Our team

Jess Karlsson is the CEO of the Gumala Trust (GIPL), where she oversees both the Gumala Trust team and the investments in the Future Fund, as well as working closely with the EO of the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation to achieve joint outcomes for our Beneficiaries and Members.

Jess’s leadership and executive experience span across private, commercial, and nonprofit sectors. Over the past 15 years, Jess has been in CEO, Executive and Board roles, within profit for purpose, commercial and local government sectors. Through her work, Jess has actively contributed to the health, community, youth, disability, recreation, education, and Aboriginal services sectors in QLD, NT, and WA.

Jess has presented at National and International conferences, is a TEDx speaker, holds qualifications in Business, Finance, Management, and Governance, and has won multiple awards, including a coveted 40under40 Business Award in 2021.

André Brandis is a Chartered Accountant and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Extensive senior finance leadership has been gained from prior experience in the private sector with Woodside Energy and the public sector (Infrastructure WA, Department of Fisheries and Premier and Cabinet).

André has provided community services for over twenty years, including voluntary services to the NFP sector, participating in Youth Focus support programmes and providing honorary director and treasurer support for Free the Bears and RSPCA (WA).

As an elected councillor since 2019 at the City of South Perth, he works closely with and supports the needs of the local community.

Outside of employment, André facilitates workshops for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, is environmentally and animal welfare-focused and has a passion for history.  With a childhood growing up in the Pilbara, he has an affinity with the biodiversity the north-west environment has to offer.

As Executive Assistant & Office Manager, Chelsea Bluett supports the CEO and oversees the organisation’s daily administrative operations. Her work spans executive coordination, office management and ensuring smooth, efficient processes across the organisation. Chelsea brings extensive experience working with Traditional Owner communities, shaping her approach with respect, cultural understanding and strong relationship‑building.

Chelsea was drawn to Gumala’s strong connection to community and its commitment to meaningful impact. Her career working alongside Traditional Owner communities has given her a deep appreciation for the people, culture and values that guide the organisation.

She values the variety in her role, the people she works with and the opportunity to continue learning from the communities she engages with.

Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys hiking, spending time in nature and gardening, as well as being with friends and family. She spent much of her childhood in Bunbury and Donnybrook after moving between several states, which fostered her strong connection to the outdoors.

As the Gumala Trust's Governance and Risk Manager, Kim Papalia brings decades of experience strengthening governance, compliance and risk systems across government, justice, resources and local government. Born and raised in regional Western Australia, Kim’s approach is shaped by practicality, respect and a strong connection to community.

Kim has held senior roles with Queensland Corrective Services, the Parole Board Queensland, WA Police and in the Pilbara resources sector. His work has included establishing governance frameworks for large, complex organisations, chairing audit and risk committees, leading internal audit programs and guiding teams through major reform. He is known for building systems that are clear, usable and grounded in real operational needs.

Kim has worked closely with First Nations communities throughout WA and Queensland, including contributing to reforms following the Gordon Inquiry and partnering with Aboriginal corporations in the Pilbara to support training and employment pathways. He values genuine engagement, taking the time to listen, yarn and understand what matters to people before shaping policy or practice.

Kim was drawn to the Gumala Trust’s purpose and its commitment to delivering strong, transparent outcomes for the Banjima, Nyiyaparli and Yinhawangka peoples. He sees good governance as a practical tool for trust, accountability and long‑term community benefit. Outside of work, Kim unwinds in the gym or on his bike - "the kind with a thumping exhaust, leather and a helmet - not Lycra!" His country upbringing continues to guide his steady, down‑to‑earth style and his belief in doing work that genuinely helps people.

As Property and Tenancy Manager at the Gumala Trust, Nattasha is responsible for maintaining assets and ensuring a safe environment for the Beneficiaries residing in Gumala's houses.

Nattasha was drawn to work at Gumala by her desire to make a positive impact in supporting community members and to better understand their culture. She says, "I wanted to make a positive impact and to better understand the cultures and communities we serve at Gumala."

Outside of work, Nattasha enjoys spending time with family and friends, often out on or near the water. She also loves snuggling with her two dogs, Dave and Fergi.

Her favourite aspect of work is the amazing staff she collaborates with and the fact that no two days are the same. She relishes the opportunity to travel to remote regions of Western Australia and get to know Beneficiaries in person.

Nattasha grew up in Wagga Wagga, NSW. A random fact about her is that she makes the best spaghetti bolognese – or so she’s told!

Shazade has taken over the role of Finance and Administration Assistant. She’ll be helping to lighten the load for our Accountant and Office Manager and assisting in preparing for the GIPL Board Meetings. She wanted to work for GIPL so she could be in a job that let her work alongside, and benefit, her Community. She also wants to broaden her skills in Finance and is excited to learn more.

Growing up, Shazade travelled a lot. Born in Queensland, she lived there until the age of 6, before moving across Australia to Kambalda, a small mining town in the Goldfields. After completing Primary School, her family packed up and moved again, heading to her Mother’s homeland; a tiny fishing town in the Northern Territory called Borroloola. Two years later they came back to WA, settling in Perth where they’ve been ever since!

She spends her free time with her partner and two young children, with weekends full of swimming lessons, trips to the park, and catching up with family.