Klynton Wanganeen

Mr Klynton Wanganeen, is a Narungga and Ngarrindjeri man with ties to Adnyamathanha and Ngadjuri heritage, is recognised as an influential male Elder. Klynton has had an impressive career, working in multiple channels of government and remaining an influential figure in Indigenous Affairs today.

Throughout his career, Klynton has been an advocate for a future Australia that embraces reconciliation, by supporting First Nations peoples to feel recognised and empowered. Klynton continues to be consulted on issues pertaining to First Nations peoples today and has had a profound influence on government policy during his many ministerial and educational appointments.

Amongst Klynton’s achievements are his time as South Australian Zone Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), where he was responsible for Land, Water and Development, Economic and Social Participation. In 2008 Klynton was appointed the inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement South Australia Premier and Cabinet. Klynton would also serve as chair for the Aboriginal Congress of South Australia. Klynton was a Welder by trade, a TAFE Lecturer and State Manager for Aboriginal Education in TAFESA during the 1980-2000.

Former Commissioner Wanganeen has a deep knowledge of the Aboriginal community of South Australia and has brought this knowledge to his work to the benefit of his community. Klynton Wanganeen is recognised as having played a critical role in the Closing the Gap campaign being a member of peak representative bodies like ATSIC and the short lived National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples. Klynton has helped to reform South Australian policy by co-developing the Buthera Agreement and acting as a lead negotiator on the Narungga Native Title Consent Determination.

Klynton Wanganeen has been instrumental to many of the important improvements made to South Australian policy and his work has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of First Nations communities. Klynton has been on many State and National Advisory Committees over the years and is currently the Chief Executive of the South Australian Aboriginal Lands Trust.