Ebony Rowell

• Successfully led the 2024 RAP Leaders Yarning Circles, engaging First Nations and non-Indigenous stakeholders nationally to develop high-impact reconciliation actions post-referendum.

• Managed a high-risk Local Government RAP portfolio, and developed the Local Government Outreach Strategy to strengthen council participation in the RAP Program.

• Conducted strategic data analysis to identify opportunities for innovation, resulting in targeted program improvements aligned with organizational priorities.

• Selected to the Complaints Standing Committee alongside the General Manager and Senior Manager, trusted for balanced judgment and cultural expertise in managing complex risks.

• Selected as co-project lead (alongside the General Manager and Senior Manager of Strategy and Innovation) to ensure strategic alignment for the pilot of Australia’s first community place-based RAP in partnership with Reconciliation WA, including drafting the initial RAP and recommending a governance structure.

• Represented Reconciliation Australia in public forums, thought leadership panels, and strategic stakeholder engagements

• I accepted a promotion to lead a major Australian Public Service-wide reconciliation initiative, engaging 42 federal agencies, and over 100 First Nations leaders, that delivered strategic recommendations adopted at executive levels.
• Mapped more than 250 reconciliation initiatives to eliminate duplication and enhance impact across the APS.
• Facilitated high-level agreement-making sessions between First Nations leaders and Chief Operating Officers (COOs).
• Co-led the development of the Charter of Partnerships and Engagement, establishing APS-wide principles for government partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Honoured with Contribution to Culture recognition through the Secretary (CEO) Excellence Award.

• Accepted internal promotion to manage a team of direct reports to oversee efficiency and improvements all streams of Indigenous service delivery across a workforce of 35,000+ staff for Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services.
• Successfully restructured Services Australia's National Indigenous Coalition, strengthening First Nations leadership representation from over 46 internal branches.
• Provided strategic policy advice on Indigenous affairs, improving agency response to policy and program delivery with a cultural competence focus across the organisation.
• Founding member of Services Australia’s Anti-Racism Working Group, instrumental in embedding anti-racist policies and practices at a national level.
• Designed and implemented the Indigenous Apprenticeships Pilot Program, significantly improving cultural safety, retention, and career development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff within the Health Services Delivery Division.

• Accepted a secondment opportunity as Services Australia's secondee to Reconciliation Australia to oversee a diverse RAP portfolio (Health, Arts, Tourism, and Federal Government).
• Co-led the 2022 National RAP Conference, overseeing program development, stakeholder engagement, and vendor management for a 650+ delegate event, with Manager Training and Capacity Building, and Special Events Manager.
• Supported the Manager for Training and Capacity Building to deliver customised training and capacity-building initiatives internally and externally.
• Provided ongoing support to RAP partners throughout the RAP lifecycle by responding promptly to inquiries, resolving issues, presenting in forums, and providing timely RAP reviews.

• Accepted sideways transfer as manager to lead 17 direct reports to manage national COVID-19 vaccination certificate services, and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme telephony support.
• Provided leadership during crisis to streamline national COVID-19 certificate services and telephony support for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
• Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
• Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
• Designed and delivered onboarding and leadership development programs, ensuring compliance, service excellence, and cultural competency.
• Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
• Analysed trends in customer inquiries and developed solutions accordingly.
• Collaborated with other departments to ensure efficient resolution of issues.
• Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.

• Accepted an internal promotion to manager of two teams of 15 staff members, responsible for inbound and outbound national calls and claims for Medicare services.
• Ensured team compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Established and monitored KPIs to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Conducted performance reviews for team members.
• Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
• Managed risk by developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.

• Earlier roles include extensive experience in events management, community engagement, and performing arts leadership.
• As Manager of Community Events at Wollondilly Shire Council (2016), successfully delivered high-profile events for government and community stakeholders.
• Previously founded and managed a thriving performing arts business (1998 - 2020), directing large-scale productions, events, and community workshops, demonstrating long-standing capabilities in stakeholder engagement, creative leadership, and operational management.