Richard has traditional land around the Pennefather River region. His clan are referred to as the Yupangathi group whose lands are within the Napranum and Mapoon Deed of Grants in Trust. The area is mostly inhabited by Comalco Pty Ltd and Alcan Pty Ltd mining leases. Richie was actively involved in high level negotiations with both Comalco and Alcan which resulted in the Western Cape York Communities Co-existence Agreement that was formally signed in March 2001 and will see royalties, cultural heritage, employment and training and a number of other benefits for the communities of Weipa, Napranum, Aurukun, Mapoon and New Mapoon.

After serving four terms as the chairperson of Cape York Land Council, Richie was appointed as the Executive Director in 2001. Richie is also a member of the appointed to the Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation board.