The Mapoon Shire Aboriginal Council region is pristine and rich, vibrant, and friendly. The Council is made up of 5 councillors elected by the residents in the region, to represent this scenic Queensland region. All residents vote to elect the mayor who represents the entire Mapoon Shire.
The role of councillors is to represent the community. They make decisions that benefit their portfolio (infrastrcuture, families, health etc.), as well as the whole Mapoon Shire region, now and into the future.
Councillors are responsible for:
- providing leadership to the local government and the community
- developing policy
- strategic planning for the future
- planning for the delivery of services
- making local laws
- complying with legislation.
To make decisions for the region, statutory meetings are held every month. Council staff action the decisions made at council meetings.
Councillors are also responsible for portfolios or special areas of interest.
Council is committed to being open, accountable and ethical. Councillors’ conduct and performance must comply with the Local Government Act 2009.
The local government principles outlined in the Act are:
- transparent and effective processes
- decision making in the public interest
- sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure
- delivery of effective services
- democratic representation
- social inclusion and meaningful community engagement
- ethical and legal behaviour of councillors and employees.
Council also adopted a Code of Conduct[141KB] for councillors. The code sets out legal, ethical and behavioural duties. It also explains how to make a complaint about a breach of the code.
“Council is striving to make our community prosperous; aiming to advance the health of our families and our environment as we move forward.”
Councillor 2012 – current
The first female Mayor for Mapoon with extensive knowledge and history working in the health sector. Aileen is honoured to be elected unanimously to the position. A former health worker with a keen sense of accountability and respect for culture, she is intent on working with fellow community leaders to add her mark to the solid platform that is Mapoon Shire.
Councillor 2020 – current
A first – time councillor with extensive knowledge of the region and Local Government. A trusted member of the community, Cameron has a solid reputation amongst his peers and respected as a good leader by his people.
Councillor 2020 – current
A first – time councillor, Daphne is a tireless worker for Mapoon, renowned for being reliable and honoring her word. She is keen to work hard with fellow community members and Traditional Owners to secure a better future for Mapoon.
Councillor 2012 – current
A former aged care coordinator, Margaret has compassion for her people and a keen sense of duty to the community. Active in women’s issues in Mapoon, she is keen to continue her advocacy work for women, elders, and children of the community.
Click link for Margaret Mara Interest Disclosure Statement
Councillor 2020 – current
A first-time councillor, Dawn is keen to develop her leadership knowledge and skills as a councillors and represent Mapoon for the betterment of all residents.

Leading the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council team, along with Mayor Addo, Ms. Naseem Chetty manages the dynamic organisation within one of Queensland’s most exciting landscapes. Naseem has worked across many managerial settings where she works hard to ensure there is:
- Clear vision and plans
- Community engagement
- Leadership
- Stability and
- Shared responsibility
Ms Chetty is passionate about the capacity building of local staff, “building a strong skilled workforce will continue to support challenges faced by the Council”.
Naseem has worked in both Queensland and Northern Territory local governments where she practices ‘good governance’ focussing on change management, sound management practices, business efficiency, and training.
“Our residents are becoming more empowered as we work to create a future that is progressive, while advancing the region to the next level economically, environmentally and socially.”