At SWAMS our vision is “Our Health, Our Way”. We are dedicated to ensuring that local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members participate and lead the decision making about the medical services being delivered to their community.
The SWAMS Board (or Governing Committee) consists of a Chairperson and two other members.
The Board delegates the day-to-day management of the organisation to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the management of the Service objectives as set out in the Constitution.
A copy of the Constitution is available to all staff and SWAMS members and is available for download from this website or upon request to the Executive Assistant.
2025 Board Members
Phillip Ugle – Chairperson
Phillip is a Wilman Wardandi man with a lot of blood links to other parts of Noongar country. His main career highlight has been working for WA Country Health Service as the Aboriginal Liaison Officer where he currently works and has done so for a little over two years.
Phillip holds a number of certificates, the most satisfying of which is his Certificate III in Land Management. He is proud to have been part of the first Noongar trainee Rangers Program.
Phillip feels passionately about helping his people and being a voice at the table for his people. He is devoted to getting better health outcomes and new programs for those in need.
“As a single father I enjoy family time with my children. I like to head out on country and make bush medicine and do cultural work with Elders walking the country talking for the country and water ways.”
Ernie Hill – Board Member
Ernie is a proud Ballardong Wardandi maaman who grew up and has spent most of his life in Wardandi country. With a passion for empowering and raising the voice of Aboriginal people in the South West, Ernie is a valued and respected member of his community.
Ernie has been instrumental in the running and decision-making processes of the organisation and has directly impacted the positive well-being of many.
He is a key advisor for, and spends much of his time on boards and in advocacy roles throughout the region including; Aboriginal Health Council of WA, Goomberrup Aboriginal Corporation (Chairperson), Advocacy South West (Board Member), Catch a dream Inc (Current Chairperson).
In addition to his extensive qualifications in health and business, Ernie is also a Neurolinguistic Programming Practitioner, Master Practitioner in Timeline Therapy and a Master Practitioner in Hypnotherapy. Ernie is passionate about Closing the Gap and improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
Janine Williams – Board Member
Janine Williams has been a SWAMS Board member since 2018.
She has a background in Cultural Tourism, Events Management, Nyoongar newspaper, Hospitality, mentoring and currently is the Community Support Officer for SAC.
Janine has qualifications in Social Science, Mentoring, Cultural Tourism, Governance Training and Aboriginal Mental Health.
As a Board member, Janine is passionate about her community, from a holistic view on all the issues surrounding or affecting us today and into the future. How we, as SWAMS, can really address many of these matters of concern and try to improve in all areas of significance.
Lesley Ugle – Board Member
My name is Lesley Ugle (nee Lesley Wallam). I was born, and still reside, in my beautiful hometown of Harvey. I am fourth generation Wallam and Little. My husband and I have 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 ½ great grandchildren.
My passion to help community members less fortunate developed as a young person and eventually I was able to gain employment in Harvey where, what I wanted as a child, came to fruition. I continued to develop and improve my interpersonal skills and rapport with the Indigenous community, establishing links with health services and support groups, reducing and eliminating barriers and assisting with processes to engage and protect clients.
I have identified the benefits of a holistic approach to support services and understand positive outcomes require empathy and non‑judgmental environments. I am involved in the Reconciliation Committee of the Harvey Shire, the local Drug Action Group (Harvey LDAG) community grass roots AOD prevention program and Harvey Radio.
As an Aboriginal community member I understand the barriers we have. I enjoy helping my community, sharing information, learning from discussions and participating in decision making processes.
Jarrad Zanich – Board Member
Appointed to the SWAMS Board in July 2025, Jarrad Zanich brings over 15 years of experience in renewable energy, having held key roles with SolarGain and Infinite Energy before founding his own consultancy, South West Energy Solutions, which he has led for the past nine years.
Jarrad holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Marketing from Curtin University and is committed to ongoing professional development, combining formal education with extensive real‑world experience.
Passionate about community engagement, Jarrad has dedicated over 14 years to coaching football, including four years as President of the Bunbury Junior Football Club, where he guided the organisation through the challenges of COVID‑19. He has been actively involved in developing women’s football in Bunbury and coaching within the Youth Girls South West Development program.
Jarrad is particularly enthusiastic about the SWAMS Health Hub project, recognising its potential to deliver a much‑needed, purpose‑built facility for the community. He is eager to contribute his skills to support the organisation’s growth and vision.
Outside of his professional and board commitments, Jarrad enjoys supporting his children’s sporting endeavours, walking his dog, and spending time outdoors.
Laurence Riley – Board Member
Appointed as a skills-based Director in March 2026, Laurence Riley brings more than two decades of multidisciplinary experience across government and community sectors. Born and raised in Narrogin, Laurence strongly identifies with his Noongar heritage and also has family connections to Nanda Country in the Yamatji region. He is a qualified Teacher’s Assistant and Home and Community Carer, and holds Diplomas in Government, Business, Management and Nursing, practicing as an Enrolled Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Across 24 years, Laurence has worked in education, health, social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, justice, housing, employment and corrective services. His leadership includes notable ministerial appointments in workforce development, law reform and victim support, alongside executive roles such as Assistant Ombudsman, Aboriginal Engagement and Collaboration. Laurence is a committed advocate for social justice, equitable access and culturally grounded services, contributing actively and proudly to communities across Western Australia.
Jenny Wallam – Board Member
Jenny Wallam brings extensive experience in Aboriginal health, community engagement and culturally responsive care to the Board. With qualifications including a Certificate IV in Aboriginal Health, a Diploma of Mental Health and an Associate Degree from Curtin University, she has built a strong foundation in frontline service delivery and community support. Jenny currently works as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Busselton Hospital, where she provides guidance, advocacy and culturally safe access to health services.
From 2018 to 2023, Jenny worked as an Aboriginal Health Worker at SWAMS, supporting clients through health education, assessments, referrals, chronic disease care, community outreach and multidisciplinary collaboration. She brings strong knowledge of local Aboriginal cultural issues, excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the social determinants affecting community wellbeing.
Passionate about her community and their health needs, Jenny is committed to strengthening culturally grounded services and ensuring accessible, culturally appropriate care. In her spare time, she enjoys mixing, yarning and meeting new people.
