Cr Teddy Bernard
Councillor Teddy Bernard is a Kunjen/Kokoberra/Kokomenjen man from Kowanyama and the proud father of two.
He grew up in Kowanyama, where he attended the State School from pre-school to year 10, before completing years 11-12 at Atherton State High School.
In his youth, Councillor Bernard represented Australia in track and field as part of the 1996 Los Angeles Indigenous Athletics Elite (IAE) program.
It was his early passion for team sports that saw Cameron excel in providing much-needed leadership and support for young players and their respective careers.
Cameron also led a number of AusKick programs throughout the Cape York and Cairns region, encouraging the youth to pursue their passions and dreams.
Deputy Mayor Cameron Josiah comes from a long lineage of members of Council, with his father and grandparents serving as chairpersons in Kowanyama. His partner Territa Dick was also a Deputy Mayor for Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council.
After working as Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council’s Sports and Recreation Officer for a number of years, he decided to run as Councillor in 2019 and was elected as Deputy Mayor in 2020.
Cr Bernard also participated in the Diplomacy Training Program through the University of NSW. This led to engagements in an Oxfam Australia youth delegation with the United Nations to East Timor in 2011.
Previously a Councillor from 2012-2016, Councillor Bernard returns to Council with years of experience behind him. His goals for his present term in office include education, training and culture.