Published Saturday, 13 December, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
New council members: Minister
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced the inaugural members of a new Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council.
The 14-member council, to be chaired by the Minister, will hold its first meeting in February.
"We received more than 112 applications form people keen to join the council and work with the Bligh Government to help close the gap in life outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"The council members are appointed for an initial period of two years to provide a direct link between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander people and government," she said.
"It will advise on practical strategies and partnerships that contribute to meeting the national Closing the Gap targets, as well as our own Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland ambitions and outcomes.
"Selection of the council members was based on a mix of expertise, gender, age and their geographical location, as well as their connections with urban, regional, rural and remote communities across.
"Most importantly, we have chosen a group of people who, between them, have tremendous knowledge and experience, strong community networks and are respected members of their communities.
"They include some wise heads as well as new and emerging leaders who will bring a fresh perspective to contemporary and future challenges."
The council includes Queenslanders with experience in early childhood, community and economic development, education and training, social and cultural issues, justice, reconciliation and the environment.
Ms Nelson-Carr said one of the council's first priorities would be to provide advice on the wording of a preamble for the Queensland Constitution which Premer Anna Bligh announced in Parliament recently.
"We will be recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as Australia's first peoples in an inspirational and uplifting way, taking up a suggestion raised at the Queensland 2020: Ideas to Action Forum in May 2008 and agreed to by State Government."
She said the council would also provide advice on the Queensland Government's preparations for the special COAG meeting on Closing the Gap scheduled for 2009.
A full list of Council members follows.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr's office – Alexia Deegan 0400 767 490
INAUGURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mrs Estelle Bowen (Hope Vale - Guugu Yimmithirr) is an elder, and for more than 35 years has been a strong advocate and passionate worker with women, children and families in Hope Vale. Mrs Bowen established the first child care facility in a Deed of Grant in Trust community, and her rapport with people of all ages provides a positive role model to many young people and women. She brings experience on boards at the local, Cape York and state level in addition to strong links with community.
She is a local Family Responsibilities Commissioner.
Ms Robyn Parkes-Sandri (Buderim - Gungarri descent) is a teacher and writer who trained in the United States. Ms Parkes-Sandri is currently completing a PhD on Indigenous issues in education and is a lecturer and coordinator of early childhood courses at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Ms Parkes-Sandri has strong links with the Aboriginal community of the Sunshine Coast via formal and informal networks including playgroups and programs helping children before they go to school.
Ms Selina Hill (Bundaberg - Wakka Wakka) brings strong connections, community networks and experience on many forums, advisory committees and associations in the Wide Bay region. Ms Hill has a background assisting Aboriginal clients prepare and file Native Title claims with the Federal Court. She also provides assistance to the Indigenous sector by facilitating negotiations which support the development, implementation and monitoring of Indigenous natural resource management business and cultural heritage aspirations.
Ms Georgina Archer (Brisbane - Torres Strait Islander) was born in Cairns and continues to have strong connections in the far north of Queensland. Ms Archer brings her experience and networks as current Chair of the Queensland Indigenous Education Consultative Committee in addition to her experience over 32 years as a secondary school teacher and leader to the Advisory Council. Ms Archer has local, state and national networks across the Indigenous community in the employment, child safety and health sectors.
Professor Cindy Shannon (Brisbane - Ngugi from Moreton Island) has worked in many regional and remote communities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and over the last 17 years specialised in health. Ms Shannon is Professor in Indigenous Health at the University of Queensland and works as a private consultant and health advisor and has contributed to national health policy through membership of a number of national committees. Professor Shannon is also chair of the recently established Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation.
Dr Mark Wenitong (Cairns - Kabi Kabi) is the Senior Medical Officer at Apunipima Cape York Health Council where he is working on health reform across the Cape York Aboriginal communities. Doctor Wenitong is a leader and active member on a number of Indigenous health committees, is involved in clinical, policy and practise work with the aim of improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services and outcomes in Australia.
Mr Kevin O'Brien (Brisbane - Kaurereg & Meriam) is an architect leading the only Indigenous-led private architectural practice in Australia. With a Master of Philosophy and a paper titled "Aboriginality and Architecture", Mr O'Brien brings to the Advisory Council a professional background combined with youth, enthusiasm and his affiliation with several Indigenous organisations.
Mr James William (Brisbane - Kulkalgal ya) has a background working within the Queensland Government in a number of portfolio areas, principally related to enterprise development, providing services to Indigenous communities throughout Queensland. Mr William currently leads Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu's Indigenous Services area providing professional consulting services to both public and private sector clients. Mr William brings research, policy and program management experience to the Advisory Council.
