FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES COMMISSIONER
Commissioner David Glasgow AM
Commissioner David Robert Glasgow is a proud North Queenslander, having lived all but two or three years of his life in the north. Born in Cairns, he completed his schooling there, apart from time spent boarding in Charters Towers. He then studied law in Cairns with McDonnell Harris & Co, today simply known as McDonnells Law. After admission as a solicitor, Commissioner Glasgow joined the long-established and prestigious firm of Roberts Leu and North and soon became a partner. He stayed with the firm for 27 years, becoming a senior partner and gained a wide experience in virtually all areas of the law. In 1998 he was appointed a Magistrate and served in Brisbane and the south-east for the next year. From there a placement in Cairns followed which included a year spent undertaking circuit work in the Cape York Peninsula region and on Thursday Island, where he became familiar with Indigenous communities and aware of their problems and social dysfunction. A transfer to Townsville in the position of Coordinating Magistrate followed. In that role he took a special interest in developing the Murri Court and was instrumental in preparing the functions and procedures of the Murri Court throughout Queensland. His work in the Childrens and Drug Courts in North Queensland further exposed him to the particular problems of Indigenous peoples, many quite young, who appeared before those courts in much greater numbers than those who came from the wider community.
Commissioner Glasgow’s experiences led the Bligh State Government to seek his guidance as they went about implementing the Family Responsibilities Commission model of welfare and social reform in the Cape.
The model enshrined in the FRC Act provided for the establishment of the FRC in Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge and the appointment of a retired Magistrate or a person of like background to	be the Commissioner. Mr Glasgow was appointed to the position on 25 April 2008. The Commissioner was, with his Commissioner Colleagues reappointed for a further term of three years from January 1 2015.
Commissioner Glasgow has since then gained the respect of both the Queensland and Australian Governments who have sought to retain his services during the years in which the life of the trial has been extended. That it can work effectively is demonstrated by the fact that under his leadership and especially the leadership of Local Commissioners, the Commission is recognised as a true partner in reforming life behaviours in Indigenous communities.
On 26 January 2015 Commissioner Glasgow was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
LOCAL COMMISSIONERS
Aurukun
Commissioner Edgar KERINDUN OAM (Sara Clan) was born and raised in Aurukun and is a traditional owner of the area. Aurukun Commissioner Kerindun was re-elected to the position of Aurukun Shire Councillor in the Local Government elections conducted on 19 March 2016 and has been appointed Deputy Mayor. Commissioner Kerindun previously held the position of Engagement Officer at Queensland Health until his election as a Councillor for the Aurukun Shire Council in 2012. On 26 January 2015 Aurukun Commissioner Kerindun was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his services to the community. He was one of the original Community Police Officers in Aurukun and continues to promote justice and rehabilitation for ex-offenders. Together with his partner, Aurukun Commissioner Doris Poonkamelya, they have 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 OAM (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 in 2009 where she worked for 29 years. On 26 January 2015 Aurukun Commissioner Poonkamelya was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community. On 19 March 2016 Commissioner Poonkamelya was elected as a Councillor for the Aurukun Shire Council. She is a founding member of the Aurukun Community Justice Group and is also deeply committed to education as the pathway to employment and a promising future for young people. As a recognised Child Safety Carer, Aurukun Commissioner Poonkamelya believes in ensuring a safe environment for children to grow and mature.
Commissioner Sarah WOLMBY OAM (Aplach Clan) was born and raised in Aurukun, only leaving her home community to attend boarding school to obtain a year 11 education. Aurukun Commissioner Wolmby previously worked for 15 years as a community health worker with Queensland Health and has worked in child care and teaching centres. On 26 January 2015 Aurukun Commissioner Wolmby was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community. She 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 OAM (Winchanum Clan) was born and raised in Aurukun, leaving the community to attend boarding school and later Cairns Business College. Commissioner Woolla was re-elected to the position of Councillor in the Aurukun Shire Council on 19 March 2016. Upon election to the position of Councillor for the Aurukun Shire Council in April 2012 she retired from her position as a Recognised Entity, where she worked alongside DCCSDS to assist families and children in Aurukun.	In September 2014 Aurukun Commissioner Woolla was appointed to the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland. The Taskforce was established by the then Premier Campbell Newman and was chaired by the Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO, former Governor-General of Australia. On 26 January 2015 Aurukun Commissioner Woolla was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community. 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. Aurukun Commissioner Woolla supports the education and training of young people and together with her husband, Aurukun Mayor Dereck Walpo, strives to improve opportunities for her community.
