Appointments to the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation Board
Release Date:
Media release
The Albanese Government has appointed a new Deputy Chairperson and three new directors to the board of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).
The ILSC plays a vital role in empowering First Nations people and communities through the acquisition and sustainable management of land and water to deliver lasting cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits.
The newly appointed members are:
Ms Jahna Cedar OAM, Deputy Chairperson: A Nyiyaparli leader from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Ms Cedar is a board director and governance advisor with over 25 years’ experience across corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. Her work spans governance, strategic planning, executive coaching, stakeholder engagement and cultural capability development.
Dr Cass Hunter, Director: A descendant of the Kuku Yalanji and Maluiligal nations and senior director at the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA). Dr Hunter holds a PhD in quantitative marine science and works to inform and advance stewardship practices for inclusive and sustainable management of landscapes, seascapes, and resources.
Dr Heron Loban, Director: A Mabuyag Malu Ki’ai woman with family connections to the Mabuiag and Boigu islands in the Torres Strait, Dr Loban is an academic, lawyer and expert in Indigenous law and justice issues. She has worked as in-house counsel with Queensland South Native Title Services, as Principal Legal Officer at Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council, as Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait and NPA Legal Service, and as a solicitor with the Torres Strait Regional Authority.
Mr Marcus Stewart AM, Director: A Nira iIllim bulluk man from the Taungurung Nation, Mr Stewart has held senior executive roles including Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners and Taungurung Land and Waters Councils and currently serves as Director of Taungurung Land and Waters, Director of Orygen and member of the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council. He was the inaugural Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
Mr Ian Hamm has also been reappointed as ILSC Chairperson. A Yorta Yorta man with a distinguished career in government and community leadership, Mr Hamm chairs the First Nations Foundation and is a Board Director of the Healing Foundation, Inclusive Australia and Community First Development. Mr Hamm has was first appointed Chairperson of the ILSC in 2021.
These appointments and reappointment ensure continuity of leadership and support good governance of the ILSC.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) plays an important role in supporting First Nations communities realise the economic potential of their land and water.
“These appointments ensure ongoing strong leadership and expertise to guide the ILSC’s important work.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the board, who bring deep experience and a shared commitment to self-determination, sustainability and economic empowerment for First Nations communities.
“I thank the outgoing board members of the ILSC for their work supporting the economic aspirations of First Nations people over the course of their term.”