The Cape York Experience

Richie Ah Mat will be giving a 30 minute presentation titled, ‘The Cape York Experience’.  rahmat@cylc.org.au

  Richie’s presentation will take you through the history of Cape York.  He will discuss the struggles and achievements of Cape York Land Council, the Native Title Representative Body for this region.  One of the most notable of these achievements is the Western Cape Communities Co-existence Agreement which was signed between Comalco Mining, traditional owners of Western Cape York and the State Government.  This agreement lays the foundation for the future in very real ways.

  Richie will also discuss the Cape York Partnership Plan an initiative to move indigenous people from passive welfare dependency and towards developing their own economic independence.  He will outline the programs aimed at developing real engagement and partnership with Aboriginal people. 

About Richard

Richard Ah Mat is the Executive Director of Cape York Land Council.  He was appointed to this position in May 2001, after serving four terms as the Chairperson.

  Richard Ah Mat is a Yupungathi descendent from his father’s side with his traditional country being around the Pennefather area near Mapoon on the Western side of Cape York.  From his mother’s side he is a Wuthathi descendent, with these traditional lands covering the land within the Shelburne Bay area on Eastern Cape York.

  Richie’s has  achieved a lot for traditional owners of Cape York whilst working with the CYLC, with one of the most notable being the Western Cape Communities Co-existence agreement which was signed in March 2001 in Weipa.  This agreement is one of the biggest mining agreements signed with traditional owners in Australia to date.

  Richie is currently involved in high level negotiations with the State Government over the concept of the Cape York Fishing Company which will help to create further employment opportunities and an economic base for future investment for indigenous people of Cape York.

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