South West Native Title Settlement
In this panel discussion, facilitated by Dr Melissa Langdon, representatives from five of the six Noongar Regional Corporations discuss their current priorities, their focus over the next 12 months and their evolving relationship with DLGs. They are joined by the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, discussing the South West Native Title Settlement and Community Development Framework.
- Mat Wilson, CEO Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation
- Abby Phillis, CEO Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation
- Noelene McCormick, CEO Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation
- Lisa Dobrin, CEO Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation
- Gail Beck, Chair Yued Aboriginal Corporation, is a proud maternal descendant of Bunderan who married John Ryder at New Norcia mission. Bunderan’s other names were Sarah Ryder and Sally Ryder. Gail’s grandmother was forcibly removed from her family, which has given her a solid awareness of the Stolen Generations. She knows the importance of connected families, including the wellness of the family unit and community, and today’s challenges from trauma of past policies. A nurse by trade, Gail branched out into the community development field for the past 30 years and is the current Chair of Yued Aboriginal Corporation.
- Michelle Nelson Cox, Community Development Manager South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, is a proud Noongar woman, with Apical connections to Ballardong, Bibbulem and Wadjuk clans. She is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was born in Kellerberrin and started her schooling in Merredin before the family moved to Perth. For more than 30 years, Michelle has been actively involved in Aboriginal Affairs at a local, state and national level. She has worked in native title and for the departments of Housing and Education, Health Insurance Commission and Disability Service Commission, and holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Indigenous Services) and Bachelor of Arts (Community Management and Adult Education).
- Natalie Contos is the Acting Assistant Director with the Aboriginal Engagement Directorate at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. She has been involved in the team coordinating implementation of the Settlement since the Indigenous Land Use Agreements were signed in 2015. Natalie has a particular passion for supporting the Community Development Framework to deliver maximum Community Develop outcomes though strong partnerships.
