The Gunggari Native Title Aboriginal Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors comprising eight members. Directors are elected by the Gunggari membership in accordance with the terms of our Rule Book. All Directors roles are voluntary and we do not receive sitting fees.
Carol Finlay is a proud Gunggari woman connected through her mother, Joyce Finlay (nee Foster). Carol was raised and lived in Mitchell most of her life and a mother of 4 children and 2 grandchildren with partner, Barry.
Carol is currently working for Services Australia in the field of Indigenous Servicing for over 20 years. Carol previously worked in Charleville before locating to Brisbane to continue working in the Department delivering services to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities. Carol has an immense passion to assist and work with her people and create change in the community.
Carol has previously worked in local government in Mitchell, working for the Booringa Shire Council (now Maranoa Regional Council) for 10 years and has experience in working with community organisations, Mitchell Aboriginal Housing Company and held positions on both Nalingu Aboriginal Corporation and Mitchell Aboriginal Housing Company Board.
I am a proud Gunggari woman, connected through both my Mother and Father, born at the Yumba in 1959 — a place that shaped my earliest memories and continues to anchor my spirit. Though the Yumba was closed and our families were forced to move into town, my connection to Gunggari Country remains unwavering. I carry vivid memories of my Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles, and cousins who lived there, and I honour their legacy in everything I do.
In the 1980s, I served as Director and Secretary of the Mitchell Aboriginal Housing Company, and worked as the Aboriginal Community Worker in Mitchell, advocating for housing, wellbeing, and community empowerment. My father, Angus Smith, was among those who stood alongside Robert Munn in the early stages of the Gunggari Native Title Claim — a movement that continues to inspire my commitment to justice and cultural recognition.
For over 13 years, I worked as a Site Project Administrator on remote job sites for Companies contracted to major resource companies including Santos, Origin, and QGC, building a strong foundation in financial, budgeting and payroll systems. This experience has equipped me with the operational and administrative skills I now bring to my own Indigenous business and to GNTAC.
My position as Secretary/Director on GNTAC is grounded in cultural integrity, community service, and a deep respect for the strength of our Elders and the promise of our youth. They are our future, and I am passionate about mentoring, empowering, and paving pathways that honour our heritage while embracing growth.
I am a young Gunggari woman, connected to Country through my mother, and I now proudly call Mitchell home. My identity, family, and community are deeply important to me and shape the way I live and work every day. As a teacher at the local school, I see firsthand the importance of strong culture, belonging, and connection for our young people, and I strive to create spaces where they feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are.
I chose to step into the role of Director because I feel a strong responsibility to learn more about my culture and to honour those who came before me. This role represents an opportunity for growth and to listen, learn, and walk alongside community in ways that support the continuation of Gunggari culture. I am deeply passionate about contributing to a future where our culture is protected, celebrated, and passed on with strength, pride and respect to the next generations.
I am a Gunggari descendant through the linage of Old Frog and Jinnegah. We are connected to the river system of the Maranoa. Deena is number 11 of 12 children to Anne and Alf Dodd. Granddaughter to Jack and Ida Kearns.
I have had over a decade in the Public Service for the Commonwealth Government balancing personal and employment beliefs which often differ.
I am proficient in community engagement and connection working closely with community control organisations in service delivery across the SWQ region.
I am a a skilled negotiator, community engagement officer with the ability to search for new, innovative ideas based on better outcomes for Gunggari. I work with integrity and honesty, always with the interest of the broader Gunggari people at heart and for the benefit of all Gunggari people no matter where they are.
I am a proud Gunggari woman, the eldest daughter of Jan Dodd and granddaughter of Alf and Anne Dodd. I am a mother of two and grandmother of three, who values time spent on Country and sharing stories and culture with my grandchildren, family and friends. Mitchell and the Yumba hold a special meaning for me, and I love returning home whenever I can. I have always held a deep appreciation for listening to stories of life on the Yumba.
I have dedicated my career to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with a strong focus on grassroots engagement and community-led outcomes. I began my. career with ATSIC, where I worked for 10 years, followed by roles in family violence prevention and youth justice.
For the past 12 years, I have worked within Queensland Health and currently hold the position of Practice Manager at CWAATSICH. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for communities, advocating for culturally safe services, and strengthening connections between people, culture and care.
I am passionate about continuing my learning and giving back to my community. My interest in being part of the board stems from a desire to deepen my understanding of how I can contribute to mob, while honouring the stories I grew up hearing about life on the Yumba. I am committed to learning more and sharing these stories with my grandchildren, reflecting the strength, resilience and pride of my people.
© 2026 Gunggari Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.