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Election of AIATSIS Council members

The Chair of the AIATSIS Council, Jodie Sizer, today welcomed the filling of four Council seats following the ballot last week by the AIATSIS membership.

The AIATSIS Council governs the work of the institute. Four of the members are elected for four-year terms, while five are appointed by the Minister for Indigenous Australians.

‘AIATSIS is set to benefit both from the infusion of new voices and the continuity of experience on the Council,’ Ms Sizer said.

‘I wish to welcome Ms Michelle Deshong, a Kuku Yalanji from Townsville whose involvement in Indigenous affairs extends for over 30 years at both the state and national level. She is a long-time AIATSIS member and a member of our Research Exchange Advisory Board.

‘I also welcome the election of Mr Duane Fraser, a Wulgurukaba and Bidjara traditional owner, who has extensive experience advising Commonwealth and state governments on Indigenous affairs and environmental policy. He also currently on the board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

‘In addition, I congratulate Dr Clint Bracknell and Myfany Turpin for their successful re-election to the Council.’

Dr Bracknell is a Noongar musician and researcher from the south coast of Western Australia and Associate Professor at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University.

Myfany Turpin, a linguist and ethnomusicologist at the University of Sydney has conducted research with central Australian Aboriginal communities since 1994 on their traditional languages and performance arts.

AIATSIS CEO, Craig Ritchie, noted the high voting participation rate among the AIATSIS membership this year.

‘These elections showed the strength of our members’ support and engagement with the Institute,’ Mr Ritchie said. ‘We look forward to working with our new Council over the next four years.’

Media enquiries: Commsmedia@aiatsis.gov.au or 0476 843 522

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Last updated: 21 December 2021