Improve the Lives of Indigenous People

The Baynyi Foundation is an independent charitable entity focused on supporting and advancing Indigenous communities.

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Who We Are

The Baynyi Foundation is an independent charitable entity focused on supporting and advancing Indigenous communities. Our work is built on transparency, integrity and strong governance, with all funds independently audited and used for their intended purpose.

Our Purpose

At Baynyi Foundation we exist to improve the lives of Indigenous people. We are committed to advancing Indigenous communities by raising funds to invest in programs and initiatives that:

Improve health outcomes for indigenous people.
Provide pathways for Indigenous people to obtain formal education.
Increase Indigenous participation in sport.

Our Commitment to Indigenous People and Culture

We will strive to:

Respect Indigenous cultural rights, values, beliefs, and the on-going connection Indigenous people have with the land, waters and community.
Engage with Indigenous stakeholders in ways that are inclusive, respectful, fair and culturally appropriate.
Ensure we have an honest and open approach and adhere to cultural protocols when engaging with Indigenous peoples and have support structures in place for both our Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees.
Conduct our activities and operations in a manner that supports fundamental human rights, respects the traditional rights of Indigenous people and values their cultural heritage.

Our CEO & Board

Gema Simon – CEO

Gema Simon is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman born in Armidale (Anaiwan country) and grew up in Newcastle on Awabakal land.

Gema is an 11-time capped Matilda (Australian Women’s National football team) and has represented Australia at the 2019 World Cup in France. Throughout Gema’s professional football career, she has played 14 seasons with the Newcastle Jets (seven as Captain) and 2 seasons with Melbourne Victory. Gema has played 151 games in the A-League Women’s competition and is the only player to have played in all 16 Seasons since the league began in 2008, before retiring at the completion of the 2023-24 season.

Gema also spent time abroad playing professionally in Canada, Norway, Korea and Iceland while also making appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Away from the pitch, Gema has long had a passion for football pathways and education, particularly among Indigenous communities. This passion was not only developed throughout her
playing career but also during her time working in Primary schools as an Aboriginal Student Liaison Officer, School Learning and Support Officer, Active After School Care Instructor and a Football Development Officer. Gema has worked on several projects supporting and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous talent.

As owner and CEO of the Baynyi Foundation and Baynyi Group, Gema is now dedicating the next phase of her professional life to providing the best opportunities and pathways to the next generation of Indigenous talent to forge their own path to success.

Through lived experiences, Gema understands the positive impact that a safe and supportive environment can play in breaking down barriers and allowing individuals the space to grow and succeed. Gema has embraced the mindset that regardless of your situation, with the right guidance and values there is a place for everyone to reach their full potential.

Gema is excited to pass on her knowledge, experiences and connection to Country through Baynyi Foundation and Baynyi Group.

Courtney Fewquandie

Board Member

Courtney Fewquandie is a proud Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi woman from the Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast region in Queensland. She has dedicated her career to advancing diversity, equity, and social justice in sport and is the General Manager of First Nations Football at Football Australia, with previous experience at Queer Sporting Alliance and Cricket Australia.

Her work advocating for marginalised communities in sport has earned national recognition, including a nomination as Out Role Model of the Year at the 2021 Australian Pride in Sport Awards and being named Changemaker of the Year in the 2020 Out for Australia 30 Under 30 Awards.

In May 2023, Courtney was among the inaugural cohort awarded a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership from Monash University. She was also appointed to a FIFA panel, leading an all-women First Nations and Māori Cultural Advisory Panel for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, where she played a key role in integrating First Nations culture and celebration throughout the tournament.

Courtney is also a member of Tennis Australia’s National Indigenous Advisory Group and contributes to Australian Sports Commission projects focused on First Nations participation and engagement in sport.

James Blair

Board Member

James has more than 20 years of experience in business strategy and operations, having held senior management roles across insurance, finance, construction, and procurement. He is a seasoned company director and has completed advanced training through the Finance for Non-Finance Managers and Leadership Executive Programs. His broad industry knowledge and leadership acumen are valuable assets in guiding Baynyi Foundation’s strategic direction.

Scott van Epen

Board Member

Scott brings over two decades of strategic business and operational leadership experience, with a strong background in importing, exporting, and manufacturing. He holds a Bachelor of Business in HR and Marketing, an MBA, and has completed executive programs in Mergers & Acquisitions and Leadership. As a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Directors and a director of multiple companies, Scott contributes significant governance and commercial expertise to the Baynyi Foundation board.

Funding

Baynyi Foundation cannot achieve its Purpose without raising funds. Baynyi Foundation is committed to raising funds (including gifts) from reputable and socially responsible sources that share the same values and beliefs regarding advancing Indigenous communities. Our fund raising is underpinned by six key components:

Opening donation of $10 000 from Baynyi Group.
Donations and gifts from Baynyi Group’s commercial partners.
Partnerships with commercial entities seeking to invest in Indigenous programs and initiatives.
Fundraising events.
Government grants.
Creating awareness from the positive impacts Baynyi Foundation has in Indigenous Communities.

Community Partnerships & Funding Assistance

Baynyi Foundation welcomes submissions from community partners seeking funding assistance for programs and initiatives that support and advance Indigenous people and their communities.

Baynyi Foundation will consider each submission on its own merit and has developed funding criteria that support and align with its Purpose. We are interested in Programs and initiatives that:

improve health outcomes for indigenous people, and/or
provide pathways for Indigenous people to obtain formal education, and/or
increase Indigenous participation in sport.
Developing Community Partnerships with reputable entities that share the same values and beliefs regarding advancing Indigenous people and their communities.
Partnering with entities that can demonstrate that their programs and initiatives have a direct and quantifiable benefit for Indigenous people and their communities.

Have a program that aligns with our mission? We’d love to hear from you.

Start a Conversation

Baynyi Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, work and live. We would like to extend that respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect the continuing connection that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to country, water and community.

Contact Us

Whether you’re interested in supporting our mission, applying for funding, or starting a partnership, we’d love to hear from you.

Phone
(02) 4960 0997
Office
Unit 3 / 32 Rural Drive, Sandgate NSW 2304
Hours
Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm