Palm Island Co. a ‘new way of working’
Published Wednesday, 14 November, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced a celebration on Palm Island will be held next week to welcome the new Palm Island Community Company Limited and meet its board members.
At the event next Wednesday, November 21, Ms Nelson-Carr and Mayor Delena Oui-Foster will sign the company’s Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement in a symbolic gesture ahead of a traditional Kup Murri and traditional dancing.
“This is an important day for the community, marking a new era in self-determination for the Palm Island community,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“As the first community company of its kind in Indigenous Australia, it will be watched closely as a future management model for others across Queensland and around the country,” she said.
“It has a clear mandate to coordinate the delivery of services as well as support the development of the local economy – both musts for the future of the Island.
“I expect to see improvements in the quality and quantity of services being offered, including services for children, young people and families, as well as business development opportunities and initiatives to grow the economy and the skills needed to support it.”
The Palm Island Community Company has been established as a public company limited by shares. The Queensland Government and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council are the company’s two Ordinary Shareholders, while Community Shareholdings will be unlimited.
The board of directors has been appointed to govern the overall direction of the company and manage its day-to-day operations.
Ms Nelson-Carr congratulated the directors who held their first face-to-face meeting today which kick started the company’s operations in earnest.
“The board will soon start the process of issuing Community Shares to Palm Islanders and these shareholders will then appoint the second community nominated board director,” she said.
There will be a total of seven directors. Currently on the board are independent chair Carol Peltola, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council nominees Paul Travis and Jim Petrich, Queensland Government nominees Mark Johnston and Rhonda Phillips, and traditional owner Allan Palm Island.
Ms Peltola said the company represented a very exciting opportunity to work with the community.
“It’s a new model and a new way of working,” she said.
“The board sees itself working in partnership with non-government organisations and individuals on the Island and we are looking forward to meeting members of the community.”
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
At the event next Wednesday, November 21, Ms Nelson-Carr and Mayor Delena Oui-Foster will sign the company’s Constitution and Shareholders’ Agreement in a symbolic gesture ahead of a traditional Kup Murri and traditional dancing.
“This is an important day for the community, marking a new era in self-determination for the Palm Island community,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“As the first community company of its kind in Indigenous Australia, it will be watched closely as a future management model for others across Queensland and around the country,” she said.
“It has a clear mandate to coordinate the delivery of services as well as support the development of the local economy – both musts for the future of the Island.
“I expect to see improvements in the quality and quantity of services being offered, including services for children, young people and families, as well as business development opportunities and initiatives to grow the economy and the skills needed to support it.”
The Palm Island Community Company has been established as a public company limited by shares. The Queensland Government and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council are the company’s two Ordinary Shareholders, while Community Shareholdings will be unlimited.
The board of directors has been appointed to govern the overall direction of the company and manage its day-to-day operations.
Ms Nelson-Carr congratulated the directors who held their first face-to-face meeting today which kick started the company’s operations in earnest.
“The board will soon start the process of issuing Community Shares to Palm Islanders and these shareholders will then appoint the second community nominated board director,” she said.
There will be a total of seven directors. Currently on the board are independent chair Carol Peltola, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council nominees Paul Travis and Jim Petrich, Queensland Government nominees Mark Johnston and Rhonda Phillips, and traditional owner Allan Palm Island.
Ms Peltola said the company represented a very exciting opportunity to work with the community.
“It’s a new model and a new way of working,” she said.
“The board sees itself working in partnership with non-government organisations and individuals on the Island and we are looking forward to meeting members of the community.”
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280