Commissioner Dorothy POOTCHEMUNKA (Winchanum / Aplach Clans) was born, raised and educated in Aurukun, and now has 10 children, 13 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. Her baskets are on display in national galleries in Australia and overseas. 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. She views education as the key to employment and encourages all students to make the most of their education and training to enhance future job opportunities.
Commissioner Vera KOOMEETA OAM (Aplach Clan) was born in Aurukun and attended primary school in Aurukun. She continued her studies at PGC and Scots College in Warwick completing year 10 and then attended Technical and Further Education (TAFE) in Cairns, obtaining a qualification in community teaching. On 19 March 2016 Aurukun Commissioner Koomeeta was re-elected to the position of Aurukun Shire	

Councillor in the Local Government elections. On 26 January 2015 Aurukun Commissioner Koomeeta was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community. She is a Justice of the Peace (Magistrates Court) and a registered interpreter as well as a member of the Aurukun Community Justice Group.
As the representative of her clan group she is involved in several committees and holds positions on a number of boards. Aurukun Commissioner Koomeeta’s experience assists in her ability to make independent and informed decisions as a Local Commissioner. When not working, she can be found spending time with her granddaughter, camping and fishing.
Commissioner Leona YUNKAPORTA (Wanum Clan) was one of four new Local Commissioners who commenced with the Commission on 14 May 2015. Her homeland is Ngakyangka (near the Holroyd River) and the clan totem is the Hammerhead Shark.
Aurukun Commissioner Yunkaporta holds a Certificate II in Business Administration and is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Since 2012 Aurukun Commissioner Yunkaporta has held the position of Indigenous Engagement Officer with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). In this role she works with the Government Coordination Officer to provide information to the community about the Indigenous Advancement Strategy. She liaises with community members, clans and organisations to assist them to become actively involved in government decision-making processes, including the allocation of funding and the design and delivery of solutions to build their own future. Aurukun Commissioner Yunkaporta acts as a conduit between the community and the DPMC, ensuring there are common understandings in regard to the processes and requirements of government and the needs of the Aurukun community. She has also held the position of Community Support Officer with Transition Support Services (TSS) who provide support to parents and students in the transition to boarding school.	Coen
Commissioner Peter Pedro PETER OAM (Lama Lama Clan) is an Elder of great significance within the Lama Lama Clan and the wider community. Coen Commissioner Peter is a valued member of the Coen Men’s Group who pass on their skills and knowledge in leatherwork and woodwork to the younger men and produce goods for sale. He teaches the traditional art of carving spears and woomeras, as taught by his Elders, and passes on traditional wisdom. Coen Commissioner Peter is also a member of the Coen Justice Group whilst providing respect and leadership as a Local Commissioner. On 26 January 2015 Coen Commissioner Peter was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his services to the community.
Commissioner May Mary KEPPLE OAM (Wik-Munkan Clan) is a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and the Recognised Entity for Child Safety in Coen. Coen Commissioner Kepple has had a variety of positions in retail and sales and currently works part-time at Mulley’s Market. She enjoys painting on canvas and previously managed the Wunthulpu Visitor Centre in Coen. As an accredited foster carer since 2007 she remains committed to the welfare of children, ensuring they receive opportunities for self-development and a bright future. Commissioner Kepple has been working part-time since February 2014 with RAATSICC (Cape York/Gulf Remote Area Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Care) as a Community Recognised Entity. On 26 January 2015 Coen Commissioner Kepple was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community. Coen Commissioner Kepple spends her weekends on country with her daughter and grandchildren passing on culture and the ways of the Elders.
