Aurukun
Aurukun is on the western coast of Cape York and is approximately 900 kilometres northwest of Cairns, and about 200 kilometres south of Weipa. The community had an estimated resident adult population of 784 people as at 30 June 2010.
Commissioners
Commissioner Edgar KERINDUN
Commissioner Edgar KERINDUN (Sara Clan) was born and raised in Aurukun, is a traditional owner of the area, was elected to the position of Councillor in the Local Government elections conducted on 28 April 2012 and is currently employed by Queensland Health as an Engagement Officer. Aurukun Commissioner Kerindun was one of the original Community Police Officers in Aurukun and continues to promote justice and criminal rehabilitation. He and partner, Aurukun Commissioner Doris Poonkamelya, have for a number of years had in their care three children from their extended family. Aurukun Commissioner Kerindun has a strong belief that if you show respect to everyone, everyone will have more respect for you.
Commissioner Doris POONKAMELYA
Commissioner Doris POONKAMELYA (Putch Clan) was born at the Kendall River Outstation and her family moved to Aurukun when she was a child. Aurukun Commissioner Poonkamelya retired as a senior health worker from Queensland Health where she worked for 29 years. She is a founding member of the Aurukun Community Justice Group and is deeply committed to education as the pathway to employment and a promising future for young people.
Commissioner Sarah WOLMBY
Commissioner Sarah WOLMBY (Aplach Clan) was born and raised in Aurukun and has previously worked for 15 years as a senior health worker with Queensland Health. Aurukun Commissioner Wolmby is an avid supporter of children receiving a strong education to allow them to successfully graduate from senior and tertiary education and gain employment either in Aurukun to enrich the community, or outside of Aurukun in their chosen career.
Commissioner Ada Panawya WOOLLA
Commissioner Ada Panawya WOOLLA (Wik-Munkan Clan) was born and raised in Aurukun, later leaving the community to attend boarding school and business college. Aurukun Commissioner Woolla is employed as a Recognised Entity where she works closely with Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services. She is also a foster and kinship carer, an office bearer in the church, a founding Member of the Aurukun Community Justice Group, a respected mediator and community Elder and was recently elected to the position of Councillor at the April 2012 Local Government elections.
Commissioner Dorothy POOTCHEMUNKA
Commissioner Dorothy POOTCHEMUNKA (Winchinam / Aplach Clans) was born, raised and educated in Aurukun and now has 10 children, 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Aurukun Commissioner Pootchemunka’s interests span the full spectrum of traditional activities including fishing, camping and the customary female craft of basket weaving using Pandanus and Cabbage Palm leaf. Aurukun Commissioner Pootchemunka is also a registered Wik interpreter and her expertise is utilised within the court system and also by the Department of Human Services.
Commissioner Vera KOOMEETA
Commissioner Vera KOOMEETA (Aplach Clan) was born in Aurukun, educated in her early years in community and then attended boarding school for her senior school years. She is a Justice of the Peace (Magistrates Court) and a registered interpreter as well as a member of the Aurukun Community Justice Group. Aurukun Commissioner Koomeeta’s experience assists in her ability to make independent and informed decisions as a Local Commissioner. She is the representative of her clan group, is involved in several committees and holds positions on a number of boards. On 28 April 2012 the Aurukun Commissioner was elected to the position of Councillor in the Local Government elections. When not working, the Aurukun Commissioner can be found spending time with her granddaughter, camping and fishing.
AURUKUN Local Coordinator - Dellis Gledhill
Dellis Gledhill commenced her career in the Australian Defence Force before making a sea change and returning to her hometown of Mossman in North Queensland. Dellis has worked in remote communities for nineteen years, and for the past four years has worked in Aurukun. She has an admirable rapport with the people of Aurukun and Coen and is well accepted by community members. Dellis’ experience extends to the court system where she assists as a Justice of the Peace (Magistrates Court). She is committed to the continuation of the Family Responsibilities Commission and to working with the communities of Aurukun and Coen in her capacity as Local Coordinator.