Our Team

Our team comprises dedicated professionals with extensive experience in business development, procurement and community engagement. Together, we work tirelessly to support our members and partners in achieving their goals.

 

Our Team

Deb Barwick
Deb Barwick Chief Executive Officer

Deb is a proud Gomeroi woman and the CEO and founder of the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, where she leads the day-to-day operations, overseeing programs, member engagement, strategic partnerships and business development initiatives that strengthen Indigenous economic participation.

 

A national and international award-winning Aboriginal entrepreneur, Deb works closely with government and industry to ensure Indigenous business perspectives inform procurement and purchasing policies. Through her leadership, she drives the Chamber’s mission to enable Indigenous entrepreneurs, build capability, foster sustainable growth and create opportunities that benefit communities across NSW and beyond. A major milestone for Deb and the chamber was the divestment ceremony of the Djiyagiyulang-gal Hub in January 2025.

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Rick Hughes
Rick Hughes General Manager

Rick is a proud Wiradjuri man and the General Manager at the NSWICC, driving partnerships and commercial growth that strengthens Aboriginal economic participation. With strong insight into government and corporate procurement, Rick advises Aboriginal businesses, corporate partners and government agencies at all levels on the Aboriginal Procurement Policy, Reconciliation Action Plans and supplier diversity commitments and represents the Chamber at industry events.

Rick brings extensive experience in strategic partnership management, program development and Aboriginal community advocacy across government, Aboriginal Controlled Organisations and the private sector. Driven by a commitment to Aboriginal economic self-determination, Rick works to turn policy into measurable outcomes for NSWICC's members and government and corporate partners. 

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Aimee Ely
Aimee Ely Manager, NSWICC Marketing & Communications and Manager, Wuu-rri Program

Aimee is a proud Gomeroi woman and mother of two, deeply committed to uplifting community through culturally grounded leadership. As the Marketing, Events and Communications Manager at NSWICC - and Manager of Wuu-rri Vending - she leads the promotion of Indigenous business initiatives, elevates First Nations voices, and drives engagement that supports the success and visibility of Aboriginal enterprises across NSW.

 

Guided by strong cultural values, Aimee is passionate about creating meaningful pathways for Indigenous business growth and leadership. Alongside her work at NSWICC, she operates her own business, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to fostering community resilience, wellbeing, and opportunity. A dedicated CrossFit athlete, Aimee applies the same discipline, focus and energy to her professional roles, contributing to a strong, values-led NSWICC team, and helping her people thrive on their own terms.

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Alyssa Wyborn-Short
Alyssa Wyborn Short Operations Manager

Alyssa Wyborn Short has been a valued member of the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce since 2017 and is now the Chamber’s Operations Manager. Based in the Rutherford office in the Hunter region, she oversees the systems, services, technology, facilities and internal processes that enable the Chamber to operate effectively. Alyssa also works closely with the Redfern Office Manager and team to support consistent operations across both locations.

Alyssa is responsible for maintaining clear communication across staff and the Board, including coordinating Board meetings and the timely distribution of meeting papers. She manages key program deliverables, contractors and the Chamber’s CRM, including operational oversight of the NSW Procurement Specialists contract delivered through the Business Connect program, which achieved 112% of contracted outcomes in 2024–25.

She also provides essential support to the CEO by coordinating diary commitments, meetings and key deadlines. A trusted member of the management team, Alyssa’s practical, collaborative approach helps keep the Chamber connected, organised and focused on strengthening Indigenous economic participation across New South Wales.


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Josiah Younes
Josiah Younes Business Development Manager

Josiah serves as a Business Development Manager at the NSWICC, driving procurement opportunities and fostering partnerships that advance Indigenous economic participation. With strong insight into government and corporate procurement needs, Josiah develops strategies that balance compliance, innovation, and sustainability, creating value for buyers and Indigenous suppliers.

 

Through strategic partnerships, Josiah is at the forefront of initiatives that support Indigenous business growth and open pathways to new opportunities and procurement readiness. During the year, Josiah attended key events across NSW, and delivered targeted training to partnership teams and participated in the NSWICC Summit -  strengthening networks and deepening industry knowledge to support ongoing partnership growth.

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Rebecca Ryan
Rebecca Ryan Program and Business Development Manager

Rebecca is the Program and Business Development Manager at the NSWICC, where she manages the Indigenous Supplier Development Program (ISDP), supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to build capability, confidence and procurement readiness. With over a decade of experience across employment services, education, banking and strategic workforce development Rebecca brings a unique blend of advocacy, leadership and operational excellence to her work, which is driven by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable outcomes.

 

Rebecca believes in the power of community, culture and connection and is dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities. Rebecca's work. Her mission is simple: to create meaningful change by working collaboratively, thinking strategically and leading with empathy. 

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Andrea Sorial
Andrea Sorial Djiyagiyulang-gal Enterprise Hub Manager

Andrea manages the Djiyagiyulang-gal Enterprise Hub, building strong relationships with tenants and clients to ensure the space supports business needs and growth. Andrea oversees 12 office suites, coordinate venue bookings, and facilitate events that encourage networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing among Indigenous businesses and stakeholders.

 

Highlights of the year included delivering NSWICC member and partner networking sessions, hosting ISDP and Yinaar Ngaambi-li program activities, and attending the NSWICC Summit. Through responsive tenant support and maintaining an inclusive, well-functioning environment, Andrea contributes to a vibrant hub that strengthens community connections and supports Indigenous business development. 

 

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Nikita Burns
Nikita Burns Project and Program Support Officer

Nikita is a proud Wiradjuri/Dunghutti woman and the Project and Program Support Officer at NSWICC, where she supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners across a range of programs, including Wuu-rri Vending. With extensive experience working closely with communities, Nikita brings a broad understanding of societal challenges and a commitment to fostering inclusive economic participation for First Nations people. Key highlights this year included attending Gather and Grow, NSWICC member and partner events, The Summit, and NAIDOC events in the Hunter region, strengthening networks, supporting program delivery and contributing to initiatives that advance Indigenous business development and community engagement.

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Ella Dryburgh
Ella Dryburgh Program Support Trainee

Ella is the Program Support Trainee at the NSWICC, providing operational and administrative support across all NSWICC programs. In her role, Ella assists with coordination, stakeholder engagement and event delivery, helping ensure programs are delivered efficiently and effectively. 

 

Ella is currently studying a double Bachelor degree in Global Indigenous Studies and Development Studies, which compliments her professional work and reflects her strong commitment to supporting Indigenous economic development. As an emerging professional, she brings a strong willingness to learn, attention to detail and a commitment to strengthening program delivery and supporting the NSWICC team to achieve positive outcomes for Indigenous businesses and communities across New South Wales.

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