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.
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.
The message also expresses concern for staff working within the organisation, saying employees had borne the brunt of ongoing leadership instability.
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.
Local Redland Bayside News has contacted QYAC seeking confirmation of the resignations and responses to the governance concerns raised.
