News

New faces at MDAS Board table

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 19:58:00

One of the biggest turnouts of members on record to a Mallee District Aboriginal Services Annual General Meeting has set a new course and fresh challenges for the future of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.

The AGM on Saturday was a key step towards reinvigorating MDAS and came after a two-month membership drive, in which membership numbers were increased from less than 40 to almost 300.
Members across the Mallee came out in 40-plus degree heat to attend the AGM in person, but for the first time were also able to attend and vote online, via Zoom.
Outgoing MDAS Chair, Swan Hill Elder Deb Chaplin, led the meeting but made the decision not to stand for re-election.
MDAS Acting Executive Director Jill Gallagher said Aunty Deb’s leadership had been pivotal in resetting the course for MDAS.
“Aunty Deb has been the driving force for the change that was needed, and her leadership and integrity has been unflinching,” Ms Gallagher said.
“She’s been the voice of community and I want to congratulate her and thank her for her courage through an incredibly difficult and challenging time,” she said.
Ms Gallagher said it was exciting to see a field of 13 candidates nominate for Saturday’s board election. 
Elected were:
• Vicki Clark (Swan Hill)
• Derik Jones (Mildura)
• Jenene Murray (Mildura)
• Damien Murray (Kerang)
• Mark Bland (Mildura)
They will join existing board members: Pam McCormack, Uncle Josh Kirby, Melanie Lane and Cara-Lee Brown.  The new chair will be elected at the first meeting of the board on a date yet to be fixed.
MDAS Acting CEO Jacki Turfrey said she was looking forward to working with a strong and re-energised board.
“I would like to congratulate every one of the 13 courageous MDAS members who put up their hands to seek election.  I am also so proud of the committed MDAS members who, despite the conditions and the technological challenges, made it their business to have a say.  That is what being an ACCO is all about,” Ms Turfrey said.
“This is just the beginning.  We are opening MDAS back up to the Community and overhauling our leadership and governance. We look forward to working strongly together as united Mallee communities over coming months and years.”