Design
Design and deliver a range of participatory learning programs and tools focused on understanding the role of culture in implementing development programs.
Cross Cultural Consultants (CCC) was founded in 1989, with the intention of filling a space in the field of cross cultural training, stakeholder and community engagement. What began as a sole tradership has in the three decades since grown into a thriving and evolving community. As our team expanded, so to did our concepts, ideals and values, creating a dynamic and diverse company in terms of both our people and our capacity.
From our inception we have recognised the need for flexible, independent cross culturally focused training services to support effective engagement with Aboriginal people, communities, organisations and key stakeholders.
We also recognised the reluctance of many people to engage effectively with Aboriginal people, communities and organisations, based on apprehension and a lack of knowledge about how to connect with them in a culturally responsive and appropriate way.
Working alongside our clients and communities, we build on the foundations to build the capacity of individuals, communities and organisations to work effectively across cultures and deliver culturally appropriate and responsive outcomes.
Our team has more than three decades of personal experiences living and working cross-culturally, including strong connections with extensive family and community networks, all of which work together to assist us in delivering projects in the Nothern Territory and abroad.
Director
Jason is an Aboriginal man born and raised on Larrakia Country in Darwin. With over 30 years of experience, Jason has dedicated his career to working with and for First Nations people in a community development context and facilitating community engagement. His journey has also taken him to Western Australia, New South Wales, and the ACT, where he has lived and studied. He has experience working across all industry sectors, private sector, NGO’s, NFP organisations and Government.
Jason holds formal qualifications including a Bachelor of Applied Science (Aboriginal Community Management and Development) with High Distinction Honours, and is deeply passionate about creating real opportunities and driving successful outcomes for First Nations people, businesses, and their communities.
Business Manager
Born and raised on Larrakia Country in Darwin, Marissa brings extensive practical experience in project and contract management. Her journey has also taken her to Western Australia and the ACT, where she has lived and studied. Marissa’s expertise spans across a diverse range of sectors and regions, including program evaluation and delivery. She is known for her high-level contract management skills and her deep knowledge of the Northern Territory, including both urban and remote service delivery.
Marissa holds formal qualifications in Project Management and Business Management and is committed to supporting the team and clients to deliver culturally responsive and positive outcomes across policy, programs and projects, ensuring that all projects are coordinated professionally, within budget and on time.
Strategy and Business Development
Jaya is a born and bred Territorian with extensive expertise across Northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. His professional interests span Indigenous affairs, national resilience, resources and energy, infrastructure, national security and defence. With a background in both the public and private sectors, Jaya has served as a policy analyst, policy officer, advisor, and senior advisor. His experience includes working on strategy and engagement, policy development and implementation, supporting global and Australian clients at the executive and c-suite level.
Jaya brings a deep understanding of Northern Australia and the surrounding regions, considering the unique factors for stakeholders in these environments. He has lived in Indonesia and Singapore and is proficient in Bahasa Indonesia.
Senior Workforce Consultant
With a background in managing various businesses across the Northern Territory, Wendy has dedicated years to supporting Aboriginal people in business, employment, and career development. A creative thinker with a strong focus on results, Wendy has successfully motivated and managed a diverse range of people and projects. Her ability to develop business ventures and projects from concept to implementation is underpinned by a practical and structured approach. Wendy’s expertise also extends to working on Reconciliation Action Development Plans. Her highly developed communication skills, coupled with her natural ability to perform under pressure, make her a valuable asset on projects.
Wendy is passionate about closing the gap for Indigenous Australians through the economic and social benefits of active participation.
Project and Engagement Manager
Born in Darwin and having lived between Australia and Southeast Asia, Bodhi is an effective communicator who excels in cross-cultural environments and remains calm under pressure. His diverse background has given him broad experience in engaging with people across different cultural contexts. Bodhi has worked in culturally complex settings, tackling highly sensitive topics, and he has a deep understanding of the current issues facing Australia’s First Nations peoples. His work in project research, writing, and engagement services spans multiple sectors and locations across the country.
Bodhi employs a human-centered design approach, ensuring that the strengths, capabilities, and needs of participants and community members are central to every project.
At Cross Cultural Consultants, we pride ourselves on bringing over 33 years of experience into each of our client interactions and relationships. Our experience hasn’t just spanned decades, but also governments, policies and enormous amounts of community change. We know the story of First Nations people in the Northern Territory, because we have lived it and seen it happen. When we come on to a project, we bring with us the cumulative wealth of that experience, spanning Training and Professional Development, Reconciliation Action Planning, Review and Development, Policy and Program Design, Review, Planning and Advice and Community and Stakeholder Engagement.