Welcome to Karen Jacobs our newest Ambassador

The Rottnest Foundation is excited to welcome our new Ambassador, Karen Jacobs! 

Karen is a bloodline descendant and a Traditional Owner of Whadjuk Country, within the Noongar Nation.

She has a deep understanding of Rottnest Island, its history and cultural significance and is a valued member of the Wadjemup Whadjuk Cultural Authority Reference Group and the Wadjemup Project Steering Group.

Karen is the Sole Principal of Indigenous Economic Solutions Pty Ltd and has a strong interest and experience in environmental and conservation projects.

Karen has an extensive background in business management, strategic planning, cultural heritage, Native Title and cultural practices, facilitation and consultation, environmental planning and management, cultural tourism and Aboriginal education.

Karen was a former lecturer at the UWA, School of Social Science in the Foundations to Heritage Management.

Her career has led to the provision of Indigenous Specialist Services, in Native Title legislation, the integration of cultural heritage in landscapes, design and placemaking, and the go to expert, engaged by design teams for urban design, construction, and infrastructure projects, and Aboriginal procurement.

Karen’s current Board and Committee positions include:

Chairperson – The Whadjuk Foundation Inc.

Director/Secretary – Noongar Property Holdings Pty Ltd

Director – Bookitja Pty Ltd

Director – Noongar Chamber of Commerce Industry

Director – Bush Heritage Australia

Director – Community First Development

Vice Chair – Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health

Panel Member – State Design Review Panel

Committee Member – Kaitijin Mia Mia Aboriginal Foundation

Karen has served on the RIA Board, Tourism Australia Board and was a Commissioner on the Conservation Commission of WA.

We are delighted to welcome Karen as an Ambassador to the Rottnest Foundation and look forward to her valuable input and support for our environmental, cultural and heritage projects that will help conserve the essence of Wadjemup.