Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) is pleased to welcome Tjiangu (TJ) Thomas as its new Safety and Wellbeing Coordinator.

 TJ has previously worked as General Manager Indigenous Engagement at Yulara, as well as Community Safety Manager at Tennant Creek, Wellbeing Support Officer at Yulara and Natural and Cultural Resources Ranger at Mutitjulu.

 He also has a long history with KAC as a member of the Cultural Heritage Committee, the BHP Oak Dam Working Group and previous employment in the Corporation as a Senior Project Officer.

 TJ says his new role will give him the opportunity to use the decade of experience he’s gained in community development to benefit his own community.

 ‘I love seeing first hand the impact strong health and wellbeing initiatives can have on a community,’ he said. ‘We value our staff and community at KAC and want the best possible outcomes for them every day.’

 TJ is a member of the Voice to SA Parliament – Flinders and Upper North, which he says has given him greater insight into both the challenges and opportunities Indigenous people are currently facing.

 KAC Chief Executive David Whitelaw welcomed TJ into the new role. ‘The safety and wellbeing of Kokatha staff is one of our highest priorities and I look forward to seeing the significant achievements TJ will make as Kokatha Safety and Wellbeing Coordinator,’ David said.

 As part of his new role with KAC, TJ will spend time supporting Kokatha employees across the corporation, including the pastoral stations near Roxby Downs and at BHP’s Carrapateena mine, which he visited last week.