Strength shown at AGMs

Sept 30, 2016

The unity of Kimberley Aboriginal people was on show for all to see at the AGMs of the Kimberley Land Council, KALACC, KLRC and Aarnja last week.

Hundreds of people travelled from across the region, Western Australia and interstate to attend the combined AGMs held at Warmun Community from September 20 to 22.

A range of business was conducted throughout the three day event, including elections for KLC, KLRC and Aarnja.

Anthony Watson was re-elected to the position of KLC Chairperson for a second two-year term, while Merle Carter has been welcomed to the positon of Deputy Chairperson, taking over from outgoing Deputy Chair Bonnie Edwards.

The new Board has a strong female presence, with 15 of the director positions allocated to women so far, with a further five positions still to be determined.

Mr Watson said the joint AGMs were an important opportunity to talk about the work of the region’s peak Aboriginal organisations.

“The AGMs highlight our transparency and allow us to update our members about the wide range of work the organisations have conducted throughout the previous financial year,” Mr Watson said.

“As Chairperson of the KLC, I reported on a number of our organisation’s successes, as well as the challenges we have faced and continue to face, including the State Government’s ‘roadmap’ for regional and remote communities.

“It was evident throughout the three-day meeting that members hold significant concerns about this plan for service delivery and there is great uncertainty about the future of many Kimberley Aboriginal communities.”

The event also featured dancing and singing performances facilitated by KALACC, as well as information stalls about various projects and services, including the Fitzroy River project, health checks and the Paraku seasonal calendar.

The joint AGMs of KLC, KALACC, KLRC and Aarnja occur every September in a different part of the Kimberley.