About Us
The meaning of Kooya
Kooya (Kweryah) is the name for frog in the Balladong dialect (moonogal mi – sound of the Eastern People) and is also the totem of the Bennell Family Clan. The Bennell family can trace its links back to Meenial and Bennial who were the two old man and women of the Bennell Moorit (family). Hence the name Bennell is an anglicised version of the original Benniel.
Gnitj Benniel a kulungah, gnuny kwell Collard moorit (The Collard family are decedents of these two old people Meenial and Benniel and we can trace our links back long before the tall ships arrived on the shores of the Derbarl Yerrigan – the Swan River).The Bennell family are a large family group that belong to the Balladong Clan of the Nyoongar Nation of the South West of Western Australia.
Kweryah the Frog is a ‘Healer or Walbraniny’ and many of the Bennell clan are good speakers of the Nyoongar language. This frog has got special power to heal and harm and he is the barometer of the ecology (noonook Kweryah wangkiny, noonook boodjar mooditjil). If you hear the frog talking you know the land is in balance and healthy.
Our Vision
“To build a sustainable and independent future for Indigenous Australians through delivering highly competitive, world class fleet management, financing and rental solutions across Australia.”
Our Mission
“Closing the Gap through Exceptional Indigenous Fleet Management and Rental Services.”
The Bibbulmun Fund
Kooya also donates 5% of profits into the Bibbulmun Fund, an Indigenous Community Investment fund which designs and delivers programs around enterprise, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership programs across Australia. The Bibbulmun Fund board now as Indigenous representatives from right across Australia which was designed to reflect our national footprint.
Strategic Partnerships
Kooya engages a network of partnerships across Australia to deploy and support vehicles into every corner of the country. From our Nation’s largest cities to the most remove construction locations. Throughout our country. Kooya is your partner for fleet, construction and transport vehicles.
We directly promote the development and training of Indigenous people and through our unique strategic partnership with Toyota Fleet Management, are helping to create a vibrant and sustainable Indigenous business sector.
Our Management
Kim Collard - Executive Chairman
Sharna Collard - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Sharna Collard - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
A proud Balladong/Wilmen man from the Noongar Nation, is a highly accomplished professional with a passion for Indigenous empowerment and economic development. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Aboriginal Management and Development as well as a Master's degree in Health Economics, both earned from Curtin University.
As the CEO of
A proud Balladong/Wilmen man from the Noongar Nation, is a highly accomplished professional with a passion for Indigenous empowerment and economic development. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Aboriginal Management and Development as well as a Master's degree in Health Economics, both earned from Curtin University.
As the CEO of Kulbardi, Kim spearheads Australia's largest Indigenous Business and Office Products supplier. Under his leadership, Kulbardi has become a prominent force in the industry, offering a wide range of high-quality products while supporting Indigenous businesses and promoting economic growth within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Kim's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and leadership is exemplified through his role as Chairman of the Bibbulmun Fund. This community investment fund aims to enhance enterprise, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities across Australia. Through the Bibbulmun Fund, Kim actively contributes to building capability and capacity, empowering Indigenous individuals and communities to thrive and succeed.
With his extensive knowledge and experience in Aboriginal management, development, and health economics, Kim Collard is a respected figure in the field of Indigenous business and community investment. He continues to champion the cause of Indigenous empowerment, advocating for economic self-sufficiency and creating opportunities for long-term success.
Sharna Collard - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Sharna Collard - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Sharna Collard - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
An accomplished Balladong/Wilmen woman belonging to the Noongar Nation. With extensive experience collaborating with Indigenous Government agencies and working alongside her father, Kim Collard, for over 15 years, Sharna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
As a Director of Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions, Sharna also
An accomplished Balladong/Wilmen woman belonging to the Noongar Nation. With extensive experience collaborating with Indigenous Government agencies and working alongside her father, Kim Collard, for over 15 years, Sharna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
As a Director of Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions, Sharna also holds the prestigious position of Chief Executive Officer, where she oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the business. Her strategic leadership and dedication ensure the smooth functioning and success of the company.
Sharna's exceptional contributions and achievements have been recognized within the Indigenous business community. In 2018, she was honored with the title of Supply Nation Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2019, she was acknowledged as the Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year. Furthermore, in 2021, she received the esteemed title of Businesswoman of the Year at the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum.
Sharna's remarkable journey, passion for Indigenous empowerment, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions and the wider business community.