Our Team
Tristram Morris
Director
Tristram is a descendent of the Ngemba, Barkindji nations, from western NSW. Tristram has extensive working experience in the health sector in health promotion, chronic disease, Aboriginal health, and Human Resources (HR), housing, education, and disability services working in both operational and management roles. Tristram has a Certificated IV in Disability, Certificate IV in Mental Health, and a Certificate IV in Business. He has vast experience and skills in project management financial management, reporting, staff management, program delivery, cultural knowledge, delivery of cultural workshops, grant management, mentoring and community & stakeholder engagement.
Tristram is very passionate about working with Aboriginal people and helping people to strengthen their Aboriginal identity through cultural activities and knowledge sharing, he believes this is foundational to the well-being of Aboriginal people.
Jess Morris
Managing Director
Jess is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri & Wailwan Nations from Western NSW, and lives in Port Macquarie. Jess has over 15 years’ experience working across the health sector with tertiary qualifications that include: Bachelor Health Science and Master of Public Health. Jess also has a Certificate IV in Project Management and Certificate III in Fitness.
Jess has worked in health promotion, public Health, mental health, Aboriginal health, management, primary healthcare, commissioning & delivered extensive workplace training. She has extensive experience in project management, grant writing, reporting, financial management, grant management, health management, service and program development, commissioning, project evaluation, community development, staff training, self-care, stakeholder engagement and community development.
In 2006, Jess was awarded with a Deans Award for Academic Excellence and in 2021 Jess received federal parliamentary recognition for her contribution to the local Aboriginal community.
Jess is passionate about reducing inequalities, improving the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal people & supporting other Aboriginal businesses and start-up’s, particularly Aboriginal women as there are currently far less Indigenous women in business when compared to Indigenous men.
Lori-Ann McKinnon
Aboriginal Programs Officer
Lori-Ann is a proud descendent of the Birpai and Dunghutti nations on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Lori-Ann has a certificate lll in Early Childhood Educational & Care who has been working in the Early childhood Industry since 2018 and has implemented learning on country programs & supported educators to develop culturally appropriate practices.
Lori-Ann has a Certificate lll in Aboriginal Languages for community use in the Gathang Language and has delivered language programs in preschool and primary school settings.
Lori-Ann is very active in her continuation of her language journey and the revitalisation of her mother tongue, receiving the 2023 Koori Curriculum Educator of the year award.
As a talented and well renowned contemporary Aboriginal Artist, Lori-Ann is always pushing her creative boundaries in her creative work.
Lori-Ann is passionate and motivated to promote culturally rich opportunities and creating safe spacing for our young people to thrive in their learning.
Zeta Knight
Aboriginal Programs Officer
Zeta Knight is a proud Ngemba, Barkindji, and Murrawarri woman with over 43 years of experience in community engagement, disability services, health and wellbeing, education, and advocacy. Based in Tamworth, Zeta is well-respected in the local community and known for her commitment to supporting Aboriginal communities. As the Aboriginal Programs Officer at Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services, Zeta delivers cultural mentoring, disability support, and health and cultural programs across the region.
Zeta’s career has been focused on community development, capacity building, and advocacy, ensuring culturally safe services that meet the needs of Aboriginal communities.
Zeta is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and empowering individuals and families to thrive.
