Mr. Mick Gooda has been reappointed today as the Co-Chair of the Queensland First Children and Families Board, along with three new members.
The Board guide and oversee Our Way: A generational strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families 2017-2037 which aims to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are disproportionately represented in the child protection system.
Minister for Children and Youth Justice, Leanne Linard MP said that Mr. Gooda and the Board's three new members – Ivy Trevallion, Dion Tatow and David Baird – will contribute invaluable cultural leadership and expert knowledge to the Board.
"The Queensland Government is committed to implementing the Our Way strategy in partnership with Family Matters Queensland, and the Board has a critical role in achieving the vision outlined in the strategy," she said.
Ms. Linard said each of the Board's members will support the Queensland Government to make real and meaningful change for generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and their families.
The Board's work will inform government and agency policy and decision making and will guide service delivery, community advocacy and initiatives.
"Each member of the Board brings with them a vast range of expertise, lived experience and strong cultural leadership to guide the implementation of the strategy.'
"We want to see all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up safe and cared for. They should have every opportunity available to them to learn about kin, country and culture," Ms. Linard said.
The Board is currently made up of eight community representatives and includes prominent leaders from diverse geographical locations across Queensland.
Mr. Mick Gooda's is a Gangulu man from the Dawson Valley in Central Queensland. He has spent the last 30 years advocating for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. He has undertaken a wide range of roles including being appointed as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Co-Commissioner on the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.
Mrs. Ivy Trevallion is a Torres Strait Islander woman from Dauan and Saibai Island. She has cultural knowledge and expertise gained from over 30 years of experience as a social worker and counsellor working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, mental health, child safety and domestic and family violence services.
Mr. Dion Tatow, an Iman and Wadja man from Central Queensland has been involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations for over 30 years and has experience advocating on issues including child protection and health.
Mr. David Baird is a Punaba-Bardi man originally from Western Australia who is currently a Councillor on the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council. He has extensive experience delivering services to discrete communities focusing on a range of issues including health, youth justice, social and emotional wellbeing.
The appointment of members is staggered over two and three years to ensure continuity of knowledge and practice.
