The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA Executive Committee consists of an elected Aboriginal Community representative from each of the 8 electoral regions, as listed below.
The most recently elected 8 member ALSWA Executive Committee (below) held their inaugural meeting at ALSWA Head Office in Perth in May 2015.
Michael Blurton,
Central Region, Chairperson
Michael Blurton is a Ballardong Noongar from the Wheatbelt town of Quairading, and has a long association with ALSWA.
His involvement with the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA spans back to the 1970’s when he worked as a Field/Court Officer for seven years. Michael, a former and current President, has served on ALSWA’s Executive Committee for twelve years.
Greatly committed to the work of ALSWA, Michael supports and promotes the vital role this organisation plays in striving for justice and supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the justice system.
Kathy Watson,
West Kimberley Region, Deputy Chairperson
Kathy Watson is a Nyngina woman on her mother’s side and Gidga on her father’s and is from Broome in the West Kimberley.
An Executive Community member for the past three years, she is passionate about legal issues for our Community members and staff of the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA.
For Kathy, all issues facing our people are important but she would like to see more Cultural input into court matters, particularly within District Courts.
Donald Abdullah,
Goldfields Region, Director
Donald Abdullah is a Wongi man from Esperance, which is located on Western Australia’s south east coast.
2015 marks his first involvement with the ALSWA Executive Committee and he looks forward to gaining a greater insight into this State’s justice system and having input into the complex issues facing our peoples.
Donald is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and feels strongly about keeping our young people out of prison, being supportive of women who face domestic violence and providing guidance on legal matters.
Preston Thomas,
Central Desert Region, Director
Preston Thomas is from Laverton and has lived in Kanpa Community for over 20 years.
Kanpa is located in relatively close proximity to Warburton Community.
With a long association with the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA through his role on the Executive Committee, Preston is deeply committed to the issues facing our people and the vital work done by ALSWA within WA’s justice system.
Paul Baron,
Murchison Gascoyne Region, Director
Paul Baron is a Yamatji man from Carnarvon which is approximately 900 kilometres north of Perth.
2015 marks his first involvement with the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA and he shares the vision in working with ALSWA through its proposed re-structure. Paul also supports the promotion of ALSWA’s important work and is committed to highlighting the organisation’s fresh outlook for the future.
Issues of importance for Paul include the provision of appropriate legal services for our people and the expansion of core legal and other unique services, developed and delivered by ALSWA and its new entities.
