Kerry Arabena
Managing Director
A descendant of the Meriam people from the Torres Strait, Kerry’s work has brought her to the forefront of Indigenous affairs in Australia. A former social worker with a Doctorate in Environmental Science, Kerry has worked in not for profit, community controlled and academic institutions, holding senior positions such as the inaugural Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, Executive Director of Apunipima Cape York Health Council, Chair of Indigenous Health at the University of Melbourne, lead researcher of First 1000 Days Australia, CEO of the Lowitja Institute and Director of Indigenous Health Research at Monash University, former Interim Director of Victoria’s Self-Determination Fund, and former Trustee at Arts Centre Melbourne. Internationally, Kerry was President of Ecohealth International, consulted for the World Health Organisation, was a Scientific Commissioner on the Lancet Pathfinder project and completed a Fellows program with the Rockefeller Foundation in Italy.
With an extensive background in public health, administration, community development and research, Kerry has led a wide range of organisations and committees and consulted across Oceania, Norway and Indonesia.
Currently, Kerry holds honourary professorial positions with the University of Melbourne and Federation University, manages her burgeoning consulting company, Karabena Consulting, and has several entrepreneurial programs in development including the most recent launch of her new business, Ilan Style.
Kate Kloeber
Executive Manager - Weyarn and Karabena
Kate is the Executive Manager at Karabena, where she leads the team’s activities and strategic direction. She has been with Karabena for four years, initially working in digital marketing before joining management to focus on team and business growth and development. With over a decade of experience in marketing and management, Kate brings extensive expertise to her role, enhancing our strategies and partnerships.
When she's not working, Kate enjoys gardening, going to the beach, and spending time with her husband, two kids, a sausage dog, and a few chickens.
Kim Reid
Operations Manager
Kim is a descendant of the Awabakal people of the Lake Macquarie region. Currently completing a Diploma of HR Management at Victorian Chamber of Commerce, Kim is responsible for ensuring the operations of Karabena Group run smoothly.
Before joining the Karabena team in 2021, Kim has had more than a decade of administration and support experience mainly across the tourism/hotel sector, where she worked in reservations, sales support and administration at a large hotel chain. She is very keen on upskilling and has recently completed a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.
Outside of work, Kim is a mum of a 6-year-old boy and enjoys travel, music, basketball and netball.
Andrew Pritchard
Office Administrator
Andrew Pritchard is a dedicated professional with a background in meteorology and a passion for sustainability. He previously worked as an aviation forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, following his completion of a Graduate Diploma in Meteorology. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Software Systems from the University of Melbourne, Andrew brings a strong technical foundation to his work.
Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew has been actively involved in committees focused on empowering youth, supporting rural communities, and promoting sustainable practices. In his spare time, he enjoys playing badminton, practicing yoga, and exploring nature on long walks.
Tess McArthur-Dowty
Digital Marketing Manager
Tess has worked in Digital Marketing for seven years and is passionate about the power of media to impact change. All her work has been politically engaged, and she has been lucky enough to work across the world, from Melbourne to Buenos Aires. She always strives to align her work to her values, having worked across in environmental, LGBTQI+, women’s rights and Indigenous rights spaces. Tess holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from The University of Melbourne and a Master of Film and Television from the Victorian College of The Arts.
Outside of work Tess’ main passion is all things film, whether it’s attending local film festivals or creating her own short documentaries. She also loves learning languages and spending time with her cat.
Peter Jay Imboy
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Jay is a Digital Marketing Coordinator at First 1000 Days Australia who is responsible for setting up and troubleshooting our backend systems as well as the team's technical support. Jay also edits all our video content, sets up integrations and contributes to graphic designs.
In his free time Jay enjoys the outdoors including bike riding and playing Ultimate Frisbee, he also enjoys attending social events such as sports fests and concerts.
Camille Gonzal
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Camille is a Digital Marketing Coordinator at First 1000 Days Australia who is responsible for integrations between systems, troubleshooting any technical issues, scheduling social media content, crafting an designing digital collateral (social media posts, worksheets, imagery for online courses, etc), optimizing web and landing pages and any digital marketing related tasks.
In her free time, you will find Camille on her tablet drawing cartoon characters, developing her art style, lying in a swing while listening to music or playing with her niece.