About

Biography

Karen has held senior policy and program management positions in Government and have been working and consulting in Aboriginal Affairs for over 20 years.

She has extensive experience working with First Nations communities at grassroots and organisational levels and up to peak body representative level. She regularly undertakes complex projects commissioned by government departments and their agencies. This involves assisting those who have lead responsibility for policy and program development and service delivery impacting on First Nations communities.

When not travelling with her consultancy work, Karen volunteers her time to progress the vision of many First Nations organisations in Victoria and one organisation on a national level. Karen Milward Consulting is very passionate about advancing the work and activities of these organisations.

Karen has extensive networks across Australia at all levels within government and strong connections with First Nations communities. She also has contacts with organisations across a broad range of initiatives across Australia - especially those targeting First Nations communities.

Board positions

Karen is the Chairperson of four and a Director of two First Nations community organisations. She was an active member of the Premier’s Aboriginal Advisory Council in Victoria up until 2010, and a Fellow for Leadership Victoria since 2005. She is also a representative on many Government and non-government First Nations-specific committees and reference groups.

• Chairperson, Kinaway - Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, Victoria

• Chairperson, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, Ringwood East, Victoria

• Chairperson, Indigenous Leadership Network Victoria, Victoria

• Chairperson, Boorndawan William Healing Service, Eastern Metropolitan Region, Victoria

• Director, Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV), National

• Director, First Nation’s Foundation, National and based in Victoria

Qualifications and awards

Karen is currently undertaking an MBA with RMIT University

• 2011 - Finalist in the Ethnic Business Awards - Indigenous Business Category

• 2008 - Participation in the Prime Minister’s 2020 Summit (April 2008)

• 2008 - Governance Training - AAV - DPCD Leadership and Capacity Building program

• 2006 - Deakin Community Australia Day Award

• 2005 - Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment

• 2005 - Koori Children’s Court Training Program (Department of Justice Victoria)

• 2005 - Community Person of the Year Award - NAIDOC Committee Award

• 2005 - Fellow, Williamson Community Leadershiip Program, Leadership Victoria

• 1997 - Young Achiever Award - ATSIC Indigenous Women’s Award

• 1988 - Certificate in Office and Business Administration, Swinburne University

Process

Karen works closely with clients to deliver their vision using a collaborative framework to identify and develop the best approach. She will then provide solutions that suit the unique needs of your project.

Although based in Melbourne, her work takes her all over Australia, and she is happy to consult with you on your out-of-state project. If you’d like to find out more about her experience, please take a moment to look at her projects.

Fees for consultancy, training and facilitation work vary according to the type of project required. If you would like more details on the process, or would like to discuss your particular project, please get in touch.