‘Time to go’ says Quandamooka chief Cameron Costello after seven years at top

The rumour mill clicked into overdrive over who will replace QYAC chief Cameron Costello, who announced his resignation yesterday.

Cameron Costello with Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch at Parliament House.

Indigenous and community groups with links to North Stradbroke Island have paid tribute to the island’s highest-ranked executive Cameron Costello, who has resigned after seven years in the role.

Mr Costello made the shock announcement yesterday after speaking with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation board of 10 executives.

He said it was his time to move, despite the chair of the QYAC board Dr Valerie Cooms and board members asking him to remain.

The rumour mill clicked into overdrive over his shock decision to step back from the role and speculation who would replace him.

Island elder Uncle Bob Anderson.

Mr Costello said he was unsure who would step into the role but said he would be around to help with selections and future help if needed.

He said Uncle Bob Anderson, a Quandamooka Ngugi elder and native title holder for Moreton Island, would also be guiding the corporation.

QYAC CEO Cameron Costello preparing for an island ceremony.

He said his decision to step down came with a hint of sadness, an overwhelming sense of pride “and a bit of exhaustion”.

Married to Rebecca with two children, Mr Costello said he wanted time to relax with his young family and possibly even coach his son’s soccer team, Bayside United next year.

He said he was happy to step aside from the top post after leaving the corporation in a strong financial position.

In October, QYAC posted a $2 million net surplus in its 2019-20 annual report.

“QYAC’s position that it is in strategically is a good one where it will attract really good quality applicants – but it is up to the board as to whether they want a Quandamooka person, an indigenous person or they just want a really good CEO,” he said.

Jackie Trad was a strong supporter of QYAC CEO Cameron Costello.

“I just need to refresh and seven years for a CEO, seven days a week, is a long time and this year in particular, I feel like I’ve just run a marathon and won the race but now have to take a break.

“I would not leave if I didn’t think it was time – and with QYAC in such a strong position, I knew it was the right time.

“I wanted to make sure QYAC was in a strong position, which it is now that COVID is under control here.

“This year, we had out best-ever profit which showed clearly we are financial managers who can be trusted and can perform even in challenging situations.

“It’s been filled with highs and lows but I must admit we have achieved a lot and made history.”

He said he had no plans yet – apart from sleeping and a having a break but he hoped to follow his passions for tourism, the arts and culture.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk watches as Jackie trad and Cameron Costello look over maps for the island last year.

His departure follows the return of LNP Member for Oodgeroo Mark Robinson for a fifth term with many voters on the island saying they were concerned with the Labor Government’s plans for Toondah Harbour and the island’s economic transition after sand mining.

It also follows the ousting of his close friend, the former deputy premier Jackie Trad, who he went on a trip to China with last year as part of a trade delegation to spruik the island.

Mr Costello took up his first role with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation in 2013, and was the first CEO to sign off on the corporation’s first annual report that year.

He was part of the island’s indigenous organisation when the federal court handed down its historic native title ruling for Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island, on July 4, 2011.

He was also the head of the corporation when native title was extended to Moreton Island in October 2019.

He has also resigned from his post on the Board of Minjerribah Camping, which is owned by QYAC and runs Holiday Parks and camping on Minjerribah.

Island indigenous groups looked to Mr Costello when it was announced that sand mining on the island would cease in 2020 and be replaced with tourism.

QYAC was at the forefront of shaping the island’s camping grounds and helping to set up park ranger programs to employ some of the indigenous workers.

Under Mr Costello’s stewardship, parcels of land on the island were also unlocked for indigenous use in October.

The king of selfies … QYAC’s Cameron Costello worked with Redland mayor Karen Williams.

Redland mayor Karen Williams paid tribute to Mr Costello, ringing him to wish him well and thanking him for all he has done for the community.

“Minjerribah is at a critical point in its transition and I thank Cam for all he has done to progress the exciting opportunities that lay ahead,” Cr Williams said.

“I look forward to working with his successor, the whole QYAC team and wider community to deliver an exciting future for the island and broader region.”

Stradbroke Island Chamber of Commerce president Colin Battersby said Mr Costello had made a significant contribution to the Quandamooka People and the island generally.

“The next person in that role will have big shoes to fill and the chamber looks forward to working with whoever that might be.

“Straddie is at a crossroads and we are trying to transition from mining to a tourism economy.”

Indigenous elder and Native Title co-applicant Uncle Bob Anderson praised Mr Costello for his business acumen and for undertaking the “complex” role in a calm and confident manner.

He said Mr Costello’s steady hand helped play a pivotal role in negotiations with the state government throughout the progression of the native title claims.

“He leaves the organisation in a strong and confident position for the future of our community,” Uncle Bob said.

“His management of issues such as Native Title, cultural heritage, the ranger program, economic transition and cultural tourism has been extraordinary.

“Along with the Elders, board and staff, he has created a diversified economy for the Quandamooka Peoples.

“It is pleasing to me, as an Elder, to see these employment opportunities for our people.”

Mr Costello, a law graduate from University of Queensland, said he would remain connected to QYAC playing an advisory role when needed.

He has played lead roles at local and state government levels delivering First Nation policies and programs including the Backing Indigenous Arts Program and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.