Ms Sonia Minniecon (Brisbane - Kabbi Kabbi with family links to Mackay) is the Co Director and co-founder of two businesses. As Director of Natural Partners she has set up an Indigenous regional training and assessment service; and of Charitel, which facilitates IT services for Indigenous and welfare organisations. Ms Minniecon personally delivered governance training and facilitation services to 17 Indigenous Councils throughout Queensland over the past four years, building and maintaining positive relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities.
Mr Max Lenoy (Townsville - Yarrabah and Palm Island) is a lecturer and RATEP Director in the School of Education at James Cook University. A graduate of Harvard University, Mr Lenoy brings to the Advisory Council experience on the Library Board of Queensland and the Queensland Indigenous Arts Marketing Export Authority and a proven track record in Indigenous education.
Mr Napau 'Pedro' Stephen (Thursday Island - Ugaramle (Stephen Island) and Magaram (Murray Island)) is the first fulltime Mayor of the Torres Strait Shire based on Thursday Island. An Ordained Minister, Cr Stephen has a vision of the Torres Strait as a strategic centre and safe location for Australia to launch economic development and aid to our northern international neighbours.
Ms Pearl Eatts (Winton - Pitta-Pitta & Karuwali) has developed a strong network and understanding of the Aboriginal communities across the central and south-west of Queensland through her work as a social and community worker. Ms Eatts has experience on regional forums and on the Cultural Heritage Act Review Advisory Panel. She brings experience working with people and communities as a Child Protection Officer, Alcohol and Drug Counsellor and delivering Indigenous early childhood programs.
Mr Norman Clarke (Brisbane - Kanouku) is a Queensland Fire Service Station Officer, trainer and workshop facilitator awarded an Australia Day Achievement Medal in 2002 for services to Indigenous communities and an Australian Fire Service Medal in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours List in recognition of his continuing contribution to increasing the fire safety organisational and community capacity of Indigenous communities. Mr Clarke is Chairperson of the Inala Community Justice Group, Presiding Indigenous Representative on the adult and children's Murri Court and member of advisory groups.
Mr Nathan Jarro (Brisbane - Ghangulu and Bidjara) is a young Brisbane barrister in private practice with five years experience in practice at the Queensland Bar. Mr Jarro was recently appointed to the Council of the Queensland University of Technology, is current President of the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland, Secretary to the Brisbane Boy's College Indigenous Scholarship Fund, a Director on the Major Brisbane Festivals Pty Ltd and Vice Chair of the Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts Inc.
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The 14-member council, to be chaired by the Minister, will hold its first meeting in February.
"We received more than 112 applications form people keen to join the council and work with the Bligh Government to help close the gap in life outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"The council members are appointed for an initial period of two years to provide a direct link between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander people and government," she said.
"It will advise on practical strategies and partnerships that contribute to meeting the national Closing the Gap targets, as well as our own Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland ambitions and outcomes.
"Selection of the council members was based on a mix of expertise, gender, age and their geographical location, as well as their connections with urban, regional, rural and remote communities across.
"Most importantly, we have chosen a group of people who, between them, have tremendous knowledge and experience, strong community networks and are respected members of their communities.
"They include some wise heads as well as new and emerging leaders who will bring a fresh perspective to contemporary and future challenges."
The council includes Queenslanders with experience in early childhood, community and economic development, education and training, social and cultural issues, justice, reconciliation and the environment.
Ms Nelson-Carr said one of the council's first priorities would be to provide advice on the wording of a preamble for the Queensland Constitution which Premer Anna Bligh announced in Parliament recently.
"We will be recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as Australia's first peoples in an inspirational and uplifting way, taking up a suggestion raised at the Queensland 2020: Ideas to Action Forum in May 2008 and agreed to by State Government."
She said the council would also provide advice on the Queensland Government's preparations for the special COAG meeting on Closing the Gap scheduled for 2009.
A full list of Council members follows.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr's office – Alexia Deegan 0400 767 490
INAUGURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mrs Estelle Bowen (Hope Vale - Guugu Yimmithirr) is an elder, and for more than 35 years has been a strong advocate and passionate worker with women, children and families in Hope Vale. Mrs Bowen established the first child care facility in a Deed of Grant in Trust community, and her rapport with people of all ages provides a positive role model to many young people and women. She brings experience on boards at the local, Cape York and state level in addition to strong links with community.
She is a local Family Responsibilities Commissioner.
Ms Robyn Parkes-Sandri (Buderim - Gungarri descent) is a teacher and writer who trained in the United States. Ms Parkes-Sandri is currently completing a PhD on Indigenous issues in education and is a lecturer and coordinator of early childhood courses at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Ms Parkes-Sandri has strong links with the Aboriginal community of the Sunshine Coast via formal and informal networks including playgroups and programs helping children before they go to school.
