I stepped into the role of Senior Advisor – Indigenous Affairs at Mount Isa Mines (MIM) in 2000, following the landmark Mabo High Court ruling in 1992 and the subsequent introduction of the Native Title Act in 1993. The relationship between mining companies and Indigenous communities before then had been marked by conflict and exclusion. I was the first person to hold this position in the company’s history, responsible for navigating this challenging landscape.
At that time, I was a one-man band, managing a wide range of Indigenous Affairs portfolios that are now handled by large teams within most mining companies. My responsibilities included supporting cultural heritage surveys, contributing to cultural heritage management plans, and securing heritage approvals in tandem with the environment and exploration teams. Additionally, I was responsible for managing Indigenous contracts, leading stakeholder engagement and community relations, identifying employment opportunities, and conducting cultural awareness sessions. I was also involved in agreement negotiations.
Recognising the importance of building trust, I worked to establish meaningful connections with the Kalkadoon people. My early work led to the successful negotiation of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA), securing roughly 90 exploration licences, and establishing a lasting relationship between MIM, other resource companies, the State Government and the Kalkadoon people.
Over time, my responsibilities grew, and I was promoted to manage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community relations, eventually becoming the Senior Advisor for Community Relations and Indigenous Affairs. I played a key role in early social investment efforts. Xstrata, which later acquired MIM, did commendable work engaging with communities to identify priority areas for social investment, and I was actively involved in these initiatives.
Today, I leverage my unique experience and diverse skill set to help companies navigate the complexities of Indigenous affairs, ensuring they build stronger, mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous communities.
