The Board

KCLS Board serves on an entirely voluntary basis. We are grateful for the hard work and strong contribution of our Board.

Amanda Whitehead

Chairperson

Amanda has been living and working for over a decade in Kununurra in the East Kimberley. Amanda initially worked as a solicitor for KCLS for 3.5 years, before moving into employment with the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia. Her experience as a former employee of the organisation and as a lawyer dealing with matters across the Kimberley has led her to recognise the important role KCLS plays in the region, persuading her to join the board in late 2017. A desire to support KCLS along the journey of improving and expanding its services has been aided by Amanda’s knowledge of the organisation. This includes her understanding of the internal mechanics and dynamics of KCLS as well as her extensive relationships with legal organisations and other Kimberley services. Amanda has served as Chairperson since 2021.

Justine Toohey

Deputy Chairperson

Justine is an experienced environmental and native title lawyers, who has represented traditional owners on some of Australia’s largest and most significant natural resource infrastructure projects. She acted on the $1.5bn native title, cultural heritage, and State agreements for the Browse LNG Precinct; on the expansion of the Ord Stage 2 irrigated agricultural development; on the heritage assessment of 19,000km of land and sea in the Kimberley, and on sustainable carbon farming in Australia’s northern savannahs. She has an exceptional track record of negotiating successful outcomes on northern Australia’s major projects.

Caroline Constant

Treasurer

Caroline is a long-term resident of Kununurra (originally from Rio de Janeiro) and passionate about making a difference in the local community. Her experience covers roles including Administration Manager, Workplace Trainer, and Skills Centre Coordinator at Kimberley Group Training, and Manager of Research, Analysis and Economics at the Kimberley Development Commission and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Caroline is also a Member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA), and currently works as a Lecturer of Business and Finance at North Regional TAFE. Caroline hopes her participation in the community in the Kimberley region through her board participation can help unlock the Kimberley region’s full potential.

Brianna Lonnie

Brianna re-joined the KCLS Board in December 2021 and is now based in Broome. She previously served on the Board for four years from 2009 to 2012 as Chairperson when she was based in Kununurra. Brianna has extensive experience on the Boards of CLCs and community organisations. She has lived and worked in the Kimberley for 16 years and has a wealth of knowledge and many years of experience in the legal profession, with a great passion for social justice. Brianna is committed to working with the other Board members and staff of KCLS to ensure that the organisation is well governed and that it meets the strategic goals.

Rachel Rima

Rachel is a solicitor based in the Legal Aid Broome office, with experience in criminal and civil law. She completed a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) at Curtin University in 2018 before working as a Research Associate to a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia. Prior to moving to the Kimberley, Rachel worked in a commercial litigation firm and in the Civil Law Division of Legal Ais specializing in elder abuse. Rachel has served on the KCLS Board since November 2022.

Maxine Chi

Maxine Chi joined the KCLS Board in 2024 and lives in Broome and has worked in both State and Commonwealth departments, Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (Inc.) in Derby and Perth and Aboriginal Family Law Services in Broome. She is currently employed as the Program Coordinator/Lecturer/Tutor for the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies course being delivered from Notre Dame University, Broome Campus. She is also a member and Director of the Bardi Jawi Niimidiman Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC and Centacare Kimberley Ltd.

Keda Bond

As a former executive of WA Country Health Services (WACHS) and Operations Manager of the East Kimberley hospitals, Keda has significant history and knowledge of health services in the Kimberley. Now CEO East Kimberley Chamber Commerce and Industry, Keda continues to be passionate about the people of the Kimberley communities and towns. Keda has a Diploma in Project management, Leadership and Management and a Graduate Certificate in Health Service Management. Keda has board experience as the deputy chair of the board of Boab Health Services and previous board member for East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Keda is proud to be on the Board of KCLS and hopes to bring much needed representation for the East Kimberley.

If you’d like to nominate to be on the Board, you are required to first be a KCLS member. You can check your membership by contacting KCLS.