Ms Selina Hill (Bundaberg - Wakka Wakka) brings strong connections, community networks and experience on many forums, advisory committees and associations in the Wide Bay region. Ms Hill has a background assisting Aboriginal clients prepare and file Native Title claims with the Federal Court. She also provides assistance to the Indigenous sector by facilitating negotiations which support the development, implementation and monitoring of Indigenous natural resource management business and cultural heritage aspirations.
Ms Georgina Archer (Brisbane - Torres Strait Islander) was born in Cairns and continues to have strong connections in the far north of Queensland. Ms Archer brings her experience and networks as current Chair of the Queensland Indigenous Education Consultative Committee in addition to her experience over 32 years as a secondary school teacher and leader to the Advisory Council. Ms Archer has local, state and national networks across the Indigenous community in the employment, child safety and health sectors.
Professor Cindy Shannon (Brisbane - Ngugi from Moreton Island) has worked in many regional and remote communities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and over the last 17 years specialised in health. Ms Shannon is Professor in Indigenous Health at the University of Queensland and works as a private consultant and health advisor and has contributed to national health policy through membership of a number of national committees. Professor Shannon is also chair of the recently established Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation.
Dr Mark Wenitong (Cairns - Kabi Kabi) is the Senior Medical Officer at Apunipima Cape York Health Council where he is working on health reform across the Cape York Aboriginal communities. Doctor Wenitong is a leader and active member on a number of Indigenous health committees, is involved in clinical, policy and practise work with the aim of improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services and outcomes in Australia.
Mr Kevin O'Brien (Brisbane - Kaurereg & Meriam) is an architect leading the only Indigenous-led private architectural practice in Australia. With a Master of Philosophy and a paper titled "Aboriginality and Architecture", Mr O'Brien brings to the Advisory Council a professional background combined with youth, enthusiasm and his affiliation with several Indigenous organisations.
Mr James William (Brisbane - Kulkalgal ya) has a background working within the Queensland Government in a number of portfolio areas, principally related to enterprise development, providing services to Indigenous communities throughout Queensland. Mr William currently leads Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu's Indigenous Services area providing professional consulting services to both public and private sector clients. Mr William brings research, policy and program management experience to the Advisory Council.
Ms Sonia Minniecon (Brisbane - Kabbi Kabbi with family links to Mackay) is the Co Director and co-founder of two businesses. As Director of Natural Partners she has set up an Indigenous regional training and assessment service; and of Charitel, which facilitates IT services for Indigenous and welfare organisations. Ms Minniecon personally delivered governance training and facilitation services to 17 Indigenous Councils throughout Queensland over the past four years, building and maintaining positive relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities.
Mr Max Lenoy (Townsville - Yarrabah and Palm Island) is a lecturer and RATEP Director in the School of Education at James Cook University. A graduate of Harvard University, Mr Lenoy brings to the Advisory Council experience on the Library Board of Queensland and the Queensland Indigenous Arts Marketing Export Authority and a proven track record in Indigenous education.
Mr Napau 'Pedro' Stephen (Thursday Island - Ugaramle (Stephen Island) and Magaram (Murray Island)) is the first fulltime Mayor of the Torres Strait Shire based on Thursday Island. An Ordained Minister, Cr Stephen has a vision of the Torres Strait as a strategic centre and safe location for Australia to launch economic development and aid to our northern international neighbours.
Ms Pearl Eatts (Winton - Pitta-Pitta & Karuwali) has developed a strong network and understanding of the Aboriginal communities across the central and south-west of Queensland through her work as a social and community worker. Ms Eatts has experience on regional forums and on the Cultural Heritage Act Review Advisory Panel. She brings experience working with people and communities as a Child Protection Officer, Alcohol and Drug Counsellor and delivering Indigenous early childhood programs.
Mr Norman Clarke (Brisbane - Kanouku) is a Queensland Fire Service Station Officer, trainer and workshop facilitator awarded an Australia Day Achievement Medal in 2002 for services to Indigenous communities and an Australian Fire Service Medal in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours List in recognition of his continuing contribution to increasing the fire safety organisational and community capacity of Indigenous communities. Mr Clarke is Chairperson of the Inala Community Justice Group, Presiding Indigenous Representative on the adult and children's Murri Court and member of advisory groups.
Mr Nathan Jarro (Brisbane - Ghangulu and Bidjara) is a young Brisbane barrister in private practice with five years experience in practice at the Queensland Bar. Mr Jarro was recently appointed to the Council of the Queensland University of Technology, is current President of the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland, Secretary to the Brisbane Boy's College Indigenous Scholarship Fund, a Director on the Major Brisbane Festivals Pty Ltd and Vice Chair of the Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts Inc.
/ends