This is Us.
Big Ideas. Real Impact.
From our leadership team to our people on the grounds, we bring strong community values, industry experience and a commitment to excellence in guiding the direction of First People Facilities Management.
Our Leaders
Cherie Thompson
Owner / Director
Cherie Thompson is a proud Indigenous entrepreneur, award-winning business leader, and passionate advocate for the sustainable growth of regional communities. As CEO and co-founder of Native Secrets, Cherie has built one of Australia’s leading natural skincare brands, combining traditional knowledge with innovative practices to bring wild-harvested native botanicals to a global audience.
With an executive MBA and extensive experience across business development, manufacturing, and social enterprise, Cherie brings a strategic perspective to regional economic development and tourism. She has been instrumental in positioning Indigenous-led enterprises as a powerful driver of employment, cultural celebration, and economic resilience in outback NSW.
Cherie identified an opportunity to broaden her impact on industry by establishing First People FM. She shares her experience and wealth of knowledge to lead a team who are focused on client service whilst growing indigenous pathways and employment.
Cherie’s achievements have been recognised through multiple national awards and media features, including the Telstra Best of Business Awards and Women’s Weekly. Under her leadership, Native Secrets has become a model for ethical sourcing, regional job creation, and authentic storytelling.
In her role on the Destination Country and Outback NSW board, Cherie is committed to strengthening partnerships between traditional custodians, regional businesses, and the tourism sector. She is passionate about showcasing the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and entrepreneurial spirit of outback communities.
Phil Thompson
Founder
Phil is a Central Queenslander, born in Barcaldine. A Bidjara/Kara Kara man and his mother people are from Tanna Islander, Vanuatu. The youngest of 6 children, Phil spent his youth working with his family on the land chasing sheep and cattle around.
Phil is an environmentalist and conservationist, his passion is bio-diversity management, land rehabilitation and has turned this passion in an essential oil manufacturer and natural skin care company all based on traditional knowledge called Native Secrets. Native Secrets supplies products to various outlets and corporates including Qantas and Taronga Zoos.
More recently, Phil and his family featured on ABC’s ‘Moving 2 the country’ program, featured in the Qantas magazine, Women’s Weekly, was one of the final 12 in Koshies favourite Australian family business awards and Telstra’s NSW Building Communities state winner in 2023.
Phil is also an Adjunct faculty member of the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW where he facilitates a Leadership Immersion and Leadership Masterclasses.
Phil joins Cherie behind the business that is First People FM, together writing a new chapter in their story. He brings his passion to connect people and business together to deliver exceptional service whilst making a positive impact to the community.
Our on-site teams take pride in doing the work properly—safely, respectfully, and with attention to detail. Behind the scenes, our office team manages planning, client communication, reporting and compliance to keep everything running smoothly. Together, we deliver a consistent service you can rely on.
The People Behind the Service
Talk to Our Team About Your Facilities Requirements
We support clients across government, education, commercial and industrial environments with structured service delivery and consistent reporting. Contact us to discuss your site and we’ll provide a clear, compliant approach to meet your needs.
