OUR FOUNDER

A dedicated community leader, Ernie championed equality and bridged cultural divides, fostering goodwill and trust.

  • Ernest (Ernie) Francis Bridge AM OAM CiTWA JP, born near Halls Creek in Western Australia, was the first Indigenous person elected to the WA Parliament in 1980. He served in multiple Ministerial roles, including Water Resources, Aboriginal Affairs, North West, Small Business, and Agriculture, becoming the first Indigenous Minister of the Crown in Australia. He later transitioned to an Independent Labor Member for Kimberley.

    A dedicated community leader, Ernie championed equality and bridged cultural divides, fostering goodwill and trust. His experiences in Local and State Governments highlighted the importance of the right attitude and strong stakeholder relationships. His esteemed reputation in government further reinforced this trust.

    Ernie was known for motivating and inspiring others, emphasizing the importance of listening, providing purpose, and presenting challenges. Raised with a strong belief in his capabilities, he sought opportunities beyond Halls Creek, becoming a pioneer and adventurer.

    With a no-nonsense demeanour and a passion for positive change, he was recognized for his innovative thinking, boundless energy, and refusal to accept limitations. Ernie prioritized Aboriginal communities, working tirelessly to address their historical disadvantages. Notably, he famously disrupted a Parliament session to perform a bush ballad, using music to connect with communities and create positive atmospheres.

    In 1997, he founded the Unity of First People of Australia (UFPA), a significant organization aimed at advocating for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal people. The UFPA focused on uniting First Nations voices and promoting cultural heritage, empowering communities through education and advocacy. Ernie retired from politics in 2001 but continued to be an influential figure in Aboriginal affairs, uniting Australians through his love of music and his commitment to positive change.

Ernie Bridge
(1936-2013)

OUR VALUES

Our People

Noel Bridge
Director & Chair

  • Noel Bridge, son of our Founder Ernie, is a proud Gija man and distinguished entrepreneur who significantly contributed to the establishment of the UFPA. He has led key UFPA projects including Indigenous skills preparation, preventative health, and community justice programs aimed at improving Aboriginal livelihoods. With extensive experience in navigating social, economic, and political issues in Aboriginal communities, Noel has successfully negotiated in culturally sensitive areas across sectors such as mining and telecommunications. As the principal of First Acuity Management Enterprises, he offers consulting in business development and strategic solutions, focusing on Aboriginal investment and community development while driving sustainable commercial opportunities.

Tim Larken
Director

  • A Kokatha man from South Australia, Tim is particularly passionate about building partnerships between Corporate and Indigenous Australian, having successfully facilitated numerous agreements, partnerships and joint ventures between private sector and First Nations corporations. An experienced Executive and leader in the Indigenous Affairs sector, Tim has spent almost two decades supporting Indigenous organisations across Australia to acquire and activate economic, social and cultural assets for the benefit of their communities.

Elloise Bridge
Director

  • Elloise is a proud Gija woman, passionate about social justice and an upcoming community leader, keen to follow in her grandfather, and our founder’s, footsteps. Elloise holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Gender studies and has pursued a career in international development as a junior Gender Equality and Social Inclusion specialist. Elloise has also worked across various grassroots not-for-profit organisations in the First Nations and Gender Based Violence spaces. 

Grace Brockbank