Melissa ThomasBoard Chair re-elected
Melissa Thomas has been an esteemed board member of Mutkin for the past four years, bringing two decades of dedicated service to the Yarrabah
community. Having established her home on local land five years ago, she has deep-rooted ties to the area and is committed to its growth and development.
As the Manager of Heartfeltcare Qld, Melissa leverages her extensive management and NDIS expertise to facilitate support and care for individuals in the community. Her vision is to elevate Mutkin to a leading role within the Yarrabah community, ensuring residents and clients receive the highest standard of care.
Gillian BannBoard of Director & Traditional Owner
Gillian Bann is a Gunggandji Guru-Gulu Woman and traditional owner and has spent most of her life in the Yarrabah community. She has been President Yarrabah Junior Rugby League Football Club for nine years and brings extensive experience having served on several boards including being a Director on Gunggandji PBC Gunggandji Mandingalbay PBC and Current Director Jabu Mugay/YLF Corporation. Currently she is the coordinator of the Djungaal Elders Group Community Hub.
Gillian joined the Mutkin board with her passion for making sure that our aged and frail and disabled are being looked after appropriately and getting the best quality service is provided for them. Gillian is very passionate about “prolonging the lives of our Elders and ensuring that our youth and children
Lucresia WillettBoard of Director & Traditional Owner and Cultural Lead
Lucresia Willett is a Gunggandji Guru-Gulu Woman and traditional owner and has been a Board member for the past year. She has spent her entire childhood and adolescence in Yarrabah and had the good fortune to work with the Department of Community Services/Yarrabah Council for eighteen years. Lucresia has volunteered and served as a member and board member of numerous organisations throughout the years.
Presently she works with GYHSAC, Lucresia likes the front-line work she does in Yarrabah. Working for her people and community is an honor and a privilege. She has been involved with Mutkin from its humble beginnings and continues to be involved “so that we can honor our Elders and give them the best care that we can”.
Kathy HareBoard of Director & Chair of FARC Board Sub-committee
Kathryn Hare has proudly served as a board member for the past two years, residing in Cairns and working in Yarrabah for two decades, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our community’s welfare. Kathryn’s experiences extend to sitting on multiple not-for-profit boards over the last 15 years, where she held roles as both a non-Indigenous independent director and in advisory capacities.
She is deeply passionate about supporting and contributing to community organizations, mentoring others and sharing her knowledge are central to her philosophy. One of the issues close to Kathryn’s heart is the treatment of our elderly, frail, and aged, particularly among First Nations peoples. She looks forward to continuing to support our initiatives and uphold the dignity of all community members, especially our esteemed elders.
Joel Tolentino (RN. Nurse Advisor)Board of Director & Clinical SME
Chair of Care Governance Board sub committee
Joel is a highly experienced Registered Nurse, Nurse Advisor and Aged Care Consultant with an extensive track record in managing and supporting residential and community aged care services across Australia, mostly in rural and remote Aboriginal communities. He is a subject matter expert on the Aged Care Standards and the various legislative requirements and regulatory compliance of approved aged care providers.
Having performed in various roles with different organisations as a Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Clinical Lead, and Director of Nursing/Facility Manager he has a proven, solid track record in the nursing leadership and management roles for over 15 years, he hold a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and currently finishing a Masters in Mental Health.
Kim AndersonCEO
Kim Anderson is the CEO of Mutkin Residential and Community Aged Care, with over 20 years of experience living and working in Far North Queensland, including Thursday Island, the Torres Strait, and Cape York. She has dedicated her career to strengthening health and aged care services for First Nations communities, ensuring care is culturally safe, respectful, and community-led.
Kim combines hands-on clinical expertise with strategic leadership, having led major health services, influenced statewide nursing and midwifery policy, and coordinated emergency responses during cyclone events. She is committed to supporting residents, families, and staff to create a connected, thriving care environment.