Ms Kelly Barclay is a local Waanyi (North Gunnalunja) woman from Doomadgee with strong community connections. Kelly applied and was appointed to the first Local Thriving Communities, Joint Coordinating Committee in 2019 and has committed to the JCC for a further three years. Kelly is also the Community Engagement Coordinator for Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council. Kelly has a wide range of experience working on community initiatives, committing her time to the Yellagundgimarra Aboriginal Health Council, local sporting groups and the Doomadgee State School. As an artist, Kelly also supports her community through art – such as donating the design for the new Doomadgee State School uniforms. Kelly provides dedicated support for families during Sorry Business times. Kelly is experienced in policy development, mental health, and community training; has a strong knowledge of government processes and engages in regional negotiations and partnerships for her community.
Ms Nicole Huxley is a proud Gudjala and Girramay woman with a strong connection to her cultural heritage. Ms Huxley is well known for her long history of fighting for recognition of First Nations people, particularly throughout North Queensland. Over many years Nicole has worked in various fields advocating on behalf of and empowering her people and being proud to represent her western region as an elected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Counsellor. Currently Nicole is on the North Queensland Land Council Board of Directors and also represents her traditional country of Charters Towers as a Director on their RNTBC. As Community Manager for Jumbun Ltd (current role) Ms Huxley is leading progress on community-determined priorities and bringing the community together through the Gumbudda in our Mala (GoiM) program, which was designed by community for community. GoiM is a truth-telling, healing and empowerment program that outlined the aspirations and goals of the community. Ms Huxley is a recognised and respected leader with strong skills to effectively engage and maximise participation with Queensland First Nations people. Her work with Jumbun community is demonstrated in her success in drawing in voices of community from the youth to Elders; progressing those voices into the development of the Jumbun Community Statement of Intent which has led the way to forming the Jumbun Local Decision Making Body.
Cr Laurie Nona lives and works on Badu Island in the Torres Straits. He has several roles in community including: Councillor Division 5 – Badu Manager of the Badu Arts Centre. Through his art, Cr Nona explores Torres Strait Island life and culture, including his place in the world and his culture’s relation to nature and personal identity, and the importance of maintaining cultural histories, language and through traditional way of life. Along with managing the Badu Arts Centre for a number of years, Cr Nona’s personal work is held in a number of collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Cr. Nona’s is committed to seeing his Council take an integrated approach to Zenadth Kes’ major issues and working with government agencies to achieve community aspirations. He would like to see more houses being built for the people of Badu. Previous employment includes Immigration and Customs, Police Liaison Coordinator, DSDSATSIP Partnerships Officer, TSIRC Environmental Health Officer.
Ms Joann Schmider is a Mamu woman from FNQ tropical rainforest Country and lived experience in NWQ, NQ and SEQ. Ms Schmider focuses on connections between citizenship and Indigenous rights and on-ground benefits for all through advocacy, policy, programming and resourcing. Her community, legal entity, government and academic work relates to social, cultural, economic and/or environmental matters. She has qualifications in education and training, community development, leadership, governance and research, and is doing PhD studies supporting Aboriginal people in tourism cultural promotion.
Ms Susan Sewter is a Lardil woman with connections to Gangalidda and Waanyi people. Ms Sewter maintains strong and respected relationships with remote and discrete communities, particularly Mornington Island. She is Chairperson of the Mornington Island Health Council and is a former Mayor of the Mornington Island Shire Council. Ms Sewter does advocacy for culture, children and families and women.
Mr Joseph Wallace is a Jirrabal and Juru man from Far North Queensland, and the Founder and Managing Director of Multhana Property Services. His unique experience is underpinned by his passion for creating positive change for the First Nations communities. Mr Wallace has grown Multhana Property Services from four to 145 employees with a 30% Indigenous workforce rate (ten times the industry average for a business of this size). He has secured significant contracts in infrastructure, transport, health and education sectors, including Gold Coast Light Rail, Bruce Highway Upgrade, Rheinmetall Defence, Downer Defence, Metro Tunnel (Brisbane City Council), Coomera Connect TMR Project, and State Government schools project. Joseph has successfully worked to improve outcomes for First Nations peoples through facilitation of stable employment, training, and career development opportunities, enabling personal and professional empowerment. Mr Wallace is on the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Logan & Redlands Board striving to support economic development of the region through community and business initiatives and is a member of the Diversity Equity Inclusion Committee – Property Council of Australia. Mr Wallace has strong experience managing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs in local governments and private sectors, with in-depth understanding of multiple, complex community perspectives on government issues. Mr Wallace is committed to progressing a reframed relationship of mutual respect, high expectations and collaboration between Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples and the Queensland Government.
Mr Michael Bond identifies as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man and a member of the Taepadthiggi Clan of the Mapoon area. Mr Bond has strong cultural and traditional knowledge. He is a respected leader with demonstrated experience in community and government engagement. Mr Bond is the Manager of New Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation. Mr Bond possesses demonstrated experience advocating for the rights, needs and aspirations for community, implementing initiatives and innovative ideas focused on achieving the goals and aspirations of First Australians.
Ms Michelle Deshong identifies as a Kuku Yulanji woman from North Queensland. Ms Deshong works closely with individuals and communities to build leadership, governance and engagement approaches and is the CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute. She possesses significant executive-level experience in governance and community services management. Ms Deshong has a strengths-based approach to engagement and opportunities and has managed reform agendas. She also has extensive networks that enable her to engage with and maximise participation of First Nations community members.
Zhanae is a proud Ghungalu, Birri, Widi and Kaanju woman from Rockhampton, Central Queensland. She is passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocacy, specifically self-determination, understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma and lateral violence, reducing over-representation in government systems, and promoting cultural safety and truth telling. She also advocates for better approaches to domestic violence and youth justice issues, such as raising the age of criminal responsibility and the lack of a holistic and culturally appropriate responses for young people.
Last reviewed:28 October 2024
Last modified:28 October 2024
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence
We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors—our First Nations peoples—give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations towards creating a better Queensland.
We will respect, protect and promote human rights within our decision-making and actions.
