Kate Sinclair (Dharug)
Chairperson, BA LLB (UNSW)
Kate is a Law Graduate working as a Paralegal at Allens. Kate became Chairperson of Ngalaya for 2020, after becoming a Director in 2017.
We’re supporting the next generation of First Nations law-makers
Ngalaya represents over 750 First Nations lawyers and law students across New South Wales. We were founded in 1997 to advocate for increased representation within the legal profession and a more just legal system, and we have been run by First Nations lawyers and law students ever since.
In April 2019, Ngalaya relaunched as an organisation to continue supporting the next generation of First Nations law-makers. We believe that First Nations lawyers have an incredible impact on their communities, workplaces, and the profession as a whole.
In 2019, Ngalaya:
- sponsored two First Nations students to attend NILC 2019;
- launched a new Ngalaya Mentoring program;
- built a new Ngalaya Scholarship Fund;
- partnered with the Tenants’ Union of NSW to provide ongoing support and mentorship to their Aboriginal Paralegal; and
- planned for the expansion of Ngalaya in 2020 through Ngalaya Internships, volunteer sub-committees, and a stronger regional Ngalaya.
We are committed to growing Ngalaya in a sustainable way so that we can provide long-term support for and opportunities for First Peoples in the legal profession.
Get involved with Ngalaya
All First Nations lawyers, law students and law graduates in NSW and the ACT are eligible to join Ngalaya.
Ngalaya is open to partnerships with corporations, law firms, and other organisations to provide new opportunities for its members.
Our Board of Directors
Jason O'Neil (Wiradjuri)
Executive Director, BA(Hons) LLB (UNSW)
Jason is a lawyer researching Indigenous Self-Determination at Nura GIli UNSW, and working at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. Jason became Executive Director of Ngalaya for 2020, after serving as Chairperson since 2018.
Mark Holden (Dhunghutti)
Director, LLB(Hons) (UTS)
Mark is a Solicitor at the Financial Rights Legal Centre. He previously worked at Legal Aid NSW, the NSW Environmental Defenders Office and the ACCC. Mark is a former Chairperson of Ngalaya, and Director since 2012.
Dayne Syron (Biripi, Worimi)
Director, BA LLB (UNSW)
Dayne is a Law Graduate working as a Legal/Industrial Officer at the CFMEU. Dayne joined the board as a Director for 2020.