Category A: Organisations established for less than 10 years
Aboriginal Rainforest Council, QLD
The Aboriginal Rainforest Council (ARC) was established in 2004 through the development of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Regional Agreement, an agreement between 18 Rainforest Aboriginal tribal groups and land management agencies with statutory responsibilities in the Wet Tropics region. The central principle of the agreement is the recognition of Rainforest Aboriginal people's rights and interests and to afford them the opportunity to define and negotiate their own priorities, needs and aspirations for management of the Wet Tropics. The ARC broadly represents the Traditional Owner groups of the region in land and cultural heritage management matters.
Bunya Wakka Wakka Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, QLD
Formed in 2005, Bunya Wakka Wakka Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation protects cultural heritage and assists the community with long term sustainable projects. It also aims to enhance the conditions for the local Indigenous people through business development, employment and education.
Central Queensland Indigenous Development Ltd, QLD
Created in 2004, Central Queensland Indigenous Development coordinates the regional Community Development Employment Program (CDEP). It manages CDEP activities to increase long-term employment and training, and to generate business development opportunities for Indigenous people. It also provides health, wellbeing and intervention programs, as well as culturally appropriate services to empower individuals to develop and build Indigenous communities.
Dharriwaa Elders Group Incorporated, NSW
Dharriwaa Elders Group was established in 1999 and incorporated in 2005. Full members are Aboriginal people over 60 years of age who live in Walgett. The Group encourages and supports the elders and their leadership activities, and assists them to work for the development of the community. They conduct programs to promote unity and improve relationships between elders and other age groups. They also manage and promote Aboriginal cultural heritage and natural resources.
Dorrigo Plateau Local Aboriginal Land Council, NSW
Formed in 1999, the Dorrigo Plateau Land Council aims to improve the social and economic well being of the local Indigenous people. It works to protect cultural heritage as well as provide housing for the community.
Gannambarra Limited, NSW
Gannambarra Enterprises was established in 2001 to help create employment and business opportunities for Indigenous people in Wagga Wagga. It offers employment related services to Indigenous clients such as providing pre-employment training, placing participants in work activities to gain skills, on the job training, and assisting participants to find employment Gannambarra also provides culturally appropriate mentoring services to clients and employers.
Inala Wangarra Incorporated, QLD
Inala Wangarra was created in 2003 as an Indigenous community development organisation. Its role is to address issues and needs identified by the community such as lack of jobs and training opportunities. Inala Wangarra provides activities for young people, hosts community events and creates linkages to employment.
Indigenous Harvest Australia Cooperative Ltd, WA
Formed in 2006, Indigenous Harvest Australia (IHA) generates independent wealth and income for Indigenous harvesters of the kullari plum in Broome and surrounding communities and outstations on the Dampier Peninsula. The kullari plum is a wild harvested bush fruit that IHA markets to the native food and nutraceutical (nutrition and pharmaceutical) markets. Value added products will be launched in 2008.
Koori Communications and Training, NSW
Koori Communications and Training was established in 2005 to assist Indigenous people to reach their training and communications goals. Qualified Workplace Trainers and Assessors devise training programs for Indigenous people and youth groups so they can learn to do the job themselves. Koori Communications and Training has gained sponsorship through the results of its Indigenous based, grass-roots approach to training programs.
Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, NSW
Established in 2002, Mingaletta enhances the quality of life of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by creating opportunities and developing relationships with service providers. Mingaletta provides ongoing referral, advocacy and support to local Indigenous people, as well as information and advice about available resources and services. It promotes and protects land and culture, ensuring that decision making is culturally inclusive for Indigenous people, and assists members with finding independence, identity and self empowerment. Mingaletta also provides the non Aboriginal community with knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal, protocols, customs, culture and rights.
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.
Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation, SA
Created in 2007, the Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation aims to foster a better, stronger, self-determined and self-managed community as the basis for a strong future for Aboriginal people residing on Yorke Peninsula. It provides day to day management of the community, including delivering housing, employment and training, education, health and farming services.
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.
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.
Category B: Organisations established for more than 10 years
Aboriginal Employment Strategy, NSW
Created in 1997 the Aboriginal Employment Strategy increases employment opportunities in the regional town of Moree to help reduce the racial divide between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Its role is to gauge and source Aboriginal job seekers and place them into sustainable employment.
Aboriginal Urban Services, WA
Aboriginal Urban Services was formed in the northern suburbs of Perth in 1986 to support and enhance the capacity of local Aboriginal families, children and youth. The organisation has had a high success rate working with troubled and disadvantaged youth in schools, courts and the justice system. Aboriginal Urban Services also provides advice to the government on issues affecting Indigenous families.
Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara, SA
Created in 1981 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) provides for the development, use and management of the APY lands, which it holds the freehold title to on behalf of its members. The APY lands occupy 103,000 square kilometres in the northwest corner of South Australia.
Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre, VIC
In 1991 Gariwerd Enterprises Pty Ltd was established as a business entity to operate Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre (previously the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre). Brambuk’s mission is to document, recover, conserve and present the Indigenous culture of the Gariwerd/Grampians region. It operates a cultural centre and keeping place, education and cultural programs, Grampians National Park visitor information services, a retail outlet and a cafe. It also plays an important role in employing and training Aboriginal people, educating the broader community, encouraging reconciliation, advancing Aboriginal people and tourism in the region, and promoting a greater understanding of Western Victoria’s Aboriginal peoples.
