Queensland Deputy Premier, Cameron Dick has announced Indigenous business leaders, Jack Reis and Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, will join the seven-member Trade and Investment Queensland board.
Mr Reis (pictured, left) is a Badulaig man with heritage stemming from Badu Island in the Torres Strait. He was the inaugural 2022 Supply nation Indigenous Entrepreneur of Australia and is also the 2023 Indigenous cyber security executive of Australia.
He is also a founding member and the CEO of cyber security firm, Baidam Solutions.
Ms Cockatoo-Collins (pictured, right) is a Quandamooka woman from North Stradbroke Island in Queensland’s Southeast who expresses the stories of her family’s lived experience on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and responds artistically to historical images and texts.
She is the designer of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018 prize-winners’ medals, commemorative medal and the large inflatable Migalu (white humpback whale) that featured in the Opening Ceremony.
Ms Cockatoo-Collins is the founder of Minjerribah Art Studio and is exporting original artworks, ceramics and clothing.
Both are foundation members of Trade and Investment Queensland’s First Nations Advisory Committee.
“Queensland is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and nowhere is this more evident that in some of our First Nations business leaders,” said the Deputy Premier.
“It is wonderful to have two of the best examples of that join the Trade and Investment Queensland board.
“Their appointments will help promote Queensland’s First Nations businesses to the world.
“Jack and Delvene represent a diverse range of sectors, expertise and views to support and foster not just Queensland First Nations’ businesses but all our exporters.
“We are fortunate to be able to have their expertise on the board.”
Deputy Chair Kate Hynes has concluded her term after a number of years on the board, as has Michele Fleming.
Professor Scott Sheppard’s tenure on the TIQ Board has been extended for a further two years. He has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, International and External Relations at the Queensland University of Technology for 15 years.
“I would also like to sincerely thank Michele and Kate for their dedication to the supporting the board over many years, as well as their promotion of Queensland exports and investments, which I know they will continue to advocate for beyond their board tenure,” said Minister Dick.
“I look forward to all that this board achieves as it guides our global trade agency into the future as it continues to deliver the $150 million Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy.”
Headquartered in Brisbane, Trade and Investment Queensland is the government’s dedicated global business agency with a network of 21 international and eight Queensland regional offices.
“Change is part of board renewal and I know Jack and Delvene are looking forward to sharing their business knowledge, advice and judgment with us as we continue to take Queensland products to the world and attract the world to Queensland,” said Board Chair, Daniel Gschwind.
“We are excited to have Jack and Delvene join us at this time to also support the Trade and Investment Queensland First Nations Advisory Committee – a sub-committee to the board.
“Queensland is proud to be the first state or territory to introduce a First Nations category in the national export awards program and we look forward to some exciting applications from our First Nations exporters.”
The agency assists Queensland businesses export goods and works in-market to attract investment to the state.
