Who we are
Mara Ba Kumba comes from the Awabakal language, meaning “Takehold of Tomorrow”
Mara Ba Kumba is led by father and son team Lachlan Falconer-Adams & Steven Adams – two proud Kamilaroi men with decades of experience across government, health, infrastructure, and community.
Lachlan is a project director, service innovation specialist, and community engagement lead with a background in civil engineering and health infrastructure delivery. He’s led complex, multi-stakeholder projects including the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment, Tamworth Mental Health Unit, and emergency COVID-19 response in Far West NSW. He holds a Master of Leadership in Service Innovation and was named valedictorian of the Business, Economics and Law Faculty at UQ.
Steve brings extensive experience in senior executive roles across Aboriginal affairs, health, and community development. He currently serves on the Boards of Aboriginal Housing Office & WentWest and has advised at the highest levels of policy, governance and cultural reform. Steve’s leadership is grounded in strategic vision and cultural insight, with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Together, we offer a rare blend of hands-on project delivery, strategic leadership, and culturally grounded design – backed by real-world experience and trusted relationships across sectors.
My country, by uncle les elvin
This stunning work by Wonnarua artist Uncle Les Elvin is a deeply personal tribute to Country, culture, and kinship. Created in 2012 for Steven, Uncle Les created this piece in consultation with Mother & Grandmother to Steven & Lachlan, Jean Adams who grew up on Country and is the knowledge holder for this beautiful story. The painting draws upon their families connection to their Country on the Liverpool Plains of northwest New South Wales – ancestral Kamilaroi land rich with story, spirit, and belonging.
At the heart of the composition lie two powerful goannas, totemic ancestors representing Steven & Lachlan. Boldly rendered in black with intricate detailing, these figures symbolise the enduring bond between father and son – guardians of tradition and stewards of Country. Surrounding them is a complex and vibrant tapestry of dot work and colour, mapping key landmarks and songlines across the landscape.
The large concentric blue clusters at the centre evoke the township of Gunnedah, a place of gathering and grounding for the Gunnedarr People. Just below, the smaller meeting place denotes nearby Curlewis where Jean was raised, while the Namoi River meanders across the top of the canvas – its sinuous flow mirroring the lifeblood of the land. Tracks, meeting circles, and significant sites interweave across the artwork, capturing the sacred interconnectedness of people, place, and their Dreaming.
Both a map and a memory, My Country is not only a depiction of land but a declaration of belonging. It speaks to the living presence of Kamilaroi heritage and the intimate, inherited responsibility to care for and carry forward the stories of Country.
What Our Network Say About Us
Lachlan brought a level of cultural understanding and communication skills that directly improved outcomes in the setup of the temporary facilities … He quickly identified risks that planners had overlooked and mitigated them before they became issues for the local communities.
His commitment is clear in his success managing major infrastructure projects in Tamworth and Gunnedah, delivering real tangible benefits to the communities he served.
From the very beginning, Lachlan has impressed us with his outstanding communication skills and deep cultural understanding. Construction is not our area of expertise, so having someone we can trust and rely on throughout this process has been invaluable. Lachlan has become that trusted point of contact, bringing remarkable knowledge, drive, and enthusiasm to every stage of the project.
From the outset, Lachlan was dependable, organised, and could be trusted to get on with the job while keeping me looped in when it mattered. That kind of judgement is hard to teach, and it made working together very easy – especially in environments that were often politically complex and resource constrained.
Mara Ba Kumba’s thoughtful interactions enabled all Community as a whole to feel heard and valued as part of the project. Whether it was a concern raised, or a suggestion put forward they honoured their words with respect and genuine interest.
Throughout the process, Steve’s approach was always collaborative, ensuring open communication and fostering a supportive environment. His dedication, professionalism, and ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life made working with him a seamless and rewarding experience.
Thanks to Steve, the program was a resounding success, and we saw tangible improvements in recruitment and training outcomes. His warmth and expertise made all the difference – he truly is a standout in his field.
His integrity and character are evident in all his endeavours, making a significant positive impact on educational communities in the Hunter and Lake Macquarie regions.
Steven is a highly collaborative, collegial and effective Board Member and Governance Committee Chair. Through his leadership style he enables a high-functioning and respectful dynamic in committees and supports open and transparent participation by all.
Lachlan is an engaged and collaborative Project Director who’s a pleasure to work alongside. He genuinely values the role of strategic communications in mitigating risk, achieving milestones, and keeping projects running smoothly.
He ensures stakeholders feel informed, respected, and truly part of the journey. Always responsive and supportive, Lachlan embraces opportunities across media, social channels, and all forms of communication, making him an asset to any team.
Steven combines strategic vision with genuine cultural understanding, leading with integrity and achieving lasting results for both community and industry. He is a true advocate for self-determination and economic participation, and it has been a privilege to work alongside him.
