MDAS BOARD

 

We are so proud of an amazing turnout to our AGM  (137 members took part, both in person at Mildura, Robinvale, Swan Hill and Kerang and online on Zoom)  - one of the biggest attendances at an AGM ever.

Boardmembers Elected November 28, 2020

Vicki Clark - board member elected November 2020 (Swan Hill) 
Profile Information:
As a professional Aboriginal woman, I believe in self-determination that empowers Aboriginal organisations and communities to strive for a fair and just service into homes for all families. My appointments through my professional career are diverse and ones which has held high responsibility and consideration of many complex needs from a community perspective. My understanding of governance and board structures is that professional competencies are required for appointments and due diligence processes are critical for fair and transparent operations of which I'm accustomed to. I believe this longstanding commitment for community control and experience places me in a strong position to assist with bringing the voices, unique cultural aspirations to any board table. Always with the highest respect of Elders, young mums, single fathers, staff, traditional owner's and local community members. I bring to MDAS board no conflict of interest just pure professional requirements and the spirit of local community.

Derik Jones - board member 
Photograph to come
Profile information:
I am from the NSW Barkindji mob, have grown up in Mildura and surrounds. I have working within Aboriginal health/Community sector for approx. 20 years. I have a sound knowledge about the issues within our Community such as Mental Health, Drug/alcohol, Family Violence, Homelessness and Child Protection and Justice issues we face in community. I am passionate about the issues that our community face as I can empathise because I have encountered many of the same issues my community face such as trans generational trauma, loss of family members, extended family members who have had contact with Child Protection or the Justice system etc. I advocate for my people in both my work role and personal life and feel strongly and passionately about issues facing our community. I would like to have the opportunity to be part of the current changes happening at MDAS and to support the Organisation be strong in Governance and accountability to Community and the funding bodies. To be a voice to all, not just a few.

Jenene Murray OAM - board member 
Profile Information
I am a proud Wiradjuri woman from central NSW and have worked and lived in this community for 26 years. I have been a previous board member of Mallee District Aboriginal Services/ MDAS LTD and believe I displayed the skills and attributes it takes to be a valued member of the organisation. I have an extensive working knowledge of the Education sector and have been employed in this field for over 25 years. I am currently employed as the Koorie Education Coordinator for the NWVR Mallee area. I have a developed knowledge of the Governance process and policy procedures and am confident that this knowledge and understanding gives me a greater insight into the services and support our organisation can deliver or implement in our community moving forward and beyond. I am a member of the following Aboriginal networks in the community AAC, LAN. LAECG and LAJAC.

Damien Murray - board member 
Profile Information:
My name is Damien Murray and I have lived in Kerang for approx. 43 years. I have represented Kerang in different pursuits like Football, Cricket, Golf, Lawn Bowls and Basketball among other things. One thing I am passionate about is the welfare of the Kerang Aboriginal Community. I was employed at the Kerang office of MDAS before moving onto Swan Hill. This was after a tenure of 10yrs as Koori Educator. As you can see, most of my working life has been serving the Kerang and Swan Hill Communities. I have served on different committees as follows: Wandella Football Club (Vice President); Kerang/Swan Hill MDAS Service Delivery Committee; Kerang LAECG; Southern Mallee Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group; Kerang Golf Bowling Club Mens Committee; Various Indigenous Advisory groups. I hope to be on the Board so as to help with the next phase of MDAS growth and also provide Kerang with a voice of reason. If elected, I promise to have the whole of the Mallee District at heart with transparency and honesty. Currently I am employed at Northern District Community Health as the Indigenous Children’s Program. I am an easily approachable person who holds Koori Welfare in the highest esteem as demonstrated with my past employment.

Mark Bland - Boardmember
Profile information:
I am a proud Ngarrindjeri man from SA where I worked as a manager in wine industries for 25 years with up to 100 staff at times. I have good people skills, management skills, understanding of budgets and Human resources. I have lived and worked in Mildura for half my life and I call it my home now. I am currently working as the Sheriff Aboriginal Liaison Officer for the last 9 years based in Mildura but cover the whole Loddon Mallee. I sit on the Koori Court as an elder. I just want to have an input of how Mildura ACCO’s are looking after the Aboriginal Community. I would like to share some of my skills with the community.