Commissioner Garry Lloyd PORT OAM (Lama Lama / Kuku Yalanji / Ayapathu Clans) is from a well-respected Coen family and son of Barry Port, the famous Aboriginal police tracker. Coen Commissioner Port is a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and works at QLD Health. 	

In his role with QLD Health he assists with the transportation of patients to hospital. In addition he maintains hospital property and performs groundsman’s duties. He is deeply involved with supporting young people and also volunteers his time to junior sports development, providing guidance for young boys. On 26 January 2015 Coen Commissioner Port was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his services to the community.
Commissioner Elaine Louise LIDDY OAM (Lama Lama Clan) was born in Cairns. She is a fluent Umpithamu language speaker and has contributed to the dictionary of the Umpithamu language. Coen Commissioner Elaine Liddy has been pivotal in establishing the Lama Lama Rangers who live and work on the Lama Lama homelands of Port Stewart and is now a fulltime Cultural Heritage Adviser. She is a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and is a highly respected leader of the Lama Lama Clan. On 26 January 2015 Coen Commissioner Liddy was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community. Coen Commissioner Elaine Liddy devotes her spare time to the care of her homelands, and to passing on tradition and culture to future generations.
Commissioner Alison LIDDY (Lama Lama Clan) was one of four new Local Commissioners commencing with the Commission on 14 May 2015. Coen Commissioner Alison Liddy was born in Cairns and completed most of her schooling in North Queensland. Furthering her educational qualifications, Coen Commissioner Liddy attained a Certificate III in Indigenous Community Service and Primary Health Care. She has held many positions over the years, working in administrative roles as an Indigenous Health Worker with the Coen Primary Health Care Centre, Community Engagement Officer with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and Apunipima Health Council at the Coen Wellbeing Centre. Local Commissioner Alison Liddy is currently employed at the Yintjinnga Aboriginal Corporation and	the Lama Lama Ranger Service. She is also a General Foster Carer. Working locally in Coen for many years and being involved in the community has enabled her to gain a broad understanding of the issues that affect those living in Coen. Her interest in becoming a Local Commissioner was inspired through her sister, Elaine Liddy, who has been a Coen Local Commissioner since the commencement of the Commission in 2008.
Commissioner Maureen LIDDY (Lama Lama Clan) was one of four new Local Commissioners who commenced with the Commission on 14 May 2015. Coen Commissioner Maureen Liddy has worked extensively with families and children across Cape York and was appointed to the position of Service Coordinator for the Coen Wellbeing Centre on 12 August 2015, leaving her position at the RFDS which she had held since July 2013. Prior to her work with the RFDS Local Commissioner Liddy held the positions of Coen Opportunity Hub Manager for Cape York Partnership, Teacher/Cultural Coordinator at the Coen State School, Coordinator Family and Community Support at the Indigenous Student Support Unit, Cluster Project Manager for Cooktown Prep to year 12, Principal (Band 7) at the Hope Vale State School and Coordinator Cape York Strategy Unit in Cairns. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Education and is a member of the Coen Justice Group. Coen Commissioner Maureen Liddy’s personal interests include camping, fishing, reading, four wheel driving and meeting people.

Doomadgee
Commissioner Christopher LOGAN (Garrawa Ghuthaarn Clan) was born in Normanton and educated at Normanton State School to year 10 after which he moved to Doomadgee. Doomadgee Commissioner Logan is married to Eleanor Logan, herself a Local Commissioner, and together they have had three children of their own, raised another two from a young age and provided foster care for many more. Christopher’s working life has included employment as a stockman, carpenter, Community Police Officer, a storeman at the Doomadgee Aboriginal Community Council and work at the Doomadgee retail store. He was a Councillor from 1992 to 1994 with the Doomadgee Aboriginal Community Council and the Deputy Mayor from 2008 to 2012. He has also driven trucks and has run the night patrol for the Doomadgee community. For many years Doomadgee Commissioner Logan was involved with the State Emergency Service and was second in charge. His strong belief in education and the importance of children attending school every day led to his commencement in the role of School Attendance Supervisor at the Doomadgee State School in 2013, working directly alongside the Doomadgee State School Principal. Doomadgee Commissioner Logan played Rugby League for the Doomadgee Dragons from 1989 to 2007, captaining the side from 1989 to 1994, and was the club chairperson from 2008 to 2014. He loves to spend his weekends taking his grandchildren out bush, camping, hunting and fishing.
