About Us
Navigating legal pathways, guided by respect
At White Gum Mediation and Law, we provide expert legal guidance in the specialised fields of cultural heritage and native title law. Our practice is built on a foundation of deep professional expertise, a genuine connection to the land and its people, and an unwavering commitment to achieving clear, respectful, and workable outcome.
Our Guiding Principle: Yindyamarra
Our work is guided by the Wiradjuri principle of Yindyamarra – to go slowly with respect, to be polite, gentle, and to honour.
For us, Yindyamarra is not just a word, it is our practice. It means we approach every matter with the patience, dignity, and deep respect it deserves, honouring the stories, the culture, and the people involved. We believe that true and lasting outcomes are built on this foundation.
Why "White Gum"?
The White Gum is an iconic presence in the Australian landscape. Resilient, deeply rooted, and standing with quiet strength, it is a symbol of clarity and endurance in a complex environment.
These trees have been a source of personal inspiration since childhood. The name White Gum Mediation and Law reflects the core principles that define our approach:
Resilience & Respect (Yindyamarra)
We provide steadfast, respectful support through long and complex legal processes.
Deep Roots
Our work is grounded in the law, in culture, and in the enduring connection between people and Country.
Clarity
We cut through complexity to provide clear, strategic advice and facilitate transparent dialogue.
Our Commitment to Our Clients
Whether we are representing you, guiding you through a negotiation, or facilitating a sensitive mediation, our approach is consistent. We listen deeply, we strategise thoughtfully, and we advocate with purpose.
I am proud to operate from my base in Bowen, serving clients across Queensland and interstate with accessible, expert facilitation, mediation and legal services.
Our Services
Mediation
Mediation of disputes between native title parties, including claimant groups and PBCs
Facilitation of resolution in cultural heritage disagreements between Traditional Owners and proponents
Mediation of internal PBC and corporation disputes, including governance and membership issues
Assistance with resolving disagreements between co-owners, directors, or shareholders in Indigenous corporations
Culturally informed mediation processes guided by the principles of Yindyamarra
Federal Court appointed mediation services for native title matters
Cultural Heritage Services
Cultural Heritage Management Plans advice and representation
Negotiation and drafting of Cultural Heritage Agreements
Resolution of cultural heritage disputes and litigation
Advice on cultural heritage compliance
Legal advice on the interaction between cultural heritage laws and planning legislation
Preparation of cultural heritage policies and procedures for corporations and local government
Native Title Services
Native title tenure assessments for compensation claims, land development and project planning
Governance advice and corporate compliance for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs)
PBC support with meeting statutory functions
Direct legal representation for native title groups
Representation in proceedings before the Federal Court of Australia for Native Title matters
Negotiation of commercial terms within Indigenous Land Use Agreements
Advice on benefit sharing, royalty structures, and long-term payment models
Drafting of ancillary commercial agreements arising from native title settlements
Ensuring commercial arrangements align with PBC governance and community objectives
Commerical Contract Services
Review and negotiation of commercial contracts, including supply agreements, services agreements, and subcontractor arrangements
Drafting and review of terms of trade, purchase orders, and standard trading documents
Advice on contract risks, obligations, and performance requirements
Review of tender documents and assistance with tender responses
Preparation of memoranda of understanding and heads of agreement
Contract dispute prevention and resolution strategies
Advice on joint venture arrangements and commercial partnerships
Economic Development for Indigenous Corporations
Structuring commercial ventures to maximise returns for Traditional Owner groups
Advice on subsidiary companies and investment vehicles
Negotiation of equity stakes and profit-sharing arrangements in development projects
Review and negotiation of funding agreements and investment proposals
Assistance with developing commercial policies and procurement frameworks
Advice on contracting with government and corporate Australia
Supporting Indigenous businesses to participate in supply chains
Strategic Advisory Services
Strategic legal advice on native title and cultural heritage matters for project related activities.
Facilitation Services for PBCs and Indigenous Corporations
Planning and facilitation of PBC Annual General Meetings and general meetings
Facilitation of board meetings and strategic planning sessions
Assistance with developing meeting agendas that comply with CATSI Act and Corporations Act requirements
Guided discussions to build consensus on key decisions, including benefit distribution and project approvals
Facilitation of community consultation sessions on native title claims, compensation, and future act proposals
Support for developing governance protocols and decision-making frameworks
Independent facilitation of family meetings to resolve intergenerational or factional issues
Principal
Kristen Hodge, Principal
With over 20 years of experience dedicated exclusively to cultural heritage and native title law, Kristen is more than a legal practitioner, she is a trusted advocate and a strategic guide in a complex area of law.
As a Wiradjuri woman based in Queensland, her career has been committed to walking alongside Traditional Owners, Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) and claimants, helping them navigate the complex legal landscape to secure their rights and protect their Country.
Kristen's work encompasses the full spectrum of this specialist area, including:
Mediation: facilitating resolutions in complex, culturally sensitive disputes, guided by a philosophy of respect and understanding
Cultural Heritage Law: providing clear, practical advice on the protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage, and resolving cultural heritage disputes.
Native Title & Tenure Assessments: conducting thorough native title tenure assessments and providing strategic advice to proponents and land users on native title processes.
Native Title Claims & Agreements: representing Aboriginal parties, governments and land developers including negotiating Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), cultural heritage management plans and agreements and and commercial contracts.
Kristen Hodge
Principal
Contact Us
Phone
0450637282ABN
80633053297
Operating Hours
Monday: 9am to 4pm
Tuesday: 9am to 4pm
Wednesday: 9am to 4pm
Thursday: 9am to 4pm
Friday: 9am to 12pm