Our Logo
The Bunuba seasonal calendar features four distinct seasons: Girinybali, Maurri, Barrangga, and Bulurru. Following the heavy rains of Bulurru, the bright yellow flowers of the Gilini plant bloom along the sandy riverbanks, marking the start of Girinybali—a time when water is plentiful, and Country is vibrant and thriving.
​​
The dried stems of the Gilini plant are traditionally used to make gunggali, which plays a key role in ‘right-way’ winthali. This practice involves burning select patches of Country during Girinybali to clear old grasses and rejuvenate the land for new growth.
​​
Designed by artists Brooke and Chern’ee Sutton, our logo honours the cultural importance of Girinybali and the Gilini plant to the Bunuba people and First Nations communities across Australia.
​
The central design is surrounded by elements symbolising the individuals who work with and support the Foundation, as well as those who benefit from its support.
​​
The mountains, river, and colours symbolise the diversity of Australia’s landscapes, locations, and peoples.
​
The river also represents the flowing water after heavy rains, while the Gilini flower blooming along its banks signifies renewal, growth, and the path forward.
Our Board
Michael Hatton
Founder & Director
Michael is a Bunuba (Bedford Family) and Wiradjuri (Eldridge Family) descendant and the Owner and Director of TSS Total Survey Solutions. While working in a civil foreman role he became aware of the need for surveyors to provide proactive client support and exceed client expectations. Michael's ethos throughout the development of TSS was to encourage people to grow through experience, to better their future and is committed to their growth.
The Mibilla Foundation was envisioned and founded by Michael to further his commitment to First Nations people's economic, social and cultural development through supporting the individuals that make up a community and an understanding that to make significant and sustainable change we must work together and address all areas.
Melanie Gepp
Director
Melanie is a Bunuba woman and a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience within a leading financial institution. Melanie prioritises fostering meaningful connections, adeptly aligning business objectives to ensure optimal outcomes.
Having lived and worked across various locations in Australia, from remote areas to bustling cities, and experiencing a wide variety of individuals and communities, Melanie brings a unique perspective to our Board, shaped by her diverse background.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Melanie is deeply passionate about genealogy, finding joy in uncovering ancestral stories and connections spanning generations.
Our Team
Nicole O'Brien
CEO/Grants Manager​
After earning her Master’s degree, Nicole dedicated over a decade to supporting regional community organisations with governance, strategic planning, and grant writing. Her expertise spans the entire grant lifecycle, from project development, identifying suitable funding opportunities, compelling proposals and managing expenditure and acquittals.
Nicole’s understanding of funding landscapes equips her to bridge the gap between community needs and available resources, ensuring that organisations are well-positioned to secure essential funding.
Nicole is passionate about using her skills to contribute to the Foundation's transformative work across Australia, helping communities thrive through access to sustainable funding and innovative solutions.
Colin Caton
Director
Colin has over 25 years experience working in financial roles in both private and NFP sector, working on a number of charity committees in various roles including Treasurer. His core values of caring for others, honesty and integrity motivate him to use his knowledge and skills to ensure the financial information of those organisations he is connected with are done efficiently and effectively.
Colin enjoys meeting all new challenges as they come up and is proud of monitoring & working through the substantial growth and expansion in his current role as Financial Controller for TSS Total Surveying Solutions and is excited to embrace this new experience and see lives changed through the Foundation.
Our Partners
Mibilla Pty Ltd
