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Yilay exists to share culture through story, art, and meaningful collaboration.
We honour our artists and ancestors by creating apparel and products that connect people and spark conversation.

As a 100% Indigenous-owned and operated business, we stand on cultural integrity, family, and community. We’re proud to work with communities, schools, sporting clubs, government agencies, and organisations across Australia, building relationships that create real impact.

Our mission is simple: create products that tell our stories and empower our communities.


Jesse Green


Owner/Managing Director

Galangoor Djali (Good Day)

Jesse Green is a proud Butchulla, Woppaburra, and Gunditjmara man, born and raised in Brisbane. He and his partner Kirrily founded Yilay as an Aboriginal-led business built on strengthening community wealth, cultural knowledge, and self-determination. Their vision is to create genuine opportunities for mob, celebrate culture through storytelling and design, and ensure that economic and creative ownership stays within community.

Jesse has spent his career supporting Indigenous communities through sport, education, and health. As the Indigenous Programs Manager for AFL Queensland, he led engagement and high-performance programs across Queensland and northern NSW. He later worked with the Cape York Leaders Program, helping empower young Indigenous people to become leaders in their communities.

Alongside this, Jesse ran his own personal training business, promoting healthy living across Brisbane. A dedicated athlete himself, representing his club in NEAFL and QAFL, and his Country, State, and Region in touch football, he brings strong community insight and leadership to Yilay. His vision is grounded in empowering mob, strengthening culture, and creating opportunities that support long-term community wellbeing.

Jesse is hopeful that Yilay can assist your organisation, company, group or team with all your apparel, promotional or signage requirements and very appreciative of both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community support.


Kirrily Phillips

 

Sales and Operations 

Kirrily Phillips is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman from Northern NSW. A mum of three to partner Jesse, she finds her joy in family, community and kicking a soccer ball around whenever she can. With more than 13 years’ experience as a dental practitioner and clinic supervisor at the University of Queensland Dental School, Kirrily has always been driven by a passion for education, growth, and supporting others to reach their potential.

 

Yilay has opened a new chapter, strengthening her communication and broadening her skills across project management, and business operations. She thrives on being part of projects that celebrate creativity, bring people together, and create meaningful community impact.

For Kirrily, Yilay is a platform for empowerment, connection, and cultural pride. She’s proud to contribute to a team that leads with professionalism, heart, and a deep commitment to community.

 

Salu Mam

Sales & Operations

Salu Mam is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from St Paul Village Moa Island.

Salu has lived her life in Woodridge with strong connections to community and to her community on Moa Island. Salu is a proud mother of a son, and outside of family life, is passionate about staying active through sports like touch football, rugby league and hitting the gym. Salu thrive on challenges both in her personal life and professional role, always looking for ways to push herself and improve. Whether it's leading a team or working towards a goal, Salu brings energy, dedication and a strong work ethic to everything she does.


Nathaniel Chapman

Graphics & Marketing

Nathaniel Chapman is a proud Goenpul Yaggera man from Brisbane and North Stradbroke Island. Nathaniel is graphics and marketing at Yilay. 

A proud descendant of the Geonpul and Yagera peoples of Minjerribah (North Stradbrokes Island) and Brisbane (Megandjin), as well as the Wakka Wakka people from Eidsvold. As an artist and graphic designer, his foremost goal is to continually grow and develop his skills. Nathaniel view on learning is a lifelong journey, and that stepping outside his comfort zone is essential for personal growth. Each unique project offers a chance for him to push his boundaries, and experiencing his vision come to life in collaboration with Yilay and other partners is immensely rewarding. Nathaniel has three children his greatest inspiration, and he dedicated to making a positive impact on their lives by teaching them the importance of his strong heritage. 

In Memory of Leah Cummins

Yilay Artist & Graphics Designer

We honour and acknowledge the immense contribution Leah Cummins made to Yilay. Her creativity, cultural knowledge, and gentle guidance shaped many of the designs we proudly share today. We are deeply grateful for the stories, spirit, and warmth she brought into our team. 

Leah was a proud Mayi-Kulan bunya (woman) with strong Kalkadoon connections to Mount Isa and family ties across North Western Queensland. With more than 20 years’ experience as a Geoscientist, she carried a deep understanding of country, knowledge that flowed beautifully into her artistic work.

Her art told stories of strength, identity, and connection. Leah drew inspiration from her cultural roots, honouring her ancestors and celebrating women, children, and the land. Blending traditional and contemporary styles, she brought her country to life in every piece she created.

Leah’s legacy will continue through her artwork and the many people she inspired. She remains an important part of Yilay’s story, now and always. Rest in eternal peace sis.