Written by Carole Sweatman   
Tuesday, 19 July 2011 09:10

Goodbye to the TOAC, hello to RAPA

Tears were shed, laughter shared and achievements fondly remembered by members of Terrain's Traditional Owner Advisory Committee when it met for the last time since its establishment in 2004.

The TOAC advised Terrain that it would disband as part of the transition process toward the establishment and recognition of the RAPA as the key engagement group for Traditional Owners in the Wet Tropics. RAPA is the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples Alliance. This saw the completion of one of the critical priorities arising from the TOAC review completed in 2009.

Members of the committee were awarded Certificates of Recognition to acknowledge the very important role they have played in representing Traditional Owner interests in regional natural and cultural resource management, in particular the development of the Aboriginal NRM Plan released in 2005.

Members of the TOAC at the time of its last meeting included:

  • Troy Wyles Whelan
  • Joann Schmider
  • Lexton Assan
  • Dean Purcell
  • Russell Butler Jnr
  • Jean Rosas
  • Eliza Morta
  • Ernie Raymont
  • Peter Wallace and
  • Ken Reys

Recognition goes to all past Members and special thanks must go to Victor Maund and Elsie Go-Sam for their particular contribution since the organisation's inception.

Toac2011Back - Peter Wallace, Victor Maund, Ernie Raymont;
Front – Jean Rosas, Joann Schmider, Elsie Go Sam, Lexton Assan

Some of the achievements of the TOAC over the years have included:

  • The appointment of two Indigenous directors to the Board of Terrain to represent both men's and women's business.
  • A Regional Investment Strategy program for Traditional Owners.
  • The establishment of a Traditional Owner Engagement Program within Terrain's organisational structure.
  • Support to specific initiatives including, the development of appropriate representative arrangements for Rainforest Traditional Owners, Country based planning and Indigenous NRM businesses, to name a few.

Since 2009 discussions have been held by Traditional Owners on the need for, and possible direction of, a regional Traditional Owner alliance or entity run by Traditional Owners to represent their needs, interests and aspirations for Country across the Wet Tropics region. Most recently these discussions have focused on the development of a Rainforest Aboriginal People's Alliance (RAPA).

The formation the RAPA is being driven by an Indigenous Leadership Group and Girringun as a member of the leadership group has taken on the role of facilitating the development of RAPA on behalf of the various organisations. Terrain has resourced Girringun to help with this process and to develop terms of reference for the RAPA including a preferred incorporation model and a 12 month business plan with RAPA members. This process is currently in train with the first meeting being held in mid-May.

The RAPA will provide leadership and support for Traditional Owners in the region around CNRM and provide an advisory service to both the Wet Tropics Management Agency and Terrain and in the longer term to Commonwealth and State agencies, local government, business and industry across the region.

I would personally like to thank all the TOAC members again for their valuable input to the future of the region's natural resources and cultural resources and to publicly acknowledge the importance of ongoing engagement with traditional owners via the RAPA.

Warm regards
Carole