Our Founders
Coral Lever
Calm and wise, Coral is the beating heart of First Nations Response. The mother of four from Western NSW has been living in the Inner West of Sydney for more than 20 years. She is passionate about ensuring stability and food security for all First Nations people.
Uncle Samuel Lever
Uncle Samuel is the First Nations Response Elder-in-Residence. He is a proud Goori - Gudgenburra/Bundjalung man. He is a Traditional Owner and Senior Bundjalung Elder, storyholder and Gudgenburra Language holder. He provides cultural guidance to all of FNR’s work. He also manages the Elder delivery program, ensuring that our Elders receive the food and care that they need.
The Team
Kim Peckham
Kimberley is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Wellington, NSW. She is driven by her passion for food security. Her experiences growing up and accessing similar services have fuelled her desire to bridge the gap in culturally safe spaces for mob to access these much-needed services.
At First Nations Response, Kimberley works tirelessly to ensure that mob are cared for in a culturally safe manner, with dignity and respect.
In addition to her work at FNR, Kimberley is a devoted mother to three beautiful Wiradjuri and Gumbaynggirr children. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in sociology and works within corporate social responsibility with a particular focus on First Nations strategies.
Nellie Pollard-Wharton
Nellie comes from a long line of activists so it is not a surprise that she is one of the co-founders of First Nations Response. Nellie has lived in the Inner West of Sydney for over 20 years and is Mum to two beautiful jarjums. Trained as a social worker, Nellie is passionate about improving health outcomes for First Nations people.
Natalie is a proud Yuin woman from the South Coast of NSW. She is motivated by a strong sense of family and community which led her to First Nations Response.
Natalie has a particular interest in the impact of policy decisions on First Nations people especially in relation to health and the social determinants of health.