WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2016, FNWV is a First Nations majority-led non-profit dedicated to helping First Nations entrepreneurs turn their business aspirations into sustainable ventures. Through wellbeing support, tailored coaching, business training, professional mentorship, and financial guidance, we provide the tools and networks that First Nations peoples need to thrive in business.
First Nations Worthwhile Ventures (FNWV) represents the powerful evolution of Worthwhile Ventures, established in 2016 with a simple but ambitious purpose: to support the success of Indigenous-owned businesses through trust, generosity, and shared knowledge.
At our core, FNWV is a community-driven organisation that exists to empower First Nations entrepreneurs to achieve long-term personal and economic success — on their terms. Our unique pro bono model brings together a trusted network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals who donate their time and expertise to support business owners with legal, financial, insurance, wellbeing, governance, and professional advice.
We understand that no two businesses — or communities — are the same. That’s why our support is culturally responsive, tailored, and always led by the needs and aspirations of the entrepreneurs we work with. We walk alongside our clients and partners with care and integrity, building genuine, long-term relationships grounded in trust and shared purpose.
From humble beginnings, our collective effort has grown into a movement. With increased funding in 2021, we’ve supported over 60 businesses across a range of industries — proving that sustainable Indigenous enterprise strengthens not only individual lives, but families, communities, and the broader economy.
Today, FNWV continues to bring together entrepreneurs, pro bono professionals, funders, and partners who believe in the power of Indigenous business and the value of walking together toward a stronger future.
Our Team
Renai Mouton
Chief Executive Officer
Renai is proud Gamilaroi woman and an experienced executive with a strong background in employment, health, education, mentoring, and business systems. With a career in community impact and organisational growth, Renai brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as CEO, driving strategic direction and fostering environments where First Nations businesses can thrive. She has led and contributed to numerous community engagement and consultation initiatives with organisations such as Reconciliation NSW and Reconciliation QLD, as well as national employment advancement programs delivered in partnership with the Federal Government. Her work has consistently prioritised cultural safety, equity, and long-term impact. Renai holds a Certificate IV in Mentoring—Indigenous Peoples, and has supported mentoring programs across youth mental health and education sectors, from early learning through to secondary schooling. While not directly delivering business mentoring in her current role, her leadership continues to shape culturally grounded, strengths-based approaches across all areas of the organisation’s work. A former board member of Reconciliation QLD, Renai is passionate about using her voice and influence to drive systemic change. She is committed to improving access, fostering inclusion, and advocating for legislative and social reform. With a leadership style built on respect, honesty, and collaboration, Renai ensures the voices of First Nations people are heard, valued, and acted upon at every level.
Natalie Williams
Operations Manager /
Business Mentor, Advisor & Strategist
Natalie Williams is a proud Kamilaroi and Gubbi Gubbi woman with over 15 years of experience in senior management, spanning multi-site and national operations. She is a highly skilled leader with a passion for empowering First Nations business owners through culturally responsive mentoring, operational support, and strategic guidance. Natalie specialises in business management, financial control, marketing, and succession planning—bringing a strengths-based, outcomes-driven approach to every engagement. She works closely with entrepreneurs and organisations to optimise systems, build resilient teams, and implement strategies that support sustainable growth. With deep experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, Natalie enables businesses to make informed decisions and maintain long-term profitability. Her marketing expertise has helped organisations enhance visibility and reach their target markets effectively. Committed to building strong leadership pipelines, Natalie supports First Nations enterprises in strengthening their foundations, increasing efficiency, and planning for the future with confidence. Her mission is to help businesses grow with clarity, capacity, and purpose.
Rebecca O'Dare
Engagement & Partnerships Manager /
Business Mentor, Advisor & Strategist
Rebecca O'Dare is a proud Wiradjuri woman born on Darkinjung Country. She is a dynamic business mentor, advisor, and strategist with expertise across a wide range of industries including retail, e-commerce, construction, property, cultural tourism, professional services, education, and the creative industries. Rebecca specialises in marketing, market readiness, business development, partnerships, and revenue growth—working with businesses to build strong foundations and scalable futures. She supports entrepreneurs and organisations—whether launching, evolving, or scaling—to create lasting, measurable impact. Her approach is culturally safe, strengths-based, and outcomes-driven, with a strong commitment to seeing First Nations enterprises thrive. Rebecca brings deep capability in brand strategy, partnership development, procurement readiness, retail and digital growth, and leadership development. She empowers businesses to strengthen operations, expand networks, unlock new revenue streams, and access new market opportunities. Driven by a passion for building an inclusive and resilient business ecosystem, Rebecca’s mission is to help entrepreneurs and organisations grow their impact, diversify income, and form strategic partnerships that deliver long-term commercial and community value.
