In Hopevale, Queensland members of Walmbaar Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) have welcomed back control of their corporation. It has been under special administration since September 2008.
The corporation was registered in 1998 to hold and manage native title for the Dingaal people.
The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Mr Anthony Beven, said ‘The special administrators have addressed several corporate governance problems that prompted me to place the corporation under special administration in 2008.’
‘The special administrators have worked with the corporation to update its rule book. It is very important that corporations have good rules that suit their needs and values. The rule book is effectively a contract between members and the corporation.’ Mr Beven said.
The corporation held an annual general meeting on 27 April 2009 and elected new directors. The directors are Mr Johnny Deeral, Mr Stanley Charlie, Ms Laverne Darkan, Ms Linda Yoren, Mr Kenneth McLean, Ms Justine Baru, Ms Tanya Yoren, Mr Stanton Thompson and Mr Roy Yoren (Junior).
‘The new directors start their duties immediately and will be responsible for leading their corporation.’ Mr Beven said.
The members also appointed an advisory committee of six elders to assist the directors. The group is Ms Gertie Deeral, Mr Johnny Charlie, Ms Elaine McGreen, Ms Christine Yoren, Ms Pauline McLean and Ms Amanda Baru. Ms Elaine McGreen was also appointed as the contact person of the corporation.
ORIC will run corporate governance training for the directors and other interested people in the Hopevale region in June 2009.
The special administrators, Mr Gerry Mier and Mr Tony Jonsson from the Cairns based firm of KPMG, have reported that corporation members are pleased that the special administration process has allowed them to fix problems and put their corporation back on the right track.
Background
Corporations established to hold and manage native title need safeguarding against corporate failure because of their special role. Appointing a special administrator is one mechanism the Registrar can use to help corporations through difficult times.
Contact:
Lisa Donnelly
02 6219 7611
29 May 2009
ORIC MR0809–24