Richie Ah Mat
Richie's Story
Richie Ah Mat was born on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. His mother's traditional lands were Wuthathi country on the east coast of Cape York near Shelbourne Bay and his father was descended from the Yupanguthi on the west coast of Cape York near between Weipa and Mapoon.
Richie's Achievements
Richie worked for Comalco Mining in Weipa for 27 years. During this time, he led the strike against individual contracts, and was the first Aboriginal elected president of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Lodge.
Following a near fatal accident in 1996, he became involved in the fight for native title rights in Cape York.
Richie took up the position of West Coast Area Officer for Cape York Land Council in 1997, and was elected as Chairperson later that year. He then became an Executive, holding the position until 2005.
Today, Richie provides support to the regional organisations of Cape York in their implementation of the Welfare Reform Agenda in the Cape.