Elizabeth (Liz) Unkles
“An island girl who is abundantly blessed” and “A strategic systems developer”.
My name is Elizabeth (Liz) Unkles, nee Adams, and the above phrases have been my personal and professional social media taglines for several years. These phrases encapsulate both, my reason for accepting nomination to the Norfolk Island Governance Committee (NIGC) and what I would bring to the Committee.
I am a proud Norfolk Islander of Pitcairn Descent. I had the privilege of growing up on Norfolk, completing my schooling on island and working at the Norfolk Island Hospital Enterprise. I worked at the hospital during holidays from my university studies and immediately after graduating as a nurse, until I moved to Brisbane in 1994.
During my years off island, I continued to further my education by attaining a master’s degree with a focus on human services, social policy and planning and community development. Consolidating this knowledge, I have held senior management and leadership positions which focussed on the development of governance systems, across Queensland, in the areas of health, welfare, not-for-profit sectors including voluntary positions in local churches, and more recently, in the utilities sector. Throughout these years off island, the importance of my culture and heritage has never been forgotten, and the inherent meaning of “In as much” has shaped my life. For this, I will be eternally grateful.
Since returning home in late 2021, I have been working at the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) with responsibilities including the oversight of the transition of the State Services Support Partner for NIHRACS to Queensland Health, the facilitation of the planning process for and the development of the NIHRACS Strategic Plan 2022 -2027 and supporting the further enhancement of NIHRACS systems and governance.
My experiences as briefly outlined above, have led to a firsthand understanding of the:
- Priorities for the Norfolk Island community.
- Challenges we face both broadly and specifically in the contexts of our complex health and legislative systems; and of the,
- Queensland State governance systems and processes.
I see that the NIGC poses an exciting opportunity for the development of a governance model appropriate for Norfolk Island, and simply stated, I believe this model is one which ensures:
- The culture of Norfolk Island is not only preserved but recognised and embedded appropriately into all aspects of governance and society.
- That effective governance systems are in place which are equitable, sustainable, fit for purpose, promote effective access to services, and enhance standards of living and quality of life, and
- These two aspects are considered and developed in unison.
In standing for election, I am acutely aware that this role is one that comes with immense responsibility to ensure that it is the views and needs of the community that are reflected and addressed in developing the governance model for our Island. If elected to the NIGC, working with people from all aspects of our community, will be fundamental.
I welcome any questions, queries, or feedback you may have - elizabeth.unkles@bigpond.com