Ivan Smirke
Posted: May 31st, 2023
Ivan Smirke is a member of the Jurruru Working Group and was elected to the Pilbara Regional Committee in August 2014. He was previously elected to the Board in 2021 before his latest appointment in 2023.
Born in Carnarvon and now living in Tom Price, Ivan is a banaka – his skin group according to tradition – who has worked on many pastoral leases in Jurruru country, including Ashburton, Kooline, Wyloo and Cheela Plains stations, as well as Duck Creek and Mt Stewart stations in Kurrama country, Rocklea Downs station in Yinhawangka country, the Kimberley and Northern Territory. He has also worked on the mines in the Pilbara as a plant operator.
Ivan is committed to gathering knowledge, utilising it and passing it on to his brothers, sisters and children – something he sees as a responsibility as both a Jurruru and Aboriginal person.