Meet the Members

Jaime Gane's family relocated to Weipa when she was two years old, and it has been her home ever since. Alongside her husband Kurt, a fellow long-time local, they have raised their two daughters, who will complete all of their schooling at Western Cape College.

She has always been a very passionate and active community member, and has been involved in a variety of different clubs and community groups in her time. Jaime believes that the people in this community who volunteer their time to run clubs, organisations, and host fantastic community events are a big part of what makes Weipa so special and such a great place to live.

Her experiences growing up in Weipa, involvement in a range of different work environments and community groups, as well as owning and operating multiple small businesses, give her a great insight into the challenges faced by different age groups, businesses and community groups.

Jaime is fiercely passionate about her town and region and is very driven to ensure that Weipa has a bright and prosperous future for generations to come, and to help create opportunities for more residents to make Weipa their long-term home.

Trent has lived on Cape York most of his life, apart from time at boarding school in Townsville and completing an apprenticeship in Cairns. He moved permanently to Weipa in 2003 after flying here for work and developing a love of the lifestyle and the community. Trent has been actively involved in many community events and sporting groups over the years, most notably coaching and refereeing junior rugby league for the last 12 years.

Trent believes with the right strategic vision Weipa will continue to sustainably grow as the central hub for the Western Cape Region without losing what makes it such a special place to live and work.

"An opportunity only exists because a problem has been solved."

Malcolm “Mal” Slack has proudly called Weipa home for more than 20 years and is passionate about protecting and promoting the unique lifestyle the Western Cape has to offer. A dedicated family man, Mal and his family have built their lives in Weipa, with all three of his children growing up locally and completing their schooling in the community. One of his daughters has recently graduated from university with a degree in Marine Science, reflecting the strong connection the family has to the region and its environment.

Mal is the owner and operator of Western Cape Eco Tours, where he shares his extensive local knowledge and love of Cape York with visitors from across Australia and around the world. Through tourism, community involvement and local business, he is committed to supporting the continued growth and sustainability of the region.

With a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges that come with living in a remote community, Mal is passionate about ensuring Weipa remains a vibrant, welcoming and family-friendly town for future generations.

Tacita was born and raised on the Atherton Tablelands and moved to Weipa 11 years ago with her husband and their three young children. All three of her children have attended Western Cape College, with her eldest daughter now in Brisbane on a sporting scholarship.

Over the years, Tacita has been actively involved in a variety of local sporting clubs, community groups, and events, generously volunteering her time to support others. She is deeply passionate about sport and creating opportunities for young people to be active and engaged.

Tacita loves the outdoor lifestyle that Weipa offers and believes strongly in the power of community. She lives by the saying, “Many hands make light work,” and is committed to working together to help Weipa continue to grow in the right direction — for the benefit of all community members.

Nick took up his role as Manager of Communities and Social Performance, Weipa, in October 2024. Coming from the same role in Gove in Northern Territory and previously remote Northern Western Australia, Nick and his family like the small town feel of Weipa and the closeness of community that this brings.

Like a lot of small-town folk, Nick enjoys the outdoor lifestyle and is very much looking forward to fishing and camping in the region and the broader Cape.

The next 10 years will offer many opportunities for development and transformation and Nick is looking forward to being a part of WTA and Weipa Community during such an opportunity rich time.

Tim initially came to Weipa in 2009 on a 6-month secondment, but later returned in 2011 with what started as a 2-year plan. As he settled into the community that plan changed to a 5-year plan and is now a lifestyle choice. Tim loves the outdoor lifestyle and friendly people that are the beating heart of Weipa. Tim is currently the Manager of Water and Tailings with Rio Tinto, rising through a variety of positions since he came to Weipa including Environmental specialist and HSE Business partner.

Tim likes to work with the community and is heavily involved in Weipa SES and previously involved in numerous junior sports associations, including Soccer and BMX. He believes many resource and tourism opportunities will come to Weipa, as the hub for the Cape, allowing the Western Cape to grow and thrive well into the future. Tim’s strong passion and enjoyment of the outdoors and events that bring the community together is why he now calls Weipa home.

Traditional Owner Representative of the Alngith People

Jackie is the Traditional Owner Representative on the Weipa Town Authority. She has lived in Weipa her whole life and has a partner, two children, one grand daughter and a nephew who she cares for.

Jackie feels privileged to represent the Alngith Traditional Owner group (known as the Alngith people), as Napranum/Weipa was the Alngith ancestral land prior to becoming a township.

Jackie has served in a variety of government and community roles in Weipa, including the Act for Kids safe house in Napranum, Cape York Land Council, Napranum Council and Napranum Youth Centre.

In addition, Jackie was also a member of the first WCCCA Coordinating Committee and Main Trust. The Alngith people are members of this agreement, along with four other traditional owner groups.

Jackie currently Chairs the Alngith Corporation Board. She has also had extensive involvement in the development of the Weipa Township Agreement, including negotiating with Queensland State Government and Rio Tinto. She is a current Director and shareholder of the Ely Trust.

Through her WTA position, Jackie is looking forward to working for the Weipa community. “This is our home, and I will work hard to create positive outcomes for the whole community,” she says.