Commissioner David GALLAGHER (Waanyi Clan) was born, raised and educated in Doomadgee. Married to Shelley Anne Gallagher, he is the proud father of two sons and three daughters, the eldest of whom is studying nursing at university in Brisbane. Doomadgee Commissioner Gallagher has spent nine years as a Community Police Officer, eight years as a mechanic, and is currently employed by the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council as a road worker.	Passionate about the need for qualified local residents to work towards building a thriving community, he firmly believes that education and regular school attendance is the key to a bright future. Doomadgee Commissioner Gallagher likes to spend his spare time enjoying the bush with his family.
Commissioner Elaine CAIRNS (Waanyi Lardil Clan) moved to Doomadgee from Mornington Island in 1969. She completed her junior education at Doomadgee State School before moving to Malanda to complete years 9 and 10. A mother of six, and grandmother and great grandmother to 12, Elaine has firm ties to several clans within the community and derives great joy from her extended family. A strong Indigenous woman, Local Commissioner Cairns worked as a cleaner and receptionist at the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, served as Deputy Mayor from 2004 to 2007, acted as Mayor for six months in 2007 and was a Councillor from 2012 to 2016. Previously Doomadgee Commissioner Cairns spent one and a-half years as a chef at the Doomadgee Hospital and nine and a-half years as a Centrelink agent before becoming a Councillor. She has also been involved with the Indigenous Women’s Forum since 2004. In her capacity with the Forum she has travelled across Australian taking a stand against domestic violence towards Aboriginal women. Her view that strong Indigenous women can make a difference to the communities in which they live drives her ambition to contribute to building a better future for Doomadgee’s children. Doomadgee Commissioner Cairns loves reading, gardening and spending time out bush, fishing and camping. As a hobby she also enjoys composing and writing poems and songs.
Commissioner Guy DOUGLAS (Waanyi / Gangalidda Clans) has always lived in Doomadgee, apart from a year spent completing his college education at Atherton High School. Having worked as an Aboriginal Health Worker and Senior Community Worker with Save the Children, he is currently employed as a Community Police	

Liaison Officer. Doomadgee Commissioner Douglas is married to Cecilia and is father to five children. Guy, along with his wife, has spent many years volunteering with young people in the community and as a leader of the local Brethren Church. When he is not busy coaching the local women’s softball team, ‘The Bushfires’, he likes nothing better than to go back out on country to hunt, fish and camp. Doomadgee Commissioner Douglas is a firm believer that education must begin at home from a young age to form a strong foundation for the future.
Commissioner Isabel TOBY (Waanyi / Gangalidda Clans) was born in Doomadgee and has lived most of her life there. Married to Christopher Toby, Isabel has three sons, one daughter and two grandchildren. Having not had the opportunity to attend boarding school herself, Local Commissioner Toby is determined that her own children will not miss out, and has sent each of them to boarding school to further their education. She looks forward to their return each school holidays when they head out bush camping and fishing. Doomadgee Commissioner Toby has worked at Centrelink, the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, Job Futures and as a teacher aide. She is currently employed as a team leader to Family Support Workers at Save the Children.
