Chairperson's Report

Lucy Evans, Chairperson

It gives me great pleasure to present the 2012/2013 Annual Report and, again, it has been a busy and challenging year for South Australian Native Title Services. I have appreciated the guidance and support of my fellow SANTS Directors throughout this time. During the year, the Board welcomed a new Director, Mr Arthur Ah Chee and farewelled Mr Ian Procter. Ian’s expertise and knowledge will be missed. I am grateful for his contribution and wish him good health and happiness.

I am very pleased with the appointment of Mr Keith Thomas as the CEO of SANTS from 1 July 2012. Mr Keith Thomas has proven to be an outstanding CEO and the organisation has benefited from his strong leadership skills and commitment to native title issues. The Directors look forward to working with him as he continues to deliver positive results for the Aboriginal community in South Australia. I also wish to thank SANTS staff for the support they have given to the Board and for the work they perform in assisting Aboriginal people across the State to achieve their native title aspirations.

SANTS has been through a difficult year, particularly with a number of matters in litigation which has been a significant drain on resources. I wish to thank the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services, and Indigenous Affairs for the additional funding provided to assist in funding these litigated matters. SANTS has continued to pursue native title claims towards resolution. Regrettably, we have been unable to meet the needs of all native title claimants at this time due to funding constraints.

My sincere thanks to everyone involved in SANTS’ achievements.

Lucy Evans, Chairperson

Opposite page: From left: Allan Hunter (Director), Loralee Wright (Deputy Chair), Paul Case (Treasurer), Lucy Evans (Chair), Keith Thomas (CEO), Arthur Ah Chee (Director) and John Briggs (Secretary).

Banner image: Rock hole, Inala, Yumbarra Park.