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. Caroline is also a Member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and currently works as a Lecturer of Business and Finance at North Regional TAFE. She operate her own online small business and contributes to several Boards including KCLS, Western Australian Institute of Educational Research, and Kimberley Small Business Support. Caroline hopes her participation in the community in the Kimberley region helps unlock the 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.

Roz Brabazon

Roz has a background in Early Childhood Education and Care, Work, Health, and Safety, and Quality Auditing. She has been in the East Kimberley since August 2021, and currently works as a lecturer for North Regional TAFE delivering Early Childhood and First Aid. With a background in community services and primary health, she is passionate about supporting organisations that offer services in the sector under very challenging circumstances. Outside of work, she is a keen kayaker and hiker, pursuits of which support Roz to achieve a work-life balance.

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 joined the KCLS Board in October 2023.

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.