Community member takes on key Punmu role

The people of Punmu have celebrated the short-term appointment of a respected community member to the board of directors to guide the governance of the remote East Pilbara community.

Morika Biljabu has stepped in to relieve Punmu community director John Reudavey until May 27, to help manage the day-to-day running and financial affairs of the Aboriginal community, 640km south-east of Port Hedland.

Mr Reudavey said it was important to acknowledge a community member stepping up to such a big responsibility.

“Morika has done this once before, but I feel that the Pilbara should know what great work is happening in the community,” he said.

“In the role, she will have to look after financials, power, sewerage and keep an eye on alcohol and drugs coming into the community.

“It’s a responsibility that not everyone can do — generally co-ordinators come in to relieve when a director has to go away.”

Mr Reudavey said after working in remote Aboriginal communities for more than 15 years, Ms Biljabu was the first community member he had seen stand in as a director.

“There will be a lot of pressure on Morika, but she has the support of the community behind her,” he said.

“We have a well-functioning, financially sound community, with good governance here.

“And with a bit more training, we hope to have other community members who can step up to the mark to be directors in future.”