Joann Schmider

Overview

Joann Schmider is a Waribarra Mamu woman of the Dyirbal Nation in Tropical North Queensland with nearly 50 years’ experience across Indigenous affairs, education, public administration, and community development. Her leadership is grounded in culture, Country, and long-standing relationships with communities, guided by a deep belief that young people, families, and groups thrive when cultural strength and strong systems walk together.

Joann is a GAICD-qualified director. She has held elected and ministerial board appointments across statutory and community-controlled organisations, including roles in education, regional development, and essential service delivery. She is currently Chairperson of Community Enterprises Queensland, a Director of the North Queensland Land Council and a PhD candidate in cultural knowledge and tourism.

Joann is passionate about community-led solutions that are culturally grounded, evidence-informed, and accountable based on believing that cultural strength, strong relationships, sound governance, and capitalising on opportunities together create lasting intergenerational change - for individuals, groups, and communities.