Each Indigenous Nation selects up to 2 delegates using their own internal business. The way a Nation does this depends on many things including their geography, population, history and experience with colonialism.
Some Nations use a genealogical governance structure. For example the Yorta Yorta peoples have incorporated body based on family groupings. Each family group selects 2 Elders to sit on the Yorta Yorta Council of Elders which directs the incorporated body on cultural and natural resources management issues. The Yorta Yorta MLDRIN delegates are selected by the Yorta Yorta Council of Elders.
Another example is the Wamba Wamba Nation which straddles both sides of the Murray River and includes the major townships of Deniliquin (NSW) and Swan Hill (Victoria). The Wamba Wamba delegates are selected through organisational meetings in each of these towns – and both choose 1 delegate each.
All the MLDRIN delegates form the MLDRIN Confederation and must report back to their respective Nations and seek approval for decisions using their Governance structures. MLDRIN meets at least 3-4 times a year, with regular updates throughout.
Furthermore, a smaller working group of 4 delegates meetings between the larger Confederation meetings to progress actions and make recommendations on various negotiation processes.
Matthew Rigney
Matthew Rigney is a Ngarrindjeri man from Meningie in South Australia. After completing a Degree in Social Sciences from the South Australian Institute of Technology and a Management Certificate at the Australian Institute of Management, Matthew Rigney has had a varied professional career. He has worked for Aboriginal Community Welfare, Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Training and most recently as an ATSIC Regional Councillor.
Outside of work Mr Rigney is the Chairman of Ngarrindjeri Native Title Management Committee, Member of the Tendi – Ngarrindjeri Governing Body and MLDRIN Representative on The Living Murray’s Community Reference Group.
Ramsay Freeman
Ramsay Freeman is a Wiradjuri man born at Brungle and now living on Wiradjuri traditional country at Tumut in the Snowy Mountains. His people’s country is at the headwaters of the Murray and the Murrumbigee Rivers.
Uncle Ramsay has worked as a seasonal labourer and with Tumut Shire Council and has also worked with NSW Forests. He has been with MLDRIN since its inception and is also on the Wiradjuri Council of Elders and is Chairman of the Snowy Mountains Elders Council.
Steven Ross
Steven Ross is a Wamba Wamba man from Deniliquin in southern NSW. He also has cultural and familial connections to the Muthi Muthi and Wiradjuri Nations.
Steven has an Honours Degree in Government and Public Administration from the University of Sydney in 2000. He is also a Chevening Scholar having received a British Council Chevening Scholarship and studied at the University of Edinburgh in 2002.
He has also completed a course in Diplomacy and Advocacy Training through the University of NSW and will soon be commencing a Masters of Business Administration.
Professionally Steven has worked for the NSW Cabinet Office, NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs and NSW Attorney Generals Dept.
