Since she was just 16 years old, working for her community has been a central theme of Carly Chamberlain’s life. ‘I’ve always been driven to improve my community,’ she says. ‘Growing up in Port Augusta I’ve been involved in the local Aboriginal community here for a long time and now I have the chance to work for the wider Kokatha community.’

Carly was elected as the new Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson, after she was voted onto the board at the recent AGM. ‘It was very humbling for me to know that the community accepts me and trusts me to be in the position,’ she says.

Carly may be newly elected as Chair but she’s no newcomer to KAC. She’s previously worked in several roles across the corporation, giving her a solid understanding of the organisation. ‘I started at KAC three years ago in an administration role and then I starting working for the Charitable Trust as Secretariat and also the Culture and Heritage Committee Secretariat,’ says Carly. ‘After that I moved into Heritage Services as the Trainee Manager, and part of that role was organising cultural awareness programs.’

The diversity of her roles with KAC has helped shape Carly’s goals for the future of the organisation. ‘My first step will be to improve communication between the corporation and the community and bring everyone together,’ she says. ‘I really want the community to see direct benefits from KAC, so that means more programs for members as well as financial benefits.’

As a mother of five and one of the younger members of the Board, Carly is also focused on creating a youth leadership program and youth voice for KAC. ‘I want to provide young people with opportunities to be involved in decision making and feel empowered in their choices so when it’s their turn to step into leadership roles it’s not so overwhelming,’ she says.

Other items on Carly’s to do list include creating a community space for Kokatha members, progressing KAC’s role as a Recognised Aboriginal Representative Body and protecting Kokatha heritage. ‘For me this is an opportunity to make some really positive changes for my community,’ says Carly. ‘When I was working for KAC there was only so much I could do, but now in my new role as Chairperson I feel I can make a real impact and that is such an honour.’

Carly is looking forward to meeting as many community members as she can over the next few months and is intending to hold a KAC family day and in the near future.