Commissioner Karen JUPITER (Gangalidda Clan) was born on Abingdon Downs Cattle Station and moved to Doomadgee where, apart from a stint in Boarding school, she has lived her whole life. After completing a course in Business Administration Karen worked at DCCSDS, the Doomadgee Hospital and as a teacher aide at the local school. She also spent seven years as a Support Worker at the Women’s Shelter. From July 2009 to March 2013 Karen worked at the day care centre as a Family Support Worker. Doomadgee Commissioner Jupiter has four children of her own and has been a foster carer for five others over the past 19 years. She commenced as a School Attendance Officer in 2014, and believes that the best way forward for the future of Doomadgee’s children is through a quality education.	Commissioner Kaylene O’KEEFE grew up in Mount Isa before moving to her parents’ home town of Doomadgee in 1990. Married to Dwayne O’Keefe since 2001, Doomadgee Commissioner O’Keefe is a mother to three daughters. Her past employment has included time working at the local store, in accounts at the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council and as a Family Support Worker with RAATSICC. Kaylene hopes that her role as a Local Commissioner with the Family Responsibilities Commission will enable her to play a significant part in improving outcomes for Doomadgee families. Doomadgee Commissioner O’Keefe enjoys camping, fishing and spending time with her family, in particular her young grandson.
Commissioner Eleanor LOGAN (Waanyi / Gangalidda Clans) grew up in Doomadgee, before moving to Banyo College in Brisbane to complete year 11. Eleanor continued to further her education, gaining a Certificate III and a Diploma of Children’s Services, and training towards Aged Care Management. Recognising the need for a support network for young mothers in Doomadgee, Local Commissioner Logan was instrumental in forming a playgroup for young mums. She was a Councillor with the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council from 2008 to 2012. Married to fellow Local Commissioner Christopher Logan, she says family is her priority. She has fostered many children and is currently fostering two young boys. Eleanor is currently the Director of the Doomadgee Child Care Centre. When not working she enjoys camping, fishing and spending time with her 11 grandchildren.

Hope Vale
Commissioner Brian COBUS OAM (Nguurruumungu / Muuli Clans) is an Executive Board Member for the Cape York Land Council. On 26 January 2015 Hope Vale Commissioner Cobus was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his services to the community. As Hope Vale Commissioner Cobus did not get the opportunity of further education, leaving school in year nine to work on farms, he encourages future generations to obtain the best education possible to ensure they have increased opportunities. As a traditional owner Hope Vale Commissioner Cobus passes on sustainable management to his grandchildren whilst also passing on his well-known fishing skills.
Commissioner Victor Patrick GIBSON OAM (Binhthi / Bulcan Clans) worked as a Student Case Manager for Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy (CYAAA) in Hope Vale for three years until his retirement. He is also a member of the Hope Vale Men’s Group and organiser of the Young Leadership Forum, encouraging young people to become the leaders of tomorrow. Hope Vale Commissioner Gibson has devoted much of his working career to Hope Vale, serving as Deputy Mayor and a Councillor. On 26 January 2015 Hope Vale Commissioner Gibson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his services to his community. He remains a keen supporter of good governance and leadership for the future.
	Commissioner Doreen HART OAM (Binhthi / Bulcan Clans) currently holds the position of Cape York Empowered Communities Regional Coordinator at Cape York Partnership. In 2015 she was selected as a Cape York representative for the 2015 Emerging Leaders Program hosted by Jawun. Her former roles included Community Development Officer, Living Change, in the Wunan Foundation, Chief Executive Officer for the Apunipima Cape York Health Council and Housing Officer for the Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council. She is a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and a member of the Thurrbill Community Justice Group and the Local Advisory Group. On 26 January 2015 Hope Vale Commissioner Hart was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community.
Commissioner Cheryl Florence CANNON is a strong, determined and motivated Indigenous woman from Hope Vale. Hope Vale Commissioner Cannon loves the precious time she spends with her family and pottering around home tending to her garden. She has had a career in education across Cape York, teaching and in leadership roles within a number of schools. After a brief retirement, Hope Vale Commissioner Cannon’s commitment to education has her currently in the role of Principal Coach with Good to Great Schools Australia, spending periods of time in remote interstate schools. She joined the Commission as a Local Commissioner in Hope Vale in August 2014, and thoroughly enjoys the experience. As a Local Commissioner, Cheryl’s vision and values run parallel to that of the wider community and she is willing to set in motion responsibilities that bring about change for the positive future of Hope Vale.

