The Board of the First Nations Legal Research & Services has selected Terry Atkinson as the organisation’s next Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Atkinson is an Aboriginal man with ties to Taungurung, Wemba Wemba, Boonwurrung, Wiradjuri and Kurnai Country.
As the former Chairperson of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and senior roles at the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and through his own consultancy business, he brings expertise in strategic leadership, governance, compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Mr Atkinson said he was keen to build on FNLRS’s many years of quality service to Traditional Owners of Country in Victoria.
“Fighting for Native Title is a huge task for our communities. They’re often under-resourced and expected to keep up with all sorts of Government systems.
“FNLRS helps our many Nations navigate all of that and supports them to secure their rights to Country. So I’m very excited about this opportunity to play such an integral role in these efforts,” said Mr Atkinson.
All members of the FNRLS Board are Traditional Owners of Country, but the appointment of the FNLRS’ first Indigenous CEO will further strengthen cultural leadership at an executive level.
Mr Atkinson said FNLRS will continue to play a crucial role in supporting Nations to assert their rights and sovereignty.
“Native Title is but one part of the process in the journey to true self-determination and I want all Traditional Owners to understand the full range of expertise and services our team can put on the table to support them,” said Mr Atkinson.
Mr Atkinson will commence next week and there will be a handover period over the next few months with Mr Atkinson working closely with the current CEO Tony Kelly who will gradually reduce his days of work and decision-making authority over that time.
“We’re entering an exciting chapter in Victoria for Traditional Owners of Country. Of course many challenges remain, but there’s also never been as many ways for Traditional Owners to ensure they can call the shots and are able to determine how their ancestral lands are used and cared for.
“I’m thrilled to hand over the reins of FNLRS to Terry, an emerging First Nations leader. His deep connections into the Victorian Aboriginal community, his emotional intelligence and strategic vision will ensure FNLRS continues to grow and respond to the evolving needs of Victoria’s First Peoples,” said Mr Kelly.
For further information, or comments, please contact:
Tommy Clarke via [email protected] or 0422 545 763