Our story
Our vision
"As a Board, we are united in our vision to create opportunities that empower our people and strengthen our communities. We believe in self-determination, education, and meaningful employment as pathways to a better future. Guided by culture, resilience, and lived experience, we are committed to closing the gap, lifting up the next generation, and ensuring The MaraWay continues to be a place of hope, opportunity, and lasting change."
The MaraWay Board
Maria Pedersen
Chair
From challenging beginnings to becoming the Chair of The MaraWay, Maria Pedersen has lived experience of the obstacles Indigenous youth face and the determination required to overcome them. Starting her journey as a Community Development Employment Projects scheme (CDEP) participant, she used the program as a stepping stone to education, employment, and a better life.
Maria has fostered over 65 children, offering guidance, discipline, and love, and remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation. As Chair, she brings strong leadership, cultural pride, and a deep passion for creating opportunities for her community.
“We’ve got a great team and strong leadership in our CEO. Our diversity and strength as a board ensures we are meeting the needs of our people,” she says. “We’ve got a great team and strong leadership in our CEO,” she says. “The board members are all strong-minded people who bring diversity and experience to the table, and we’re meeting the needs of our community.”
Rhonda Brim
Director
As an Elder and cultural advocate, Rhonda Brim dedicates her life to passing on Aboriginal traditions and skills to younger generations. Her involvement in politics and community leadership led her to join The MaraWay Board in 2009, where she has been a strong voice for local survival and self-determination.
“I am finally involved in an organisation in control of its own destiny and helping people along the way... We’ve got a lot of guts, and we’ll make this work.”
Blaine Richards
Director
Born in Cairns and raised in Kuranda, Blaine Richards proudly traces his ancestry to the Ewamian, Kuku Yalangi, and Budjala peoples. A former NRL player with the Cronulla Sharks, Blaine is deeply committed to mentoring youth, promoting men’s health, and strengthening cultural awareness.
Through sport, culture, and mentoring, Blaine inspires young people to pursue their goals while staying grounded in community and culture. His hobbies – football, hunting, fishing, camping, and spearing – are all opportunities to share cultural practices and connection with the next generation.
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Rhonda Duffin
Director
Rhonda is a collaborative leader dedicated to partnering with co-workers to foster an engaged and empowering work culture. She has documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Known for their hardworking and passionate nature, Rhonda possesses strong organisational skills and is committed to helping the team achieve its goals. As a community social worker, Rhonda is eager to contribute to team success through diligence, attention to detail, and excellent organisational abilities.
She has a clear understanding of justice issues and aims to promote preventative intervention and supportive responses.
Rhonda is motivated to learn, grow, and excel, with the goal of enhancing the social capital and well-being of Indigenous communities. They strive to support others within the local community and make a positive contribution to the judicial system.
Rhonda is an organised and dependable individual who successfully manages multiple priorities with a positive attitude and is willing to take on additional responsibilities to meet team goals.
Dr Crystal Williams
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of The MaraWay, Dr Crystal Williams leads the organisation with vision, strategic expertise, and a deep commitment to community impact. With extensive experience in social impact, governance, and program delivery, Crystal has steered The MaraWay through growth and transformation, ensuring it remains responsive to community needs while building long-term sustainability.
Crystal works closely with the Board, staff, and community partners to deliver holistic solutions that empower people, strengthen families, and create real opportunities for employment and education. She is driven by a belief in practical, people-centred approaches that create lasting change.
Our Board & Leadership
The MaraWay is guided by a strong and committed board of six Indigenous directors from diverse First Nations groups, working together to close the gap in Indigenous disparity and support all people within the community. With deep cultural roots, lived experiences, and formal corporate governance training, the board provides a unique blend of wisdom, resilience, and strategic oversight.
Their vision is clear: to create pathways of opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike through education, training, employment, and community support. They believe in self-determination, practical solutions, and building strength through culture and connection.
Together with CEO Dr Crystal Williams, the board leads The MaraWay with a shared commitment to empower communities, reduce disadvantage, and create sustainable change.
If you wish to become a member of The MaraWay please send your expression of interest via our contact form.
