Book inspires Wajarri man to ditch mining for leadership

Kurt McIntosh, a Wajarri man, traded the demanding life of a fly-in, fly-out mining worker for a career in Indigenous leadership, inspired by a chance encounter with Barack Obama's "The Audacity of Hope." For years, McIntosh spent considerable time in airport terminals, earning well but missing crucial family events. "I was making lots of money, but it didn't feel right," he reflected.

“

I was making lots of money, but it didn't feel right.

During one of his many airport journeys, McIntosh found himself in a bookstore where Obama's book caught his eye. The book's themes of leadership and proactive decision-making resonated deeply. "The book talked about leadership and not waiting for somebody else to make decisions. I realised I should be doing something that helps my people," he explained.

This realization prompted McIntosh to leave the mining industry. He subsequently worked with various Aboriginal organizations and government agencies before joining the Wajarri Corporation, a prominent Indigenous corporation in Australia. He now serves as an Aboriginal liaison officer, contributing to committees and the corporation's board.

“

The book talked about leadership and not waiting for somebody else to make decisions. I realised I should be doing something that helps my people.

In his role, McIntosh tackles the intricate intersection of native title, governance, and cultural responsibility. Gary Patterson, CEO of the Wajarri Corporation, highlighted the significant responsibility of liaison officers. "It's a challenging environment, particularly for younger leaders, but we need people like Kurt to help people like me understand the lay of the land and the different complexities of the land group level, as well as at a membership level," Patterson said. McIntosh also faces challenges like lateral violence, which he describes as conflict within communities and families, but remains focused on his mission to support his people.

“

It's a challenging environment, particularly for younger leaders, but we need people like Kurt to help people like me understand the lay of the land and the different complexities of the land group level, as well as at a membership level.