KLC NEWSROOM
Nolan Hunter steps down as CEO of the Kimberley Land Council
After 13 years valuable of service to the Kimberley Land Council, Nolan Hunter, will step down as CEO to pursue new opportunities, effective November 13, 2020.
Nolan Hunter is a visionary leader, who has made an immense contribution to the Kimberley Land Council during his time as CEO. A proud Bardi man, Nolan’s strong links to his people and culture across saltwater country have driven him to use his skills and endless energy to fight for the rights of Kimberley Aboriginal people.
Under his leadership the KLC has secured a record number of determinations across the Kimberley. His work is also reflected in the iconic building which is now our headquarters. Nolan was instrumental in securing multimillion-dollar funding to enable construction of a building that is often referred to as the “Kimberley’s Parliament House”. The KLC building reflects the power and persistence of Traditional Owners to build the KLC into the heavy hitting organisation we are today.
Nolan has lifted the profile of the KLC locally, nationally and internationally. He has shared our story and our mission across the world, from Canberra to the United Nations. He has used his skills in relationship building to leverage opportunities for Kimberley Aboriginal people that have grown our organisation.
Nolan’s other achievements include his contribution to the many committees, initiatives and inquiries that have given a voice to the progression of Aboriginal affairs in this country. This includes; Chair of the National Native Title Council, Director of the Kimberley Foundation Australia and Member of the Uluru advisory committee. He is also a founding member of the International Savanna Fire Management Initiative, which shared the best practice fire management work of our Kimberley rangers with the world.
Kimberley Land Council building in Broome - ‘‘The Kimberley’s Parliament House”
Nolan reflected on his time at the land council…
“It has been an immense privilege to lead the Kimberley Land Council. This is an organisation dedicated to the protection and elevation of the rights of Kimberley Aboriginal people. I am honoured to have played a part in that.
“I am grateful for the foresight, knowledge and commitment of our old people that started and continues to drive the journey of the KLC.
“Since 1978, when Aboriginal people in the Kimberley decided to join together with one voice, and the Kimberley Land Council was born, we have been fighting for our voice to be heard and our rights respected.
“I am deeply proud of what the KLC team has achieved in those 42 years in securing strong native title outcomes for the Kimberley mob. The KLC has an exciting future ahead as we build on those successes and look toward the next phase.
“I take my hat off to the previous CEO’s, who laid the groundwork to progress our journey. It’s a difficult job, with many challenges and I thank them for the part they played in our story.
“We have a strong team and I am confident that the KLC is in the capable hands of people who are passionate, committed and who will continue the legacy of the land council as a force for positive change in the Kimberley.”