Meet Nathan
Nathan Brennan is a proud Gamilaraay, Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man who grew up on Awabakal Country in Newcastle. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Waagayamba Consultants, bringing more than 18 years of leadership experience across First Nations community organisations, not-for-profits, and local and state government.
Nathan is committed to creating positive, community-driven change. His career has focused on strengthening governance, shaping policy, building organisational capability, and designing programs that empower First Nations people and communities to thrive.
A highly proficient Gumbaynggirr speaker and teacher, Nathan is passionate about revitalising Aboriginal languages and embedding cultural knowledge in education, tourism, environmental management and organisational development.
Across his career, he has led and contributed to transformative initiatives, including:
Establishing Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School, NSW’s first and only bilingual Aboriginal language school.
Developing the Gumbaynggirr Good Koala Country Plan, Australia’s first First Nations-led Koala Conservation Strategy.
Initiating Gaagal Wajaarr, NSW’s first Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area.
Strengthening governance and operational systems across Aboriginal corporations, land councils, community organisations and education providers.
Supporting major cultural tourism and regional development projects, including the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Aboriginal Tourism Development Project.
With expertise spanning governance, compliance, community housing registration/regulation, cultural governance, independent school registration, strategic planning, policy development, and cultural tourism, Nathan brings a unique combination of corporate skill and cultural knowledge.
He works in genuine partnership with organisations, Elders and communities to design solutions that centres culture, strengthen organisations, and create long-term, sustainable impact.
