Our board

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.”

Sue Jones – Deputy Chairperson

Sue Jones has been a representative for the SWAMS since December 2020.

Sue has a number of qualifications in Customer Contact, Transport and Logistic and Governance Training. With a career history at Centrelink, Aboriginal Education Support Officer, Goomburrup Aboriginal Corporation and currently at the Department of Communities Housing as the Aboriginal Customer Support Officer Sue brings with her wealth of experience.

We asked Sue as a Board member what she feels passionate about.

“I am passionate about improving the lives of Aboriginal people. Be it through health, education, housing or well-being. To assist community members in finding the help they may need. By being a role model to our youth, to help and encourage them to achieve all that they can. Learning from and respecting our Elders. Acknowledging and celebrating our people’s achievements. I am passionate about my family, in helping and supporting them in any way I can.”

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, Goomburrup 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.

Michelle Munns – Board Member

Michelle is a proud Noongar woman born and raised in Bunbury. She has a good understanding of cultural traditions, sensitivities and Noongar ways.

For the past 16 years, Michelle has been working in Aboriginal Health in the South West. She has been a part of the South West Aboriginal Medical Service for 10 years in various roles and for the past 6 years has been at WACHS-SW involved in the Aboriginal Liaison Program.

In February 2020 Michelle graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Indigenous Professional Practices) majoring in Indigenous Community Health.

Michelle is the Regional Aboriginal Health Consultant for the South West and is responsible for the leading and coordinating the development, implementation and evaluation of Aboriginal health projects, programs and services to close the gap in Indigenous health disadvantage.

Leslie 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 1/2 great grandchildren.

My passion for helping 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, cam 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 grassroots 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.”

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.