Her Story

Ros Moriarty established the Sydney-based Jumbana Group, a leading Australian Indigenous design and strategy company, with her partner in 1983. As its Managing Director, she conceived the Qantas 747 Aboriginal art aircraft, Wunala Dreaming.

Born in Tasmania, Ros is a graduate of the Australian National University, majoring in Anthropology, French and Linguistics. She was formerly a journalist with Radio Australia in Indigenous affairs, women’s issues and the environment. She has also held senior positions with the Federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs in Canberra and Sydney, and Australian Volunteers Abroad.

Ros’ Board appointments have included the Council of the National Gallery of Australia, Australian Major Events, the Council of the Australian Academy of Design, and the Board of the Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin. She has been awarded South Australian Business Woman of the Year, the Advance Australia Award for Service to Industry and Commerce, and the St Peter’s Citizenship Award.

Ros Moriarty was inducted into the Australian Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame in 1999, and the same year was a finalist in the NSW Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Through Jumbana, now in its thirtieth year, her studio’s Indigenous work is showcased to national and international audiences via relationships with global brands such as Qantas, IBM, and Nespresso.

Ros’ interest in Indigenous philosophy and imagery has become a lifelong passion, and she continues to combine her business ventures with philanthropy.

Ros Moriarty’s greatest passion is integrating the commercial side of Jumbana with The Nangala Project, a non-profit organisation she co-founded that supports remote Aboriginal families by delivering sustainable pre-literacy, soccer and volunteer programs.

Strategies for Success

1. Sound financial management and planning must be central.
2. Shared values must underpin business relationships.
3. Recruit talented, committed people. Nurture their development, encourage them to be team players, and enable them to take responsibility by delegating with confidence and support.
4. Invest in rich personal relationships outside work.
5. Contribute to the greater good of society.