Neil Gillespie is of Kamilaroi descent, one of over 300 Indigenous language groups in Australia. He has been married to Vicki for 34 years and has three children and six grandchildren.

Neil started his working life as a Banker of 25 years, including later years as a corporate banker working on some of Australia's largest corporate financing transactions. He then worked in the water and energy field as a finance manager, before joining the Australian Taxation Office National Director Continuing Professional Development before retiring early to a change in lifestyle. Neil consulted on taxation to Aboriginal communities throughout Australia on the impact of the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax. In late 2000 Neil took on the challenging role of CEO of ALRM where he remains today.

Neil has a Bachelor of Business, and MBA and is a member of a number of professional bodies. He is a Justice of the Peace. Neil is also a Chair, Treasurer and Board member of a number of organisations and governing committees, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, such as Tauondi Aboriginal Community College, Reconciliation South Australia and the University of South Australia.