Board of Directors

Brenda Lucas

Chair

Elected on 30/4/2025 for a 1 Year Term.

Re-elected on 30/8/2025 – expires at the 2027 Annual General Meeting

Appointed Chair on 10/9/2025

Pearl Connelly

Director

Interim Director appointed on 30/4/2025.

Elected for a 2 Year Term – expires at the 2026 Annual General Meeting

Ronald Major

Director

Interim Director, Elected for a 2 Year Term – expires at the 2027 Annual General Meeting

Jenelle Major

Director

Elected on 30/4/2025 for a 1Year Term.

Re-elected on 30/8/2025 – expires at the 2027 Annual General Meeting

Appointed Treasurer on 16/4/2026

About US

We exist for the benefit of the Mitakoodi and Mayi people. Now and into the future – to take care of our country.

Our Story Our Purpose

The Mitakoodi and Mayi People are the Traditional Owners of Country in north-west Queensland — across the land, water, and surrounding areas including north towards Canobie and the Gulf catchment region.

On 22 August 2024, the Federal Court of Australia formally recognises our native title rights and interests in this Country. This determination is a milestone in our ongoing journey as a people — affirming our deep and enduring connection to Country, cultural heritage, and community.

We acknowledge the Mitakoodi and Mayi Peoples as the Traditional Owners of this Country. We also recognise the enduring presence and contributions of European and Chinese peoples whose histories are woven into the story of this region and its people.

Our Purpose

The Mitakoodi and Mayi People Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (RNTBC) exists to hold and manage native title on behalf of the Mitakoodi and Mayi Peoples — protecting our land, water, and cultural heritage for the benefit of our members, our community, and future generations.

We are committed to:

Preservation — protecting the lands, waters, and cultural heritage of the Mitakoodi and Mayi Peoples
Respect — honouring the knowledge, traditions, and Ancestors of our people
Integrity — acting with honesty and accountability in all decisions we make on behalf of Native Title Holders
Promotion — sharing and celebrating Mitakoodi and Mayi culture, identity, and growth for future generations

Our Core Functions:

Hold and manage native title on behalf of the Mitakoodi and Mayi Peoples.
Represent Traditional Owners in negotiations and consultations with government, industry, and other parties.
Protect cultural heritage and sacred sites.
Support community-led projects and development initiatives.

Our Vision:
To ensure that Country, culture, and community remain strong, connected, and self-determined for future generations.

Susan Dempsey

Director

Elected on 30/8/2025 for a 2 Year Term – expires at the 2027 Annual General Meeting

Tanya Kum-Sing

Treasurer

Interim Director appointed on 30/4/2025.

Elected for a 2 Year Term – expires at the 2026 Annual General Meeting

Appointed Treasurer on 10/9/2025.

Resigned on 16/4/2026

Jennifer Kum-Sing

Director

Elected on 30/8/2025 for a 2 Year Term – expires at the 2027 Annual General Meeting

Patricia Rigby

Secretary

Elected on 30/4/2025 for a 1Year Term. Re-elected on 30/8/2025 – expires at the 2027 Annual General Meeting

Appointed Secretary on 10/9/2025

Our Country

Mitakoodi and Mayi Country
Mitakoodi and Mayi Country is located in north-west Queensland, encompassing the lands around Cloncurry, Julia Creek, and surrounding areas. Our Country is rich in history, songlines, and stories — shaped by the rivers, hills, and vast landscapes that connect our ancestors to the land. The Cloncurry River and surrounding ranges hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, forming part of our people’s identity and responsibility as custodians.

Caring for Country:
We continue to care for our Country through cultural practices, heritage protection, and responsible partnerships that support environmental and community wellbeing.

CRC Directors

Mitakoodi Members: Gordon Connelly, Allan Kum-Sing, Dwane Turner, Nakita Aitkens Kum-Sing

Mayi Members: Greg Cummins, Sharon Cummins, Violet Dargan, Christine Howard

Native Title

Our Native Title Rights and Responsibilities

The Mitakoodi and Mayi People PBC holds and manages the native title rights recognised by the Federal Court of Australia. Native title acknowledges the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to their land and waters according to traditional laws and customs. We also recognise the presence and contributions of European and Chinese peoples whose histories are part of the story of this Country..

Our Role Includes:

Managing land use agreements and access requests.
Protecting the legal and cultural interests of our people
Representing Traditional Owners in negotiations with governments, mining, and other industries.

For detailed information, please refer to the official Native Title Determination documents available through the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) and Federal Court websites.

Cultural Heritage

Protecting Our Heritage for Future Generations

Cultural heritage is at the heart of our identity. The Mitakoodi and Mayi People PBC ensures that all works on Country — including mining, development, or research — are carried out in a culturally respectful and legally compliant way.

We assess and manage activities that may impact heritage sites, artefacts, or places of cultural importance.

Working on Country?

If you are planning to:

Conduct mining, pastoral activities, exploration, or land development
Carry out cultural research or mapping
Access Country for business, industry, or tourism purposes

Please contact us to ensure you are working respectfully on Country and that proper consultation and heritage protection procedures are followed

Community & Projects

Building Stronger Futures Together

The PBC works to create opportunities that support the social, cultural, and economic growth of our people.
Through partnerships, training programs, and on-Country projects, we are building a future where Traditional Owners have a strong voice in development and cultural management.

Our Key Priorities:

Employment and training opportunities
Youth and cultural programs
Land and resource management initiatives
Sustainable economic partnerships

Native Title Holders and community members are encouraged to stay connected and take part in meetings, consultations, and community updates shared through this website and social media.

For Developers & Stakeholders

Working Respectfully on Country

The Mitakoodi and Mayi People PBC works with government, mining, pastoral, and industry partners to ensure that development activities on Country are undertaken in a culturally respectful and legally compliant way.

If your organisation wishes to operate on Mitakoodi or Mayi Country, you must first engage with the PBC to discuss land access, cultural heritage assessments, and agreement requirements. Please note that formal agreements with the PBC are required before any activity on Country can commence.

Process Overview:

Submit your project enquiry to the PBC.
Provide maps, locations, and details of your proposed activity.
The PBC will assess cultural and native title implications.
Formal consultation and agreement processes will follow.

We value respectful and transparent engagement with all partners who share our commitment to working respectfully on Country and caring for its future.

Our Cultural Resource Committee (CRC)

The Cultural Resource Committee (CRC) works alongside the Board of the Mitakoodi and Mayi People PBC to ensure that the cultural values, knowledge, and heritage of our people are at the heart of every decision we make.

The CRC plays a vital role in:

Protecting the cultural heritage and sacred sites of the Mitakoodi and Mayi Peoples
Advising the Board on matters relating to Country, culture, and community
Engaging with Native Title Holders and community on cultural matters
Supporting the responsible management of Country and cultural resources

The CRC represents the voice of our community, ensuring that the Mitakoodi and Mayi Peoples remain self-determined and culturally strong for future generations.