NWQROC welcomes Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
A warm welcome to Kowanyama at NWQROC’s Board meeting in Georgetown: Executive Officer, Greg Hoffman PSM and Chair Cr Barry Hughes with Kowanyama Mayor Cr Territa Dick and Deputy Mayor Cr Teddy Bernard.
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) is pleased to welcome Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council as its newest member, further strengthening the collaboration between councils across the region.
NWQROC Chair Cr Barry Hughes said the addition of Kowanyama to its membership marked an exciting step for the group that will support greater cooperation and regional advocacy across Queensland’s powerhouse region.
"NWQROC has a strong track record of working collaboratively to secure critical investment, influence policy decisions, and deliver practical outcomes on the ground. The addition of another member council further underlines the value and reputation of the organisation as a trusted and effective regional voice," Cr Hughes said.
"We welcome the opportunity to have Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council join our group.”
“Around a third of people in our region are Indigenous, and Kowanyama’s membership further strengthens the voice of First Nations communities in our discussions and advocacy as we work together to tackle the challenges that we all face and unlock the great potential that exists across our communities and industries."
“We look forward to working alongside Mayor Territa Dick and her team. Their insight and leadership will further strengthen our efforts to advocate for meaningful outcomes and deliver real benefits across the region.”
"Whether it’s improving freight routes, addressing housing and workforce shortages, or opening up new opportunities in tourism and emerging industries - we know that when we work together, we can achieve more."
"We look forward to working alongside Mayor Territa Dick and her team. Their insight and leadership will further strengthen our efforts to advocate for meaningful outcomes and deliver real benefits across the region," Cr Hughes said.
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council joins a group of 11 councils already working closely to advocate for improved outcomes across North West Queensland, with a focus on sustainable economic development, infrastructure investment, and community resilience.
Mayor Territa Dick said Kowanyama is proud to formally join NWQROC, building on existing relationships and shared priorities.
"As a small but active council, joining NWQROC, and the wider Western Queensland Alliance of Councils, gives us a stronger platform to work together on common issues and priorities that impact all of our communities."
"Kowanyama is already connected to various member councils through our work on regional transport, disaster preparedness, community development and the LGAQ’s Indigenous Leaders Forum. Becoming an official member allows us to take this collaboration even further."
"Challenges don’t stop at council boundaries. We see that clearly in the worst of times, like disaster responses, but also in the best of times, when we can work together to seize opportunities in industry development and community-led growth."
Mayor Dick said Kowanyama is looking forward to working alongside neighbouring councils to deliver better outcomes for the people of the region.
"This is about strengthening partnerships and making sure the unique needs of our communities, particularly First Nations communities, continue to be heard and acted on at all levels of government," Mayor Dick said.
NWQROC’s membership now includes 12 councils working together to address the region’s key priorities.
