Our Team – Board of Directors
TCU is governed by a Board of Directors who meet at least quarterly to monitor the progress and direction of the company. The Board currently consists of eight Board members, four being Indigenous. Our Indigenous Board Directors are leaders from several different Indigenous Communities who bring a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to the Board in addition to representing the people of their regions. Our Non-Indigenous Board members bring a range of valuable professional skills to the Board. With backgrounds in Finance, Governance, Compliance and Government Relations they each contribute significantly to the direction of TCU.
Peter Djumbu
Non-Executive Director.
Director since 2024.
- Community Representative from the Ramingining Community
David Djalangi
Non-Executive Director.
Director since 2002.
- Traditional Owner from Galiwinku, Elcho Island
- Member of the Full Council of the Northern Land Council
- Member of the Advisory Council of East Arnhem Regional Council
- Employed by ALPA
Lily Roy
Non-Executive Director.
Director since 2024.
- Community Representative from the Milingimbi Community
Bunug Galaminda
Non-Executive Director.
Director since 2010.
- Traditional Owner from Warruwi Community, Goulburn Island
- Member of the Full Council of the Northern Land Council
- Chair of the Yagbani Aboriginal Corporation
- Member of the Ajurumu Store Committee
Richard Bandalil (Director Mentor)
Director Mentor.
Director from 2016 to 2023.
- Traditional Owner from Ramingining Community
- Member of the Committee for Dinybulu Regional Services
- Member of the Committee for ALPA Stores
David Knights
Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Board Risk Committee and Member of the Board Audit & Finance Committee. Director since 2009.
- Senior Executive with National Australia Bank
- Chair of NAB Nominees Ltd (NNL) Board
- Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Degree in Engineering
Elsbeth Torelli
Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Board Audit & Finance Committee and Member of the Board Risk Committee. Director since 2016.
- Chief Risk Officer / Chief Operating Officer at First Option Bank
- Director of Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA)
- Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants
- Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia
- Member of the of Australian Institute of Company Directors
Iain Summers
Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Board, Member of the Audit & Finance Committee and Member of the Board Risk Committee.
Director since 2005.
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Laws
- Chartered Accountant FCA
- Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors FAICD
- Independent Chair of Risk Management and Audit Committees
- Self-employed Consultancy Business
Sharyn Innes
Non-Executive Director and Member of the Board Risk Committee.
Director since 2016.
- Director of Sharyn Innes Consultancies
Our Team – Staff
Our employee base consists primarily of Indigenous people who live in the communities that we service. 85% of our staff identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and speak the local languages of the customers they serve. With roles ranging from teller through to supervision and senior management roles we provide a number of career pathways.
Talent is recognised and encouraged at TCU. Staff are provided with the tools and opportunities that directly link them with the organisation’s vision and mission, allowing them to advance and grow within the business.
Each branch has a designated Branch Coordinator in Head Office to provide daily support, mentoring and assistance with all day-to-day requirements.
