Regional News

Townsville | Rockhampton | Cairns

Townsville

The Commission celebrated a milestone in its development in December 1996 by opening a new office in Townsville. For the first time, people in North Queensland (as distinct from Far North Queensland) have access to a local office for information and advice, education and policy work and lodgement of complaints.

Files from the Rockhampton and Cairns offices were transferred to the Townsville office, which is now handling up to fifteen new complaints per month. The office is staffed by a Regional Director, a Conciliator and an Office Administrator, and shares space with the local Dispute Resolution Centre.

Rockhampton

The Rockhampton Regional Director, Gerry Neal is no stranger to the Commission. Besides hands-on experience working for the previous Commonwealth Commission as a conciliator for a short period, Ms Neal is a solicitor in private practice, with considerable experience in discrimination law.

"I'm looking forward to working as part of the new state-wide Commission and contributing to the creation of a new image and culture" Gerry said.

Reconciliation Week in Cairns

The Commission staff in Cairns participated in the activities of Recognition Day - 27 May, marking the 30th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. Thirty years ago on this day 92% of Australians voted to change the Constitution so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people could be counted in the national census and be recognised as Australian citizens.

In the largest march seen in Cairns in years, two hundred people including school children marched from Munro Martin Park through to the City Place Mall. A flag raising ceremony, displays, dancers and entertainment followed.

The Commission’s information stall highlighted the services and facilities offered. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre, which shares premises with the Anti-Discrimination Commission, helped with the stall.

Commission Staff Rosemary Anderson (Conciliator) and Andrea Gibson (Principal Conciliator), run the display for Reconciliation Week in Cairns (May 1997)

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