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.
Councillor 2012-2019
The first female Mayor for Mapoon and second-time councilor 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.
“Council is striving to make our community prosperous; aiming to advance the health of our families and our environment as we move towards 2020.”
Mayor 2000-2016
A long standing Mayor (since inception of MASC) with extensive experience in Local Government, governance, Trustee operations, community planning / development, social policy, leadership, advocacy, conflict resolution and community engagement. A trusted member of the Local Government industry, Peter has a solid reputation amongst his peers and respected as a good leader by his people.
Deputy Mayor 2012-2013, Councillor 2012-2016
Founding Member and current director of Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation (Mapoon Land Trust), representative on the Ely Mining royalties trust and former member of Mapoon Land and Sea Advisory Committee. Polly is a tireless worker for Mapoon, renown for being reliable and honoring her word. A second term councilor, she is keen to build on the platform set during the last term and keen to support progress by working with fellow community members and Traditional Owners to secure a better future for Mapoon.
Newly Elected:
Background: A recognized artist and founding member of Wei-num art organisation from Western Cape York region and contributor to regional and state indigenous art events. 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
Newly Elected
Background: currently serving as a Reservist with the 51st battalion B company stationed out of Weipa. A former Ranger with the Mapoon Land and Sea Ranger program, he has a keen awareness of the environment and cultural practices. Brendan is keen to develop his leadership knowledge and skills as a councilors and represent Mapoon for the betterment of all residents.
Relatively new to the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council team, led by 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.”