QUEENSLAND MAYORS ATTEND 'DEVELOPING NORTHERN AUSTRALIA' CONFERENCE IN THE PILBARA

Bruce Gibson is the Mayor of Hope Vale Aboriginal Council in Queensland. He attended the Developing Northern Australia conference in Karratha, WA in August.

Mr Gibson spoke about his leadership role with Ngaarda Media.

“It all started with my dad, who strived to become the best at whatever he wanted to do and that was passed on to me. I protected who I am as an Indigenous man. I try not to get into trouble. But try to keep on the straight and narrow and after many years of ensuring I met the right people and put myself in the right places. I dabbled in politics, state and federal; I ran for those seats. Then, I was a CEO across the Northern Territory for an organisation in Queensland. So I've held three CEO roles, and then I told myself it's time I went home after being away since I was 17 years old.

I went home in my mid-40s and said to myself. Well, I've made money for everyone else .. what about me? So, I built two businesses. So I own a take-away shop and my own industrial mowing business. I've also started to develop My coffee brand because I like coffee.

It’s time to look after me. So I'm looking after myself. So I've done that. I've done my businesses, and then I thought, well, now it's time to pass all my knowledge and my experience on. So I put my hand up first to be a community counsellor, and then a term later, I became the Mayor of Hope Town Aboriginal Shire.”

In similar vein, history has been made as Terita Dick, 34, has become the youngest mayor in Queensland, leading the Kowenyama Regional Shire Council and significantly elevating Indigenous representation within the state's local government. Her election comes after eight years of public service, inspired by her grandfather's legacy of community leadership. As mayor, Dick is focused on addressing housing issues within Indigenous communities, emphasising that social and emotional well-being begins at home. She stated, "Housing is not just a roof over your head; it's where the journey of growth and learning starts for our children."

Through strategic advocacy at state and federal levels, she aims to secure funding for new housing developments and promote local job opportunities, addressing the critical problem of overcrowding in many Indigenous households. Dick has personally experienced these challenges in her community, highlighting the urgent need for effective housing solutions. “When we have overcrowded homes, it affects everything—sleep, education, and health. We must prioritise creating safe and adequate living conditions,” she remarked.

Both Gibson and Dick exemplify the commitment to cultural connections and collective empowerment, actively engaging with other Indigenous leaders to advocate for essential issues. Dick, recently appointed chair of the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance, represents 15 of the 17 Indigenous councils, demonstrating the importance of a unified voice in promoting progress for their communities across Queensland. Their leadership signifies a new era of Indigenous representation and proactive solutions to long-standing challenges.