Vonda Malone to Lead the Torres Strait Regional Authority

Media release - Minister Wyatt

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, is proud to announce Ms Vonda Malone will be the next Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

The TSRA is a corporate Commonwealth entity established in 1994 to empower the people of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area to build their economy, deliver programs to improve wellbeing and protect local heritage and culture. The TSRA continues to stand as the leading body on Indigenous affairs in the region and works to ensure the recognition and maintenance of Ailan Kastom and Aboriginal lore.

“Vonda Malone is an exceptional Torres Strait Islander woman who is deeply committed to the region,” Minister Wyatt said.

“With more than 22 years of experience working at local, federal and international levels of Government, and most recently as Mayor of the Torres Shire Council, she has significant experience delivering programs to achieve better outcomes for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people.

“Ms Malone was the first female Mayor of the Torres Shire Council and will be the second consecutive woman to lead the TSRA. She will be a great champion for local people, their aspirations and I know she will continue to deliver strong outcomes for the region and the community.”

Ms Malone was named the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year in 2017, recognising her leadership as Mayor of the Torres Shire Council.

She is a fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner's Indigenous Fellowship Program and also a recipient of the Centenary Medal and the NAIDOC Award of Excellence.