Traditional owners’ corp appoints CEO

THE Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation has seen a change in leadership.

Miriuwung Gajerrong Aboriginal Corporation general manager Matthew Smith has been named chief executive officer of the Wadawurrung group.

Mr Smith has more than 20 years of experience working with Indigenous groups across Australia, including in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, Cape York, the Pilbara, Kimberley, and Northern Territory.

He was the founder and former chief executive of Wanta Aboriginal Corporation, and previously lived on the Surf Coast.

“I am so excited to work with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation staff,” Mr Smith said.

“Whilst I have loved my time up north, it is an amazing opportunity to return to Wadawurrung country and work to support Wadawurrung’s interests.

“My priorities will be to meet Wadawurrung members and spend time with corporation staff, and explore how over the coming years we advocate to continue recognition of Wadawurrung as the rightful custodians of country and culture, and continue to preserve and protect them, which is of utmost importance.”

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation chair Greg Robinson said Mr Smith was one of many highly qualified candidates.

“Matthew brings to WTOAC an incredible amount of experience working with mobs across the Northern Territory and Kimberley region, and leadership working within community,” he said.

“Matthew was selected for many reasons, one of which was his enthusiasm to empower us to continue working on our objectives for culture and country, and his extensive leadership experience, which is paramount to advancing WTOAC.”