Directors & Staff

Maureen O'Donnell is a Baarkintji elder belonging to the Wilyakali language group. Maureen is the current Chairperson of Maari Ma. Maureen lives in Broken Hill and is from a family of 9, she is a grandmother of 47 children and great grandmother to 13 children. Maureen has worked in Aboriginal affairs tirelessly, campaigning for equality for Aboriginal people. Maureen is also the Chairperson of the Broken Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council and is on the Board of Management for the Mutawintji National Park. Maureen is a past member of the Western Aboriginal Legal Service where she was the Chairperson for 10 years. Maureen commenced her role with the Maari Ma Board in 1997.

Des Jones is a Mooriwarri man born in Brewarrina NSW and currently resides in Wentworth. Des is the Deputy Chairperson of Maari Ma. Des holds Board positions with other organisations as well - Des is Chairperson of the Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation. Des has a strong interest in Aboriginal economic development, revival of Aboriginal culture, language maintenance and sites protection. Des likes to meet and socialise with people and has a keen interest in sports and seeing and supporting people of all ages to participate in their chosen sports. Des would also like individuals and families to benefit from better services and lead healthy lifestyles. Des commenced his role with the Maari Ma Board in 1996. He is also the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Regional Councillor for the Western region.

Gloria Murray is a Baarkintji elder residing in Balranald. Gloria is currently a member of the Balranald Health Advisory Council, Balranald Indigenous Committee and Balranald Inc. Gloria undertakes various community development consultation roles as a community member and is a strong advocate in supporting Aboriginal people involved in the legal system. Gloria is also a strong campaigner in lobbying government agencies in providing suitable, appropriate and affordable accommodation for Aboriginal people. Gloria commenced her role with the Maari Ma Board in 1998.

Fay Johnstone is a Ngiyampaa - Baarkintji woman residing in Ivanhoe. Fay has been employed for 30 years as an Aboriginal Education Assistant with the Department of School Education and is based at the Ivanhoe Central School. Fay is also the Chairperson of the Ivanhoe Aboriginal Community Working Party, a member of the Ivanhoe Health Advisory Council and is a Board member of the Mount Grenfell Historic Site Management Committee. Fay is a past Director of the Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Board and of the Western Aboriginal Legal Service. Fay commenced her role with the Maari Ma Board in 1998.

Cheryl Blore is a Baarkintji woman who resides in Menindee. Cheryl has been employed for 27 years as an Aboriginal Education Assistant with the Department of School Education and is based at the Menindee Central School. Cheryl has been involved with the Menindee Local Aboriginal Land Council for the past 27 years, holding positions as secretary and chairperson. Cheryl is now on the new Board of Management for Menindee Local Aboriginal Land Council, Menindee Health Advisory Council and the Menindee Central School Committee. Cheryl has a keen interest in education, Aboriginal culture and the health of Aboriginal people. Cheryl commenced her role with the Maari Ma Board in 2006.

Norma Kennedy is a Gamilaroi woman and has lived in Wilcannia for the past 33 years. Norma was an Aboriginal Health Worker with the Wilcannia Health Service for 20 years and the Secretary of the Mutawintji Local Aboriginal Land Council for 15 years. Norma is presently a Board member of the Regional Enterprise Development institute Ltd (REDI.E).