Commissioner Ivan DEEMAL (Thiithaarr Clan) is the General Manager of Hope Vale Congress Aboriginal Corporation. Hope Vale Commissioner Deemal gained trade qualifications once completing school, and has held a number of roles training and developing young people throughout Queensland. Upon returning to Hope Vale, he took up the role of Implementation Manager with the Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council whilst also being the council representative to the Local Program Office Welfare Reform Program. Hope Vale Commissioner Deemal and his family provide recreation camping to tourists on traditional lands in Elim Beach, which has in the past been rated in the 100 most incredible travel secrets by Australian Traveler magazine.
Commissioner Erica DEERAL (Gamaay Clan) holds the position of Administrative/Accounts Officer with the Hope Vale campus of CYAAA. She enjoys working at the school and seeing school attendance improve so that young children can obtain an education to better their futures. Prior to this Hope Vale Commissioner Deeral held administrative positions with the North Queensland Land Council and Cook Shire and Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Councils. She attended Hope Vale State School, Cairns West State School, Trinity Bay High School and the Cairns Business College. She is a traditional owner and a Director on the Hope Vale Congress Aboriginal Corporation. Hope Vale Commissioner Deeral is a mother to two sons and grandmother to three granddaughters and one grandson.
Commissioner Selina BOWEN is married to Ronald Bowen from the Thuupi / Dharrba Warra Clans of Hope Vale. Hope Vale Commissioner Bowen has two children and one adopted son from the many children that she and her husband cared for over the years while being kinship carers. Both of her sons graduated from Peace Lutheran College in 2013 and her daughter attends at the Coen and Hope Vale Campus’ of CYAAA. Hope Vale Commissioner Bowen has lived in Hope Vale for the majority of her life, only leaving to complete her secondary schooling in Brisbane where she graduated from Hendra High in Nunda. After leaving school her jobs have included being an Assistant Manager 	for the Local Food Store and an agent for the Commonwealth Bank in Hope Vale. She has been working for Cape York Partnership since 2012 as a Parenting Consultant, delivering the Triple P program. Hope Vale Commissioner Bowen feels good parenting is vitally important and she would like other parents to also enjoy the close relationship and respect from their teenagers that she has with her children. Hope Vale Commissioner Bowen commenced with the Commission on 14 May 2015 and on 19 March 2016 was elected to the position of Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Councillor in the Local Government elections.
Mossman Gorge
Commissioner Loretta SPRATT OAM (Olkola / Lama Lama Clans) was born on Thursday Island but spent her infant years in Coen and Hope Vale. She remained in Hope Vale throughout her childhood until her late teens when she met Nathan McLean, a young man visiting from Mossman Gorge. Mossman Gorge Commissioner Spratt later moved to the Gorge where she has resided for the past 22 years with Nathan. Mossman Gorge Commissioner Spratt has previously worked in the areas of sport and recreation and is currently employed by Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Incorporated (BBNI) in the horticulture area where she can pursue her passion.
On 26 January 2015 Mossman Gorge Commissioner Spratt was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community. She has a keen interest in art and continues to learn new skills to complement her Local Commissioner role in the community, recently undertaking mediation training. Mossman Gorge Commissioner Spratt continues to work closely with young people and the women of her community to promote strong, healthy and supportive families.

Commissioner Karen GIBSON OAM (Kuku Nyungul / Kuku Yalanji Clans) was born and raised in the Mossman area. She is an artist whose work has gained increasing recognition and exposure. As an artist Mossman Gorge Commissioner Gibson also enjoys inspiring other young artists to follow their dreams. She has previously held the position of Vice Chairperson of BBNI and is the current Chairperson. Other positions held include Board Member for the Cape York Land Council, Director of Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Tours, Attendance Case Manager with Cape York Partnerships and Local Coordinator for the Family Responsibilities Commission, Mossman Gorge. On 26 January 2015 Mossman Gorge Commissioner Gibson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to the community.
