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About · Team
The team behind the swan
A First Nations-owned and run charity — First Nations leaders, volunteers and authentic allies who believe First Nations entrepreneurship can change the world for the better.
Small team. Wide water.
- First Nations-owned & run
- Established 2017
- ACNC registered charity
Barayamal means “Black Swan” in Gamilaraay.
For centuries Europeans “knew” all swans were white — until they reached Australia and saw the black swan First Nations peoples had always known. Our name carries that story.
Management
Founder-led since 2017
Dean Foley
Founder
A Kamilaroi man from Gunnedah, NSW. Dean served in the Royal Australian Air Force before founding Barayamal — and has spent the years since building accelerator programs, community events and platforms like the First Nations Job Board, all putting First Nations entrepreneurs first.
| Nation | Kamilaroi |
|---|---|
| From | Gunnedah, NSW |
| Founded Barayamal | 2017 |
| Before this | Royal Australian Air Force |
| Education | La Trobe University Master of International Development, Advanced Research |
Governed by a board — on the public record
Barayamal is governed by a board of directors — our Responsible People — listed on the ACNC Charity Register. We link to the register as the single source of truth rather than duplicate it here, so names and roles are always current.
Who’s responsible? Governance & reporting →Volunteers
The volunteer crew
First Nations leaders, volunteers and authentic allies — each giving their craft across six areas of the work. Could you help in one of these? Volunteer with us →
Research
Building the evidence base for what works in First Nations entrepreneurship.
Impact snapshot →
We publish volunteer names and photos only with each person’s consent. Pictured here and want the image removed? Let us know →
Ready to join the cause?
Three doors in — pick the one that fits what you bring.
First Nations and allies welcome — tell us what you bring.
PartnerMake it formalOrganisations start with the Community Agreement — public goals, public record.
GiveBack the missionBarayamal is DGR endorsed — donations are tax-deductible.
Looking for work instead? Search the First Nations Job Board for roles in Melbourne, Perth and across Australia.
Volunteer with us
Tell us what you bring
Volunteers help across the six areas above. Share your skills and how much time you can realistically offer — there’s no minimum, and the form takes about five minutes. First Nations people and genuine allies are welcome.
Barayamal now uses one native WordPress and Jetpack expression-of-interest form. Responses are stored in Jetpack and sent to the Barayamal team.