Board Update

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout NQLC’s representative footprint and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. I pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
I would also like to acknowledge my colleagues on the Board of Directors and the staff of the North Queensland Land Council. Since being voted in as the Chairperson in March of this year, I have enjoyed working alongside our team to ensure that the native title rights and interests of every Traditional Owner within our region is legally recognised and that support is provided to Traditional Owner groups to ensure they have the opportunity to benefit culturally, socially and economically from the secure possession of their traditional lands and waters.

Moving into 2023, the Board and I look forward to continuing to perform our duties as the governing body of the corporation. In addition, the Board will also be reviewing and revising several of NQLC’s key documents including the continued work on the rule book, the corporation’s policies and procedures, and the strategic plan.

As mentioned above, NQLC held its 2022 AGM on Saturday 3 December 2022 in Townsville. I am very pleased at how efficient the business of the day was conducted and the number of members in attendance. NQLC’s membership stretches across approximately 411,164 km2 of land and 2022 was a significant year for Townsville as the Mabo decision was celebrated and it was fitting to convene the AGM there again this year. I would like to extend my gratitude to all members that attended the AGM for making the journey and acknowledge you for your continued commitment to the NQLC and native title recognition. A friendly reminder that attendance at the NQLC AGM is limited to the membership. If you would like to attend the 2023 AGM, please ensure you apply to become a member by submitting an application form. Applications can be downloaded from the NQLC website or you can phone the office on freecall 1800 814 779 and they will arrange one for you.

Also covered at the AGM was the reappointed of Grant Thornton as NQLC’s auditors for the coming financial year. This comes after several years of receiving an unqualified audit report with thanks to their auditor and partner, Helen Wilkes. I would also like to extend my thanks to Helen for the financial training she recently provided to the Board.

The recruitment of a long-term CEO is firmly in motion with the recently established CEO Recruitment Sub-Committee. Advertising is set to commence in the coming weeks and we hope to provide further details on the successful appointment in our next Message Stick. In the meantime, NQLC will continue to perform its functions with minimal disruption with thanks to Rhonda Jacobsen, Senior Legal Officer/Manager – EDST, as interim CEO.

I would like to finish off by wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May 2023 be filled with good cheer, good health, and good fortune. On behalf of the Board and staff, we look forward to working with you in continuing to achieve positive outcomes for all Traditional Owners well into the future.

Regards,

Richard

Richard Hoolihan

Chair, North Queensland Land Council