Course participants (from back left): Francine George, Dawn Bowen, Kaylynn Zaro, Trish Mene, Bridget Garay, Rachel Bobir, Melody Ingra; (centre) Pamela Hegarty, Kellie Aldred, Aunty Therese Webster, Geraldine Carter, Sandi Taylor; (front) Melita Harris, Juliette Knox, Tracey Pickwick, Kym Kilroy and Kerry Ann Leaver.
The boards of Australian Stock Exchange listed companies are now expected to be more representative of our communities. That’s great news for women — and Queensland’s Indigenous women are skilling up in readiness for their chance.
The Queensland Government’s Office for Women recently brought 17 deadly community movers and shakers to Brisbane, funding their participation in an Australian Institute of Company Directors’ board-readiness course.
Over two days, the women learnt about the processes, rules and policies of companies, including financial responsibilities, risk management and compliance.
They also were encouraged to see how their community-based experiences and skills could be valuable to a government or corporate board.
Only 23 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women sit on Queensland government boards or committees.
One of those is Allison Halliday, a member of Queensland’s Wet Tropics Management Authority and the federal Australian World Heritage Advisory Committee.
Her appointment to the Wet Tropics Management Authority a year ago followed more than 20 years’ enthusiastic volunteer action leading to the development and signing of the Wet Tropics Regional Agreement.
“I advocate now, as I did in the 1980s, for the cultural values — as well as the natural scenic values — to be recognised and preserved,” Allison said.
“It may not be traditional for women to speak out but women are the backbone of communities. My board role really is an extension of caring for country.”
Getting on board
Ask
Why do I want to be on a board? What can I offer? Where can I best make a difference? Would a board appointment complement my personal and professional development?
Network
Get experience as a volunteer on committees and not-for-profit community boards. Tailor your CV (résumé) so that it reflects the skills and qualities required of a director. List your board or committee experience, any leadership roles you’ve held and your work history.
Register
You can register your interest to be on Queensland Government boards at www.premiers.qld.gov.au/government/participate/qld-nominees-register.aspx
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