'My work on these Awards has changed my view of the world, changed my approach to what I do. What these people are achieving and how they do what they do has come to inform everything I say and everything I stand for in promoting the well being of my people. Success is now my guiding light, as it must be for all Australians who want to see it replicated across the country'.
Professor Mick Dodson, Chair, Indigenous Governance Awards
The Indigenous Governance Awards were created by Reconciliation Australia in partnership with BHP Billiton to identify, celebrate and promote effective Indigenous governance. The national awards highlight success in Indigenous Australia - strong leadership, good management, effective partnerships and brave, creative thinking.
There are two award categories - organisations established since January 1998 and organisations established before January 1998. Each category carries award money of $10,000 for the winning organisation and $5,000 for the highly commended.
The first two years of the awards (2005 and 2006) drew 104 applications, with a total of $50,000 awarded to organisations to continue building and developing good governance. The achievements of the applicants, finalists and winners in previous years were widely reported in the Indigenous and mainstream media.
Indigenous organisations across Australia are encouraged to showcase their achievements by entering the awards.
How can my organisation apply for the Awards?
Applications for the 2008 IG Awards have now closed.
The IG Awards are open to all Australian Indigenous organisations (incorporated under legislation) that are at least 51% Indigenous controlled. Organisations need to have been operating for one year, and the application must be submitted by someone working in the organisation and have the approval in writing of the governing body.
Please read the nomination_guidelines before completing an application. Applications forms can be completed on-line or by downloading an application form.
Applications will be accepted no later than Friday, 8th February 2008. If you need assistance or more time to complete your application please contact Rowena Withers on (02) 6273 9200 or by email at igawards@reconciliation.org.au.
What are the selection criteria?
Each application will be assessed against the following criteria:
- How legitimate, representative and accountable is the governing body
- How effective is the administration function?
- Are effective dispute resolution systems in place?
- What is the level of commitment to leadership development?
- How does the organisation reflect the cultural norms and values of its members?
- How does the organisation learn from experience and plan for the future?
'For organisations that are considering putting in for the award, I encourage you to have a go. Even if you don't win you will be richer for the experience - the awards provide a great focal point and allows you the time to focus on issues that often get left behind'.
Jason Eades, CEO, Koorie Heritage Trust, IG Awards winner 2005
How are the applications assessed?
An independent panel of judges will review each application and up to four organisations will be selected as finalists in each category. Each finalist organisation will receive a site visit from members of the judging panel in early 2008. The panel then reviews the site visit reports and selects the award winners.
What are the site visits for the finalists?
The site visit will involve consultation with members of the governing body, the management team and the employees of the organisation. The visit will also include meetings with the organisation's members and stake-holders.
What is expected of the finalists?
The finalists will liaise with the awards project coordinator to organise the site visit. A photographer and film maker will spend time with the organisation to capture images for a DVD outlining the story of each of the finalists. The DVD and photos will be used to promote the organisation, the awards and Indigenous governance through the media, the internet and the publication of resources.
Two members of each finalist organisation will be provided with travel and accommodation to attend the presentation event, a workshop and a dinner with the judging panel in August 2008.
'The overall Awards process was a rewarding one for staff and Board members. At each stage of the process the organisation had to honestly reflect on what it is doing. It had an enormously positive impact on morale and team spirit'
Joy Savage, CEO, WuChopperen Health, IG Awards winner 2006
When will the finalists and winners be announced?
The finalists will be announced in May 2008. All applicants will be contacted in writing soon after this date. The award winners will be announced at the presentation event in August 2008.
Who can I contact for assistance?
If you need advice or more information, please contact Rowena Withers on (02) 6273 9200 or by email at igawards@reconciliation.org.au