Aunty Mary Doctor is a proud Aboriginal woman with Cobble Cobble, KuKu Yelangi, Quandamooka, and Jinabara heritage. Born in the Cherbourg Aboriginal Settlement, Aunty Mary has dedicated her life to improving the lives of all Australian’s with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in her community.
Aunty Mary commenced her Australian Public Service career in 1981, as an Indigenous Employment Officer responsible for engaging with the wider Queensland community to secure employment for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. During this time, she was also appointed to various not-for-profit and community service boards with a focus on housing, homelessness, women’s support, educational and community services.
In 1998 Aunty Mary accepted voluntary redundancy from Government and transitioned to her current role as General Manager of Umpi Korumba; a housing corporation that provides Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community housing services in North Brisbane. Umpire Korumba manages a portfolio of crisis accommodation options, social support services, and affordable housing solutions. Aunty Mary has been prominent in transitioning 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families from poverty into homeownership – a significant achievement! In addition to her current role, Aunty Mary sits as a member of the Ministerial Housing Council Queensland; co-chair and member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Housing Authority; member of the DATSIP Policy Leaders Forum and member/co-chairperson of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Housing Authority. She was also recently appointed to the Prevention of family and Domestic Violence permanent committee within the Department of Child Safety Youth and Women.
Aunty Mary is married to Uncle Russell Doctor with two children and four grandchildren. Her family performs Corroboree and cultural dances at local festivals and events across South East Queensland by way of Jinabara culture. She is an avid Parramatta Eels supporter and enjoys watching her grandchildren compete in sporting events, particularly basketball.
Recent Comments