Over the past few months, the WKSN AC Board has undertaken systematic change within the Corporation at both board and operational levels and is moving forward in the spirit of unity and togetherness. 

The prioritisation of key governance and managerial policy review, adaption, creation, and alignment has enabled WKSN AC to embed process and procedures that allow greater transparency, equity, and fairness, but more importantly accountability for all. This transformation will see the corporation aspire to a business model in accordance to due and proper cultural practices guided by community led initiatives and customary activities.

Key governance reform has occurred since the boards appointment and will continue to be implemented across the corporation, including at the membership level, to ensure that lawful standards and expected behaviours are set as the foundational principles for a healthy workplace and environment in all areas.

Key policy creation and procedural improvements included:

• Creation of a Board Charter that clearly separates the governance and operational functions to streamline structured implementation of the WKSN Indigenous Land Use Agreement. 

• Creation of a Finance Risk and Audit Committee to monitor, evaluate, and implement robust risk mitigation strategies to ensure effective governance and organisational capabilities and business continuity.

• Establishment of the Membership Sub Committee which includes representatives of the Cultural Advice Committee (CAC) to assess membership applications and provide a mechanism for managing conflict and complaints, allowing members a platform to have their concerns adequately assessed and addressed in a culturally supportive and considered manner.

• Revision of the WKSN AC Code of Conduct which now includes 'all' members as responsible parties to the expected conduct of the corporation in its entirety, and finally

• Development of an Elder Abuse Policy to ensure our Elders are provided with the utmost dignity and respect within and external to the corporation going forward at all times.

All policies referred to above will be available for your information and prioritisation on the WKSN AC website in due course.

The board through the recent transition away from the previous corporate auspicing arrangements of the Central Service Corporation (CSC / South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council / SWALSC) has enabled full autonomy, self-determination, and capacity building for the corporation. This means we are now operating as a solo entity with no ongoing expected obligations to SWALSC for operational needs. WKSN AC will however continue supporting SWALSC to deliver on Nation-wide strategies aimed at enhancing Noongar collectively.

WKSN AC is in the process of reviewing the legal obligations and responsibilities of all existing Trust arrangements to ensure Trustee Relationship Committees are novated to WKSN AC, allowing visibility of all current and future activities. This includes full oversite and accountability for the WKSN Pty Ltd as the established Trust for the Agreement Group. A future Agreement Group update will be provided once operating principles and agreed terms have been established by both parties.

The recent resignation of a Member Director requires WKSN AC to fill the casual vacancy from the list of candidates from the 2025 Director elections. Once eligibility has been re-confirmed by the Nominations Committee, an offer will be provided to the candidate who received the highest number of votes, if that person is still eligible and available. 

Finally, recruitment for the Chief Executive Officer is well underway, and anticipating on finalising the appointment of a highly skilled and competent candidate by the end of July. All stakeholders will be notified once the process has been concluded and an appointment made.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, I would like to thank you for your patience, support, and solidarity these past few months, and we look forward to your ongoing commitment and participation as we set sail on a journey which will be inclusive and fair for all WKSN Agreement Group members, Corporate Members, and our wider communities.

Sincerely,

Laurence Riley

WKSNAC Director | Chairperson