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Gerhardt Pearson
My current role
Executive Director, Balkanu, Chairman NALSMA - Cairns, Chairman, ISX
Region
Queensland - Cape York
Biography
Gerhardt Pearson was appointed as the foundation Executive Director of Balkanu by the Board of Directors in January 1997. Balkanu supports the Indigenous economic development of Cape York Peninsula and is involved in the development of many projects including the preservation of traditional knowledge, the development of geographic information systems, low cost housing, business development hubs, micro-financing, and the Cape York Digital Network amongst others.
Mr. Pearson is a Bama Bagaarrmugu of the Guuguwarrra Nation from Kalpowa and Jeanie River area. The Lama Lama refer to his group as the Mbarimakarranma or people from the little Red Flying Fox area.
Mr. Pearson began his career in community administration as a Council Clerk both for Hope Vale and Pormpuraaw communities. In 1998 he formed the Aboriginal Council Clerk's Association, representing the fourteen Council Clerks. He was the first Indigenous person within the fourteen Cape York community councils to become Community Executive Manager replacing the State Government's Executive Officer.
Mr. Pearson has been actively involved in Cape York politics for some two decades and has represented Cape York on a state and national level including a six year position as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSIC) Commissioner for the Far North West Zone. He is also a founding member of the Tharpuntoo Legal Service, Cape York Land Council, Apunipima Cape York Partnership, Cape York Institute and Balkanu.
Mr Pearson serves on a wide range of committees and Boards in relation to Education, Social Welfare, Economic Development, Training, Housing and Infrastructure, and Communications. He is also currently Chairman of the Indigenous Stock Exchange and the National Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Association.
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