SIX directors have resigned from the board of the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), raising serious questions about governance and leadership at the organisation representing more than 1,000 Quandamooka people.
Local Redland Bayside News understands the directors stepped down with immediate effect, citing concerns about the corporation’s financial position, transparency, accountability and governance practices.
QYAC has confirmed that six directors — Rosemary Bell, Dean Parkin, Keryn Ruska, Karen Rylance, Charlene Gordon and Aileen Moreton-Robinson — have resigned from the board effective immediately.
A QYAC spokesperson said the departures do not affect the organisation’s ability to operate.
“The resignation of the directors does not impact the functionality of the Board,” the spokesperson said.
“QYAC only requires six directors to comply with its Rule Book and has provisions to fill positions to make a quorum if required.”
The remaining directors are Cameron Costello (Chair), Paul Martin, Bain Stewart, Keiron Costello, Leigh McPhail and Jillian Jacob.
Local Redland Bayside News understands the resignations follow concerns raised internally about governance and transparency within the organisation.
In correspondence circulated within the Quandamooka community, one of the departing directors said the group had become increasingly concerned about how the organisation was being run and whether directors were able to properly fulfil their legal duties.
The communication claims QYAC has cycled through four chief executive officers since the beginning of 2025, creating ongoing instability within the organisation’s leadership.
It also states the most recent CEO, Fiona Cornforth, resigned in early January 2026 after less than two months in the role.
According to the correspondence, directors were never formally introduced to Ms Cornforth or engaged with her in a board meeting before her departure.
The message further claims there has been no board meeting since the organisation’s annual general meeting in December, despite repeated requests from directors.
It also alleges directors were not informed of Ms Cornforth’s resignation, the subsequent appointment of an interim CEO in late February, or arrangements for the QYAC Chair and Minjerribah Camping Chair to oversee the executive leadership team during what was described as another “transition period”.
Instead, the communication claims some directors became aware of the leadership changes through a social media post.
The resigning directors say the situation created significant governance risks, arguing that board members are legally required under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act to exercise duties of care, diligence and good faith.
They claim the lack of board oversight over key executive decisions made it impossible for them to properly carry out those responsibilities.
The resignations leave multiple vacancies on the QYAC board, which the correspondence suggests may remain unfilled until the next annual general meeting.
QYAC confirmed the positions will remain vacant until the next AGM under the organisation’s Rule Book.
“If a Director is seeking to resign, generally the QYAC Directors will appoint an Alternate Director to have someone representing their family on the Board,” the spokesperson said.
“The Directors who have resigned chose not to take that option for their family.”
Responding to the governance concerns raised in the correspondence, the QYAC spokesperson said the claims were unfounded.
“No such concerns were raised at the independently chaired QYAC AGM held in December 2025,” he said.
“QYAC’s Annual Report and audited financials were provided to members at the December 2025 AGM and an opportunity was provided for any questions of the Board of Directors or auditor.
“No questions were raised at the AGM on the governance of the organisation or the audited report.”
The spokesperson said QYAC had already held five board meetings during the current financial year and was only required to meet quarterly under its Rule Book.
“Like most Boards, there is a quiet time over the Christmas/New Year period. The majority of the Board was comfortable to meet in March 2026,” the spokesperson said.
The organisation said it regularly updates members through emails, social media and information sessions, and that its audited financial statements are publicly available.
“QYAC has also had a number of ORIC audits over the years that have found QYAC to be of sound management,” the spokesperson said.
QYAC is the Prescribed Body Corporate for the Quandamooka People following their Native Title determination in 2011 and plays a central role in managing land and cultural heritage matters across Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and surrounding areas.
