The Wiri Yuwiburra Community Benefits Trust (WYCBT) is a charitable trust seeking an individual of Aboriginal descent to fill the position of Aboriginal Trustee.

The WYCBT is a charitable trust, limited by deed, and managed by six (6) Trustees appointed to fixed terms. The Trust was established in 1998 through a non-native title agreement between Hail Creek Coal Pty Ltd (now operated by Glencore) and Aboriginal representatives from the Wiri and Yuwiburra Peoples and members of the broader Birri Gubba Peoples living in the Mackay region.

Trustees comprise of: four (4) Aboriginal Trustees, one (1) Hail Creek Coal-appointed Trustee, and one (1) Independent Trustee. Together, Trustee’s exercise powers and make decisions for the Trust to principally distribute grants and funding to eligible recipients through a SmartyGrants application and assessment process.

Trustees are supported by a Trustees’ delegate, who manages the day-to-day operations of the Trust along with a Grants Administration Officer.

The Trust supports intergenerational change in the cultural, social, and economic circumstances of Wiri and Yuwiburra families plus the broader group of Birri Gubba People resident in the Project area around Mackay.

Applicants should demonstrate in their written application that they meet the mandatory criteria, namely that they are a person:

• of Aboriginal descent;
• with a commitment to the furtherance of the interests of the Aboriginal community in an around the Hail Creek region near Mackay in Central Queensland; and
• able to demonstrate aptitude, skills and experience relevant to the tasks and responsibilities of a Trustee.

The Role

The responsibility of the Aboriginal Trustee is to:

• Attend and actively participate in quarterly meetings of the Trust (usually held in Brisbane or Mackay),
• Make application decisions in accordance with the terms of the Trust Deed and funding guidelines,
• Participate in the investment of Trust funds, including acting as a signatory to the investment holdings, and possibly act as a signatory for the purpose of approving payments the Trust has responsibility for,
• Work with Trust staff to review policies and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Trust,
• Maintain partnerships with external providers engaged by the Trust (such as accountancy and legal firms), and
• Oversee and ensure the standards of governance set out by the Trust are always maintained.

The Aboriginal Trustee is a remunerated role. Flights, accommodation, meals, and travel allowance will be provided if the Aboriginal Trustee is required to travel to attend Trustee meetings or travel for other WYCBT business. An appointee to this role will ideally be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Grants Management (AIGM).

Key Attributes

The WYCBT is looking for an Aboriginal Trustee with the following attributes:

• Knowledge of, or an ability to acquire such knowledge, of Aboriginal People and culture, and a commitment to gain an understanding of the Wiri and Yuwiburra Peoples,
• The ability to attend all Trust meetings, and to travel on occasion for Trust business (noting meetings are usually held on weekdays in Brisbane and Mackay),
• Can participate in healthy discussions and debate of issues and decisions facing the Trust, and work with the other Trustees to come to unanimous decisions,
• Experience in assessing applications for grants against program and funding criteria,
• Work with the other Trustees to ensure the Trust is operating within the limits of its Trust Deed (including meeting is financial and legal obligations),
• Demonstrated financial management and planning skills including an understanding of corporate finance and investment,
• The ability to read, understand, and interpret financial reports and reporting requirements,
• Experience implementing community benefit programs and the management of charitable Trusts, and
• Always act in the best interests of the Trust, not disclose confidential information, act in good faith, and ensure any real or potential conflicts of interests are declared.

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated high level of integrity, ethics, and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated capacity to work with and for Aboriginal grant recipients and the broader Aboriginal community.
• Understanding of and/or interest in the philanthropic and not-for-profit sector.
• High standard of verbal and written comprehension and communication.
• Demonstrated experience with the SmartyGrants system or similar.
• Adherence to the Australian Institute of Grants Management Code of Practice for Professional Grantmakers is non-negotiable.

Contact name Cassie Lang
Email for queries [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Trustee enquiry via EthicalJobs