Vonda Malone is a nationally recognised First Nations leader and strategic influencer in governance, climate resilience, and economic inclusion. A proud Peiudu descendant of Erub Island and Yupungathi of Western Cape York, she brings more than 30 years of senior executive experience across community-led development, government reform, and international engagement.

As General Manager, Vonda works at the intersection of clean energy, climate adaptation, and First Nations self-determination. She facilitates national alliances that strengthen Indigenous participation in the energy transition, with a strong focus on social equity, cultural authority, and generational community benefit. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience from the Torres Strait and Cape York, shaping practical, place-based solutions.

In 2016, Vonda made history as the first female Mayor of the Torres Shire Council and has held senior governance roles including Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority and Commissioner of the Queensland Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry. She is also the founding Chair of Torres Health, the first community-controlled health organisation in the Torres Strait.

Vonda’s leadership is recognised nationally and internationally. She is a recipient of the Susan McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year Award and the Centenary Medal, a Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, and Alumuni of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner Indigenous Fellowship Program. Vonda was named among Far North Queensland’s Most Influential Women and the Top 100 Movers and Shapers.