Simon Lyons
Simon Lyons is the Chief Executive Officer at TCU, Australia’s only indigenous-owned banking institution regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) in Australia. With over two decades of experience in banking and finance, Simon is committed to bridging the gap between traditional financial services and indigenous community needs. TCU is focused on sustainable growth, financial inclusion, indigenous employment and training as well as cultural integrity. We believe banking is an essential service and everyone in Australia deserves to be able to access practical financial services regardless of their location. Simon brings a unique engaging leadership style and his innovative approach as we dedicate the TCU team to continue to improve our services to help shape the future of financial empowerment within Australia’s remote indigenous communities. Jim Dracopoulos
Jim Dracopoulos is the Chief Financial Officer at TCU, a proudly indigenous-owned banking institution regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) in Australia. A CPA-qualified professional with over 30 years of experience in financial management and strategy, Jim brings a wealth of expertise to his role. His career is marked by a strong commitment to financial integrity and strategic planning, which will be instrumental in guiding TCU through a period of significant growth and innovation. Jim’s deep understanding of finance and indigenous community needs ensures that the bank remains both compliant and responsive to our customers. His leadership in financial operations, coupled with his dedication to fostering economic empowerment within indigenous communities, underscores his pivotal role in TCU’s ongoing success. Luke Cousins
Luke Cousins was raised on the land of the Ngadjuri people in South Australia, and serves as the Chief Operating Officer at TCU, an institution that stands out as the sole Indigenous-owned credit union in Australia. With over a decade of expertise in the banking industry, Luke has a proven track record in refining operational processes and boosting efficiency to improve outcomes and member satisfaction. Passionate about improving the lives of TCU’s members and employees, Luke’s strategic leadership is crucial in advancing TCU's key projects and developing integrated service offerings that resonate with TCU's members. Luke's dual focus on operational excellence and client satisfaction significantly contributes to TCU's commitment to promoting economic empowerment, job creation, and educational opportunities for Indigenous people and communities. Alex Porrovecchio
Alex Porrovecchio is the GRC Manager at TCU, Australia’s only indigenous-owned banking institution regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) in Australia. A Chartered Accountant by profession with a robust background in finance, audits, compliance and risk management. Alex commenced at TCU in 2018. Alex is adept at identifying and mitigating risks to safeguard TCU’s assets and operations. Alex expertise ensures that TCU adheres to regulatory requirements while effectively managing potential risks. Alex’s strategic approach and commitment to robust risk governance play a crucial role in supporting TCU’s mission of promoting financial access and community empowerment for the delivery of banking services to remote indigenous communities. Tanya Johnson
Tanya Johnson, Operations Manager at TCU, is a proud Indigenous woman who has gained extensive experience in operations and branch management through over 11 years of experience in the banking sector. Tanya is passionate about helping Indigenous people achieve their banking needs within remote and isolated communities across the Northern Territory; this passion, along with Tanya’s expertise in customer service and remote banking is instrumental in ensuring TCU achieves its mission of providing innovative and practical banking solutions for remote communities. Joeline Seden
Joeline Seden is the Human Resource Manager at TCU, a proudly indigenous-owned banking institution regulated by APRA in Australia. Born and raised in Darwin, Joeline is a proud aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, a descendant of the Kaanju and Wuthathi peoples from Far North Queensland. Joeline joined TCU in 2012, initially taking on the role of Accounts Officer. In 2022, Joeline transitioned to the role of Human Resource Manager, where her commitment to fostering a supportive workplace environment, living TCU’s values and passion for supporting indigenous communities makes a positive impact both within TCU and beyond. Joeline is a valued member of the TCU team and is a great role model for our employees. Joanne Davies
Joanne Davies is the Finance Manager at TCU, a proudly indigenous-owned banking institution regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) in Australia. Jo has worked for TCU for over 26 years, initially commencing in the role as the sole teller in the Darwin branch and transitioned through many roles within TCU. After completing her Bachelor of Accounting Degree, she progressed to the Finance Manager role and plays a crucial role in overseeing TCU’s day to day financial operations. Having the combined knowledge and experience in many roles within TCU has allowed Jo to understand and link together the internal workings within TCU and gives her the ability to assist so many staff and members when necessary. She is passionate about community-focused banking, empowering Indigenous people and ensuring TCU operates to a high standard for its members. Reagan De Vera
Reagan De Vera is a dedicated Process Manager at TCU, a proudly indigenous-owned banking institution regulated by APRA in Australia. Reagan brings over 9 years of combined experience in branch and process management, consistently implementing innovative solutions that streamline operations and improve service delivery. Passionate about community-focused banking, Reagan works tirelessly to uphold the core values of TCU, providing security to our members by monitoring fraud and scam activity, along with many other tasks which keep TCU operating to a high standard for our members. Deb Say
Deb Say is the Training Officer at TCU, an organisation deeply committed to serving the Indigenous communities of Australia. Deb has worked for TCU for over 20 years focusing on Indigenous education, training, and support. Deb's work is instrumental in providing staff across TCU's network of remote community branches with the necessary skills, cultural sensitivity, and knowledge to support the financial well-being of Indigenous Australians. Her efforts contribute significantly to TCU's mission of offering culturally appropriate, essential banking services, empowering Indigenous people and fostering sustainable development within their communities.