Category A: Organisations established for less than 10 years
Murriajabree Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Association Inc, QLD
The role of Murriajabree is to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Deception Bay. It was created in 2004 to represent the community at state and federal level, and also to work to improve the local conditions. Murriajabree works very closely with young mums, babies and families.
Allan Gill, Craig Ackland, Dennis Glover and Paul Graymore in a Murriajabree woodcraft workshop
Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre Inc, NSW
In 1999 the Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre was created as an early intervention centre for Indigenous boys at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system, so that they might have an opportunity to learn, grow and change in a supportive environment. As well as managing a residential centre for 12-15yr old Indigenous male youth, Tirkandi Inaburra also delivers an innovative learning program which empowers participants to develop and draw on their own resilience in order to take responsibility for their lives, and to develop strategies to deal with their problems whilst promoting cultural pride, identity and self-confidence.
Jake McEwan and Leslie Harris, students at Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre
Warakurna Artists, WA
Warakurna Artists was established in 2004 to support the production and marketing of culturally intense, artistically rich works of art, and in doing so return a broad range of benefits to individuals and the community. It facilitates the production and sale of artworks, provides professional development, employment and access to small business opportunities for remote community residents, while also supporting cultural maintenance and renewal, and giving access to independent income for local Indigenous people.
Yawoorroong Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noong Dawang Aboriginal Corporation, WA
In 2006 a native title Indigenous land use agreement was negotiated between the Miriuwung Gajerrong people and the state government of Western Australia and other parties in relation to the expansion of the Ord River irrigation area. The Yawoorroong Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noong Dawang Corporation (MG Corporation) was established to keep Miriuwung Gajerrong law and culture alive and strong, and to recognise the authority of and to work with, the Kariel or senior people. The MG Corporation is also responsible for implementing the Ord Final Agreement, and for developing the benefits and opportunities that flow from it on behalf of the Miriuwung Gajerrong people.
Zainel bin Busu from MG Corp caring for country
Category B: Organisations established for more than 10 years
South West Aboriginal Medical Service, WA
South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) was created in 1997 to provide a health service for Indigenous people in the south-west of Western Australia. As well as providing a forum for Aboriginal people to discuss their health requirements, needs and grievances, SWAMS also sponsors, promotes and encourages the maintenance and renewal of traditional Aboriginal medicine and culture.
Joyce Dimmer and Maria Rogers from the South West Aboriginal Medical Service
Traditional Credit Union, NT
The Traditional Credit Union (TCU) was established in 1994 in the small community of Milingimbi. Its mission is to provide personalised quality financial services for Indigenous people and organisations in remote communities, whilst respecting and valuing the cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians. The 13,000 members of the credit union are shareholders and owners of $10 million in deposits and over $460,000 in the form of loans to purchase whitegoods, vehicles and furniture. There are 12 branches across the Northern Territory.
Leroy Yarmirr being served by Sally Anne White at the Traditional Credit Union
Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi, NT
In 1997 Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi was created to support community development and self-determination for remote Aboriginal communities in central Australia. Waltja provides or supports a variety of services including child care, youth programs, aged care, disability services, management support for women's centres, and a range of training services. Waltja offers training for and supports the development of community services that provide employment and professional development for local Aboriginal people.
Margaret Orr and Donna Fraser from Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi preparing for a trip to a community
Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation, WA
Created in 1993 Yirra Yaakin evolved from an Aboriginal youth workshop program. Today it enables Indigenous communities to celebrate their culture by telling and performing their own stories in their own way. Yirra Yaakin has three main areas of operation. The first involves mainstage theatrical productions written, directed and performed by Indigenous artists. The second is issues-based theatre performances and workshops that tackle specific social concerns in the community. The third is ensuring there are Indigenous trainees developing the skills to work in the theatre industry.
Yirra Yaakin Board member Lynette Narkle in the costume department