Board of Directors

Emily joined the Board in May 2024. She has lived in Bendigo and been part of the Aboriginal Community her whole life. Emily is committed to ensuring Aboriginal self-determination and that Aboriginal Community Control is prioritised, with our Elders’ vision in setting up the Co-op maintained and valued.

She has a deep commitment to improving outcomes for Koorie young people in education and ensuring that young people and their families feel valued within the education system.

Emily has worked in various roles within our Community, starting at BDAC before moving into identified roles within Government, including community engagement at Regional Development Victoria and the Department of Justice. For the last 10 years, she has worked at the Department of Education as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer, and more recently as the Koorie Education Coordinator.

Bettina Bysouth, Vice Chairperson

A proud Paakindji/Baarkindji and Wangkumarra woman

Bettina joined the Board in November 2024. Having lived on Dja Dja Wurrung Country for over twenty years, Bettina is deeply connected to the Community and is passionate about improving services and positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

With a strong background in education, including her current role as a Koorie Education Support Officer (KESO) at Eaglehawk Secondary College, Bettina has built strong relationships within the Community. She has led a community cultural dance group for over 20 years and performed at many local events.

Bettina holds a Diploma of Business Management and currently sits on the Koorie Court. She is also a Board Member for both the North Bendigo Football and Netball Club and the Native Title Board.

Kira Bice, Treasurer

A proud Yidinji, Gunggandji and Tagalak woman

Born and raised on Dja Dja Wurrung land, Kira joined the Board in November 2025. She is a mother of three children and a passionate advocate for our Community. 

Kira brings experience across finance, health and education, including project and committee work. She has previously worked as an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO) at Bendigo Health, as National Corporate Programs Manager at the not-for-profit AFLSR, supporting traineeships and employment for mob, and at NAB in their Indigenous Corporate Aboriginal Programs. 

Recently volunteering to coach the u/17 Bendigo Bunjils team at the 2025 Junior VACSAL carnival, Kira is ready to further contribute to our Community with her new role as a Board Director at BDAC. 

Samuel Nolan, Director

A proud Gunditjmara man

Samuel’s connection with BDAC began over 20 years ago as an 18-year-old volunteer, sparking a lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people. He joined the Board as a director in November 2025.

Samuel holds Certificates III in Business and Community Development, and has a broad background in Aboriginal community services, justice, education and government, with experience in policy, project delivery, innovation, and community-led program design. He has worked across a range of roles supporting Aboriginal communities, including with Corrections Victoria, Department of Education, and Eastern Metropolitan RAJAC. Samuel is currently a Senior Project Officer at Agriculture Victoria leading the Native Food Industry Development Program

He is a Director and co-founder of Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc. (“Born to Dance” in Woi Wurrung language).