Palm Island Company

Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural
Affairs, Seniors and Youth The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
14/11/2007

Palm Island Co. a 'new way of working'
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy
Nelson-Carr has announced a celebration on Palm Island will be held
next week to welcome the new Palm Island Community Company Limited and meet
its board members.

At the event next Wednesday, November 21, Ms Nelson-Carr and Mayor
Delena Oui-Foster will sign the company's Constitution and Shareholders'
Agreement in a symbolic gesture ahead of a traditional Kup Murri and
traditional dancing.

"This is an important day for the community, marking a new era in
self-determination for the Palm Island community," Ms Nelson-Carr said.

"As the first community company of its kind in Indigenous Australia, it
will be watched closely as a future management model for others across
Queensland and around the country," she said.

"It has a clear mandate to coordinate the delivery of services as well
as support the development of the local economy - both musts for the
future of the Island.

"I expect to see improvements in the quality and quantity of services
being offered, including services for children, young people and
families, as well as business development opportunities and initiatives
to grow the economy and the skills needed to support it."

The Palm Island Community Company has been established as a public
company limited by shares. The Queensland Government and Palm Island
Aboriginal Shire Council are the company's two Ordinary Shareholders,
while Community Shareholdings will be unlimited.

The board of directors has been appointed to govern the overall
direction of the company and manage its day-to-day operations.

Ms Nelson-Carr congratulated the directors who held their first
face-to-face meeting today which kick started the company's operations
in earnest.

"The board will soon start the process of issuing Community Shares to
Palm Islanders and these shareholders will then appoint the second
community nominated board director," she said.

There will be a total of seven directors. Currently on the board are
independent chair Carol Peltola, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
nominees Paul Travis and Jim Petrich, Queensland Government nominees
Mark Johnston and Rhonda Phillips, and traditional owner Allan Palm
Island.

Ms Peltola said the company represented a very exciting opportunity to
work with the community.

"It's a new model and a new way of working," she said.

"The board sees itself working in partnership with non-government
organisations and individuals on the Island and we are looking forward
to meeting members of the community."

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr's office 3235 4280