100 JYAC members gathered in Parnngurr for the 2024 annual general meeting on Thursday, 7 November.
Members heard reports from the CEO and chair about the work JYAC had done during the last 12 months, and reviewed the financial report that showed JYAC is in a very good position.
Each AGM, members elect three of the six member directors on the JYAC board. Simon Frank for Walakaja, and Bruce Booth for Pilakaja were both re-elected, and Teddy Biljabu was elected for Rirrakaja. Their terms will be for two years.
Members voted against a proposed motion to require JYAC AGMs to be held on country in the future. This means that the board can continue to choose to hold future AGMs in a town like Newman or Port Hedland.
Following the AGM, a common law holders meeting was held to discuss the Karlamilyi native title compensation application. Martu authorised JYAC to prepare for compensation litigation regarding Karlamillyi National Park on Martu’s behalf.
During general business, Martu also discussed some of the options for spending a payment of $1.5 million for ‘cultural preservation activities’, as part of the Karlkayn Stage 1 Agreement that JYAC negotiated with Rio Tinto. This agreement allows Rio Tinto to use a gravel airstrip in the Martu Determinations.
As with the general meeting held in Kunawarritji, Martu members at the AGM recommended that the money be spent on 4WDs that are capable of going bush for lore ceremonies.
The money will be held and managed by the Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Trust, which is run by Martu United. Martu United will decide how the money should be spent.
The JYAC AGM was coordinated to coincide with AGMs for Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) on Wednesday, and Martu Charitable Trust (with Mutual Trust) on Friday, to help Martu get through three AGMS in three days.
Rio Tinto Winu and Greatland Gold also came along to provide information on their projects and answer questions.
Thanks to all the stakeholders who helped make this year’s AGM a success, and a big thank you to all the members who made the effort to come to the AGM to make decisions about Martu’s future.
