Leslie Tungatalum is the Co-Chair of TITEB and a Miyartuwi (Pandanus) elder from Bathurst Island. He went to school in Nguiu before moving to Darwin to complete high school at St John’s College. He then studied climate, science, and history at the School of the Air, followed by Sport and Recreation, and TEABBA Radio training. On his return to Nguiu, he worked in the club as a bartender where he was Assistant Manager for 13 years.

In 2022, he reflected on TITEB’s progress:

This year we have learnt a lot about what we can achieve when we all pull together. We are excited about the future. Our young people can go to university or continue their training here on the Islands, and there are many business opportunities, but we need more ideas and input from people in each community about what they need.

Leslie is committed to setting an example for young people and seeing them become leaders of the community, making good decisions for our people, living and working, not sitting down.

Stanley Tipiloura is a young leader in the community. His is a Lorrila (Rock) man from Wulurankuwu (Milikapati area). Stanley joined the board mid-2016.

Stanley went to school on Bathurst Island, primary and secondary. He is a qualified mariner, able to work on barges, pearl farms and fish farms. He’s worked in all areas in Parks and Gardens, as Assistant Central Service Officer for Power and Water, and as a Marine Transport Coordinator.

Stanley is currently working as a Community Development Officer and Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) worker with the Health Department, providing education on drugs and alcohol. He is also a counsellor, father of three and a proud home owner. He never thought it would happen but all his hard work has paid off.

In 2022, Stanley reflected on TITEB’s progress:

The highlight last year was what we achieved at the farm. People were saying we couldn’t do it and we proved everyone wrong. Going forward I would like to try and get more kids back at school. It’s important to close that gap there. We need to talk to the parents Tiwi way and educate them on the importance of school to secure their kids’ future.

Stanley believes that his work experience and all the challenges he’s been through gives him insight into what’s missing and what’s needed – and that’s what he brings to TITEB. He wants to see TITEB delivering more training to get his people qualified and into real jobs, including management positions, health and small business.

Andrew joined the Board on July 23, 2017 at the TITEB Annual General Meeting.

Andrew’s vision for TITEB in 2023:

We need to keep supporting the community, more projects. Now we have people from TITEB working on the Milikapiti Farm, we need more recruitment and training for the croc farm setting up in 2023. We need to keep supporting school attendance, and more projects for the men, like cleaning up and building barbecues and tables, places where people normally sit.

Connell joined the Board on July 23, 2017 at the TITEB Annual General Meeting.

Connell’s vision for TITEB in 2023:

We need more school attendance and engagement activities. People can sign up on the day and finish about 12 o’clock. If people need to attend a family funeral or they are unwell, they need to let the TITEB know. We also need to make sure the kids go to school – parents, teachers and community working together.

Debbie Coombes, is a Takarringuwi (Mullet tribe) woman from Pirlangimpi. She joined the TITEB Board in October 2017.

Debbie’s vision for TITEB in 2023:

Education is still number one. If we want Tiwi to take over from TITEB staff in Darwin or on the community, they need the education first. Education is not only in the schools, but also having those career pathways, so people can work towards something, no matter how slowly, as long as they know where they’re heading. That is still big for me, that’s what we would love to see.

Debbie went to Pularumpi Primary School at Pirlangimpi and completed her secondary education at Mount Saint Bernards College in Herberton on the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland. When she finished school, her father Graeme marched her up to the council office for a job and she has been working ever since, working her way up from reception to administration, finance and payroll. She also worked at the Pularumpi School, TITEB and Department of Human Services.

Debbie is currently employed by Top End Health Services as Health Promotion, Planning and Evaluation Officer and is also completing her Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care. Until recently, she worked as a Remote Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker, and represented the workforce on its Leadership Group. She is keen to see closer links between education and health on the Tiwi Islands, to not only improve health outcomes for the Tiwi but to also see more Tiwis working in the health sector.

Karina is the TITEB Co-Chair from Melville Island.

Karina’s vision for TITEB in 2023 is:

Strong stakeholder partnerships are vital. We have strong partnerships with stakeholders on Melville and would like to work with others, such as Forestry, to identify job-specific training. We are also looking for ideas for joint projects, which provide meaningful paid work and give jobseekers pride in themselves. Please feel free to contact one of the Co-chairs or Directors. There is always room for improvement.