dance

The ELLA Foundation seeks First Nations board director

Phoebe Blogg - August 31, 2025

The Ella Foundation Yurali Ballet Ensemble. Image: Noni Carroll.

The ELLA Foundation is inviting applications for a First Nations Board Director to provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and cultural guidance.

The role involves attending four Board meetings per year, contributing to our governance, policy, and financial oversight, supporting fundraising, and ensuring culturally responsive practice. While the Foundation is small, this role has the potential to create a huge impact on First Nations youth and the arts sector.

Founded in 2020 by Wiradjuri artist Ella Havelka, the foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to empowering and inspiring First Nations youth through dance, with a secondary mission to support a more culturally responsive dance industry in Australia.

The ELLA Foundation has delivered 50 scholarships to First Nations youth across Australia, founded the Barradambang Dancers in Wagga Wagga and the Yurali Ensemble Ballet in Sydney, and provides First Nations creatives with paid opportunities to engage in their programs.

The foundation's work has been supported by organisations such as BlakDance and The Australian Ballet, and they are actively seeking new partnerships with dance organisations across the country.

*Senior dancers performing at the Yurali Ensemble Ballet program. (Image: Noni Carroll Photography)*

"We may be a small foundation, but the ripple effect of our work is profound," said Ella Havelka.

"Every scholarship, every mentorship, every connection helps shape the future of First Nations dancers and strengthens our communities. A board director has the chance to help guide this vision and ensure the voices of our young people are heard at every level."

The foundation welcomes donations of all sizes, which are fully tax-deductable. Donors can choose how their contribution is used and will receive updates via email about the impact of their support.

Applicants with experience in arts, governance, legal, finance, fundraising, or community engagement who are aligned with the Foundation's values are encouraged to apply.

CVs and statements of interest can be submitted to info@ellafoundation.com.au.

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