Our Board
Lani Blanco-Francis
Chair
Lani Blanco-Francis is a vibrant beacon of culture and innovation. As a proud Yadhaigana and Kaanju and Mer woman, Lani's roots run deep into the heart of her communities in Mossman, Mapoon, Napranum, and beyond, embracing the rich heritage of both her Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestries. The youngest of a bustling household of 14 and now a dedicated mother and partner residing in Sydney, Lani's life is a tapestry of deep familial bonds and a testament to the power of heritage and determination. Lani's professional journey is as dynamic as her background. Starting in the arts with a passion for dance, she transitioned into a pivotal role in Human Resources, where she championed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. Her tenure in corporate giants like ABC Television and Qantas was marked by groundbreaking achievements, notably increasing Indigenous workforce participation and receiving the esteemed Neville Bonner Award for her influential work in Indigenous Employment and Program initiatives. Her shift from the arts to human resources wasn't just a career change; it was a step towards fulfilling a deeper mission. Lani's work in the corporate and government sectors has been driven by a vision to weave her understanding of First Nation priorities into the fabric of Australia's workforce and diversity practices. This dedication led her to establish LBF Consulting and later Connexions, ventures that reflect her commitment to creating pathways for training and employment within her community and beyond. Lani's achievements include founding roles in Supply Nation and driving diversity across the country, showcasing her as a leader in creating inclusive spaces in business and society. Her strategic insights and initiatives have not only opened doors for Indigenous talents but also enriched corporate Australia with the depth and diversity of Indigenous cultures. With qualifications spanning Human Resources Management to Training and Assessment, Lani is not just an advocate but a wellspring of knowledge, dedicated to nurturing talent and leadership within her communities. Her affiliations with prestigious organisations underline her standing as a respected voice in diversity, human resources, and Indigenous business circles. In Lani Blanco-Francis, we see the embodiment of resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of culture. Her journey from the dance floors of NAISDA to the boardrooms of Australia's top companies, and now leading the charge in training and employment, showcases a leader who is not just shaping futures but weaving the rich tapestry of her heritage into the very fabric of Australian society.
Leisa Wahlin
Co-Deputy Chair
Leisa Wahlin, a Kalkadoon woman from North-West Queensland and is now based on Kuringai Land. Leisa is the owner of Neon Marketing. NEON Marketing is Supply Nation Certified - proudly 100% Aboriginal and female owned and managed. She is an Associate Member of the Australian Marketing Institute and Leisa is a Certified Practising Marketer. Neon specialises in the tourism, First Nations, and social impact sectors. Neon’s services include strategic marketing, brand development, customer experience, communications, and digital.
David Beaumont
Co-Deputy Chair
David is a proud Wiradjuri man. His family is from Wellington, Central West NSW, he was born on Gadigal Country, The Block Redfern, and raised in Sydney. David currently works as a Program Manager at the Gadigal Centre for the University of Sydney. David worked at the City of Sydney for 20 years in Indigenous Leadership and Engagement working on the City’s core Indigenous Strategy, The Eora Journey. David also works in event management, consultation and production at major festivals and gatherings throughout Australia for the past 25 years promoting, practising, and sharing the living Cultures of First Nations People of Australia. David also managed the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander casting agency in the country for the City Of Sydney. Based in the Redfern Community Centre, the casting agency was designed to promote job creation and training in the film and television sector. Previously, David worked in television production at ABC TV in Sydney and Vibe Australia, an Aboriginal events management and Communications Company.
Lisa Sarago
Director
Lisa Sarago is a proud Bundaburra Yidinji and Western Yalanji woman and an award-winning Indigenous leader committed to creating meaningful opportunities for mob on Country. She is the CEO of Land on Heart, an organisation dedicated to strengthening cultural awareness in business and nurturing Indigenous tech talent through training and employment pathways. Lisa brings extensive experience across government, community, and industry sectors, with a career focused on advocating for equitable access to services, education, and economic opportunity—particularly for disadvantaged and remote communities across Cape York, the Torres Strait, and Queensland. In 2022, she was named Indigenous Leader of the Year by Women in Digital, recognising her vision, impact and contribution to a more inclusive digital future. Lisa’s leadership is grounded in cultural strength, community connection, and a belief in the potential of grassroots-led change.
Lindsay Rees
Director
Lindsay is a registered Chartered Accountant and completed his qualifications in South Africa in 1983. Lindsay is an experienced financial professional who has held senior finance roles in international organisations, both in Australia and overseas. His roles have included responsibility for IT, Operations and Supply Chain. Since leaving the corporate sector in 2013, Lindsay has worked as a financial consultant specialising in mergers and acquisitions and business integration projects.
Ian Jackson
Director
Ian Jackson was born in Brisbane and began his career in the early days of computing with IBM, helping to implement IT systems around the world. Over the following decades, he held senior executive roles with Logica Australia, Logica Finance (UK), and Cap Gemini’s Global Finance Sector. Since returning to Sydney in 2016, Ian has devoted his time to charitable and community-focused work — supporting First Nations entrepreneurs through FNWV, establishing a postgraduate dermatology training centre in the Pacific Islands, and helping expand access to dental health services. He continues to advise early-stage ventures and is the author of Amusings, a collection of short stories published in 2024.
Tara Kahrovic
Director
Tara grew up on NSW South Coast on Dharawal country and is currently based on Wangal country. She is a Senior Associate in Environment and Planning Law at MinterEllison with over 8 years of specialist experience, delivering legal advice across the entire breadth of planning and environmental issues for multifaceted projects across NSW and the ACT. She is regarded as a specialist in several areas, including native title law. Tara has been recognised for her expertise as winner of the 2023 Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30 Awards for Planning and Environment, and was appointed as a committee member to the Property Council of Australia’s NSW Planning Committee (serving as chair of the Strategic Planning sub-committee) and Advisory Group. With a strong commitment to social justice Tara has contributed on an ongoing basis as a Senior Pro-Bono Lawyer, partnered with the Justice and Equity Centre (formerly known as the Public Interest Advocacy Centre) since May 2017, and more recently the Homeless Persons' Legal Service. Tara joined our board in 2024 through the Westpac MinterEllison Board Observer Program (Governance for Social Impact).