Jennifer was
born in Wellington, New South Wales in 1969. Jennifer’s
natural parents are of Aboriginal descent. Jennifer's
parents are from the Wiradjuri and Pitjantjatjara Tribes.
Jennifer was adopted into an Australian Anglo-Saxon family.
Jennifer grew up in
Sydney’s South Western Suburbs. Throughout her childhood she
participated in sport, church and performing arts activities.
Jennifer
then went on to find her natural family in the early 1990’s.
After a few phone calls made in the Wellington area, she
finally got to speak to some of her family members. Since then
Jennifer has been forging relationships with her natural family
and extended family. This journey is ongoing and has been an
integral part to finding her identity and cultural heritage.
Jennifer is married to Warren
Stefanac and they have three teenage daughters. Jennifer lives
in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales and enjoys the lifestyle
of this regional setting.
Jennifer
has worked in various government departments over the past 10
years. During that time she has worked as an Administrative
Assistant, Customer Service Officer, Project Administrative
Officer, Aboriginal Education Assistant and a Child Protection
Caseworker.
Ken Banning joins
the team as a Candidate and as a Senior Policy Advisor for the
Reconcile Australia Party. Ken brings to our team 39 years of
service primarily within the State Public Service Sector. He has
tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in Welfare,
Public Administration and Policy Formulation.
Ken’s
career in the Public Service has given him significant exposure
to the political processes involved in Aboriginal Affairs and
policies. Ken has spent an extensive period of time working with
the Indigenous community and their families. Ken was responsible
for the administration of Aboriginal programs such as; Prisoner
Education, Aboriginal Economic Development in Communities,
Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Employment, Training and Child
Protection.
As a young child,
Ken grew up amongst the Aboriginal community in Western New
South Wales. Ken has worked with Aboriginal colleagues
throughout his Public Service career and has grown to respect
the values and culture. Ken has been an advocate that both
Indigenous Australians and the broader community must work
together for the benefit of all.
Ken’s
extensive
experience in the political and parliamentary process is an
asset to our organisation to ensure that every Australian has the
opportunity to achieve better outcomes for their lives.