Indigenous Environmental Services

Sam Jeffries, CEO and chair of Indigenous Environmental Services (IES), has a thorough understanding of land management and other issues related to Indigenous participation in the broader economy. Sam is a proud Mooraworri man, born and raised in Brewarrina, the youngest of seven children. He has been involved in Aboriginal Affairs since leaving school. Sam spent 20 years in Lightning Ridge in far north western NSW establishing the Community Development Employment Program CDEP project, and purchased businesses to give the community an economic platform.

Current appointments include:

Deputy Chair of the Indigenous Land Corporation, Chairperson of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly, Board Member of the Western Catchment Authority, Panel Member of the NSW Aboriginal Trust Fund Repayment Scheme, Co-Chair National Centre of Indigenous Excellence NCIE and Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy, NASCA.

Sam is Adjunct Professor Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, University of Technology, Sydney.

Sam was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 for services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with a priority on governance, and also has held a range of senior positions including: Walgett Shire Councilor from 1999 to 2003, ATSIC Councilor from 1990 to 2005, Chairperson of the Murdi Paaki Regional Council from 1996 to 2005, Board Member of the Aboriginal Housing Office from 1998 to 2005, and Chairperson of the NSW ATSIC State Council from 2002 to 2005.