Commissioner Karen SHUAN (Kuku Yalanji Clan) was born on 15 August 1972. As a Kuku Yalanji woman, she is a traditional owner of the Mossman area and has resided in Mossman all of her life. After completing year 11 at Mossman State High School, she gained a Certificate III in Tourism and a Certificate III in Business. Positions she has held include Director, Vice Chairperson and Secretary of BBNI. She is presently the gallery attendant at the Mossman Gorge Gateway Centre. As a custodian of the Kuku Yalanji culture she has led the Mossman Gorge girls in performance at the Laura Dance Festival.
	Deputy Commissioner Rodney (Rod) Curtin
Deputy Commissioner Rod Curtin was born and raised in Cairns and completed his secondary education at St Augustine’s College. He attained a Bachelor of Law degree through the Queensland University of Technology and was appointed a Barrister-at-Law to the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia in 1987. Deputy Commissioner Curtin’s practice has been predominately in the jurisdictions of Family Law and Criminal Law. His experience has involved the conduct of circuits in the Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait region for over 20 years.
Deputy Commissioner Curtin is passionate in the pursuit of access to justice services for Indigenous people. He advocates for the advancement of programs to provide better resources and achieve better outcomes for Indigenous people who appear before the courts. Deputy Commissioner Curtin has been involved with the Cape York Peninsula Youth Justice Program and has been a strong advocate for Juvenile Justice issues. His service to the Indigenous communities has been acknowledged as dedicated and compassionate, having an in-depth knowledge of the cultural and social issues of people within those communities. Rod Curtin was appointed to the role of Deputy Commissioner in July 2010 and advises that he thoroughly enjoys his role, the most rewarding aspect of which has been his association with the Local Commissioners. Their dedication and tireless persistence in striving toward creating a better community and setting a wonderful example for the next generation has been inspirational.	

Registrar Maxine McLeod 
Maxine McLeod was appointed as the Registrar of the Family Responsibilities Commission on 22 January 2016, having acted as the Registrar/General Manager from 1 January 2015. Prior to this appointment Maxine was seconded to the Commission in November 2009 as the Registrar Support Officer. Upon the Commission migrating its human resource management and financial services in-house in 2012, Maxine was appointed as the HR and Policy Manager. In this role Maxine led the development and application of human resource and strategic/operational policies and procedures. In the role of Registrar Maxine is responsible for managing the registry and the administrative affairs of the Commission. A significant focus of the role includes the development and implementation of appropriate strategies to support the strategic capability of the Commission, introducing and implementing reforms and overseeing the operations of the registry.
Prior to joining the Commission Maxine was employed by DJAG for a 17 year period, the last four years of which she spent as the Regional Operations Manager for the State Reporting Bureau.
Having been born and raised in Asia, Maxine has a keen interest in travel, enjoys cooking and is an avid reader and fisherwoman.	SUPPORT STAFF
Local Coordinators
A Local Coordinator has been appointed for each of the welfare reform communities. The function of the Local Coordinators is to support, at the local level, the efficient and effective operations of the Commission in the welfare reform community areas.
The Local Coordinators are:

Aurukun:	Ms Dellis Gledhill
Coen:	Ms Sandi Rye
	(Cairns based)
Doomadgee: 	Mr Bryce Coxall
Hope Vale:	Ms Samantha Foster
Mossman Gorge:	Ms Sandi Rye
	(Cairns based)

The Cairns registry
A central registry office has been established in Cairns to provide administrative and logistical support to the Commissioners and Local Coordinators in community by ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the Commission. The Cairns registry is comprised of 18 employees:
•	Commissioner
•	Registrar
•	Accountant
•	Client Manager
•	Senior Advisor (Statistics and Research)
•	Database Administrator
•	Finance Officer
•	Information Officers
•	Senior Case Management – Administration Officer
•	Administration Officer Case Management
•	Administration Officers.