Social, Cultural and Economic Prosperity for First Peoples
First Nations Economics is an Aboriginal-led, Supply Nation registered charity. Our vision focuses on achieving the social, cultural and economic aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through expert advice, advocacy and genuine lived experience.
We redistribute 100% of our profits back into the economic development of First Nations communities, and work in partnership with our philanthropic and community partners to deliver outcomes for First Peoples.
About Us
Founded by Managing Director Rick Macourt (Gumbayngirr) with support from Non-Executive Board Members Shaun Cumming (Garigal) and Trish Oxford (Ngemba), First Nations Economics is deeply grounded in its community roots and is dedicated to working in partnership with Governments, corporate Australia, the community sector and First Nations community organisations to deliver tangible economic outcomes for First Nations communities.
Our Services
FNE specialises in public policy consultancy and strategy with expertise in:
Public and economic policy
Business case and evidence development
Monitoring and evaluation
Data and economic analysis
Reconciliation Action Plans
Strategy development
First Nations employment and leadership
Program design and implementation
Consultation, facilitation and co-design
Testimonials
We engaged First Nations Economics to assist us with writing some business cases for a few grant opportunities. They were easy to work with, knew how important the opportunity was for our community, and they listened to us. Their expertise in business case develeopment, their ability to pull evidence together, as well as their understanding of our cultures and peoples made them the perfect partner. We couldn’t be happier.
NCARA has been working with Rick for several years. We engaged First Nations Economics to develop a fee-for-service framework for Aboriginal Regional Alliances. FNE have been wonderful to work with, and are committed to re-investing all of their profits back into Aboriginal communities. It’s clear that partnering with them on this project will deliver greater outcomes for our communities.
Our Team
FNE specialises in public policy consultancy and strategy
Associate Professor Rick Macourt
Managing Director
Associate Professor Rick Macourt (Gumbayngirr) has more than 15 years’ experience in executive government, finance and economics, law, public policy and First Nations development. In addition to managing First Nations Economics, Rick is the Associate Dean, First Nations Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney. Rick was previously Senior Executive in NSW Treasury and the Westpac Group, and held senior roles with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, City of Sydney and Standards Australia. Rick also sits on the boards of Barnardos Australia and Black Rainbow.
The Board
Shaun Cumming
Non-Executive Director
Shaun Cumming (Garigal) is a public policy senior executive and an economic development specialist. A respected First Nations leader with more than 14 years’ experience in business advisory, economic development, public policy and First Nations community development, Shaun is motivated by developing and supporting local economies. Shaun is also Director of First Nations Economic Strategy in NSW Treasury and has held senior roles in Bayside Council, Nortec, Maidenbower Consulting and has led his own small enterprises. He is also a Committee Member of the Australia and New Zealand Leadership Forum Indigenous Business Sector Group and is on the board of the Narang Birrong Aboriginal Corporation.
Trish Oxford
Non-Executive Director
Trish Oxford (Ngemba) is General Manager of Indigenous Business & Community Engagement with Australian Unity focused on the economic development of Indigenous people, business and community. She has more than 20 years’ experience working in human services roles within state government from front line service provision to senior executive leadership. In 2018 after joining Westpac’s prestigious Equilibrium Program she transitioned into the financial sector. Originally from Bourke, she is passionate about empowering community to be economically independent. She has previous experience on a number of boards from large not-for-profits to local sporting clubs.
Gurminder Saro
Company Treasurer
Gurminder is a Non-Executive Director and Company Treasurer. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters of Finance.
Daniel Merrikin
Company Secretary
Daniel is a non-Executive Director and Company Secretary. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) and is a Chartered Professional Engineer.
Contact Us
We Are Always Ready To Answer Your Questions…
Email: info@firstnationseconomics.com