tribal Council, a Lakkari native title member and also held a position on the Aboriginal Community Network, the Hunter Catchment Management Authority and the Green Team Development Board and is a Stockton Bight native title member.

His goal on the Biripi ACMC Board is to achieve stability for staff and clients and further enhance the high standard of service being provided to the community.

Trent Jennison

Trent is an Aboriginal man who joined the Board in 2022.
Prior to his retirement Trent was CEO at Valley Industries P/L for 14 years and Mayo Private Hospital for 10 years.  He qualified as a wool classer after leaving school and then studied and became a nurse.  He has a degree in Health Administration.  Trent also served two terms as a Councillor with Taree City Council.

Trent has strong strategic financial management skills and wants to put them to use to ensure Biripi is well equipped to deal with an increasingly complex funding and reporting environment.