Brisbane Indigenous Media Association, QLD
Established in 1992, Brisbane Indigenous Media Association (BIMA) provides a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the media, and by doing so it contributes to the cultural and economic independence of Indigenous people in south-east Queensland. BIMA services Indigenous communities locally and nationally, providing regular updates and a forum for discussion on relevant issues, and promoting traditional and contemporary culture. BIMA delivers accredited media training to Indigenous people and is committed to the development of young people as future community leaders.
Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, NSW
The Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation was formed in 1983 to provide programs for the local Aboriginal community, and to maintain and promote Aboriginal culture throughout the region.
Jarlmadanagah Burru Aboriginal Corporation, WA
In 1987 Jarlmadanagah Burru Aboriginal Corporation was created in the far north west of Australia to establish a sustainable community so the Nyikina Mangala people could return to country to maintain their traditional culture. The organisation encourages and supports the personal development of its members by dealing with social, economic and cultural issues. The community has set a high priority on early education and improving childcare facilities.
Kura Yerlo Incorporated, SA
In 1986 Kura Yerlo was formed to offer holistic services to Aboriginal people within the Adelaide region. It targets four main groups - traditional, fringe, country and urban – who have common needs such as housing, legal rights, medical services and employment, but who also have distinctive lifestyles. Kura Yelo has a general purpose community centre and runs a number of programs including childcare, youth, fitness and health, gym and Kararrendi disability.
Magabala Books Aboriginal Corporation, WA
In 1987 the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre was established, out of which Magabala Books was created to restore, preserve and maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Magabala Books records, promotes and publishes a body of work by Indigenous creators. It also assists and encourages local people to pass on their history, and makes the wider community aware of the wealth of Indigenous tradition and culture. Magabala Books protects and educates in matters of copyright, and promotes acknowledgment of and respect for Indigenous culture through the use of both published works and the electronic media. Magabala Books also provides employment and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly and Community Working Parties, NSW
The Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly (MPRA) and the 16 Community Working Parties (CWPs) are the peak regional Indigenous governance structures for the Murdi Paaki region in far west NSW. These structures were established to provide governance support to the local Indigenous communities to enable them to manage their affairs, build sustainable communities and determine their future. The MPRA provides a voice for the Indigenous people of the region, with governance, leadership and empowerment as its central theme. It also advocates for increased service delivery as well as improved social and economic outcomes. Together with the CWPs, MPRA coordinates government activity across the local, state and federal levels, and builds partnerships and networks within the government, corporate and philanthropic sectors.
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.
Tangentyere Council, NT
Tangentyere Council was established in 1979 to assist Aboriginal people living on the outskirts of Alice Springs to gain legal tenure over the land in order to obtain water, electricity and housing, and to therefore improve their living conditions. Tangentyere provides culturally sensitive, sustainable services and programs to Alice Springs Town Camp communities, and fosters and supports the aspirations its members.
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 members of the credit union are shareholders and owners and there are currently 13,000 members, $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.
Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, NSW
The Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation was created in 1994 as a community based organisation for the Aboriginal people in Singleton. Ungooroo supports the local community in the region by providing links to essential services that include health, education, employment, and family stability. Ungooroo utilises the expertise of both mainstream and Aboriginal organisations, enabling community members to maintain their identity and cultural significance.
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-Op Ltd, VIC
Formed in 1977, the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-Op was a response to the lack of culturally appropriate services for vulnerable and at risk Aboriginal children in Victoria. Today it continues to promote and provide culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Co-operative, NSW
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS) was established in 1986 to provide primary health care services to the general population living in Walgett and in the local communities that WAMS serves. The Annual Report identified that 40% of clients who received services from the clinic during the year were non-Aboriginal. WAMS provides high quality, accessible and confidential health care and dental services, many of which are also provided on an outreach basis to more remote towns.
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.
Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation, VIC
Created in 1991, Winda Mara provides services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the far southwest of Victoria. Its objective is to strengthen, revive and develop Aboriginal culture and to own traditional homelands, sites and objects. It works towards improving the health, housing and education of Aboriginal people by creating employment and establishing enterprises.
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service, ACT
Formed in 1988 in Canberra, Winnunga Nimmityjah provides consistent and effective services that improve health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT and surrounds. As well as providing holistic, culturally appropriate health care, Winnunga partners with and auspices other community organisations that provide services to local Indigenous people.
Wurli Wurlinjang Aboriginal Corporation, NT
Wurli Wurlinjang was created in Katherine in 1972 and incorporated in 1991. It provides high quality, progressive and culturally appropriate health services to the local community. Its purpose is to improve the health and the quality of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the region, giving them the opportunity to reach levels of health similar to non-Indigenous Australians.
Yamatji Marlpa Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation, WA
Established in 1994, Yamatji Marlpa Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation (YMBBMAC) is the Native Title Representative Body for the Yamatji and Pilbara regions of Western Australia. It provides support to native title claimants and holders to make various applications (including claimant and compensation applications) and to respond to proposed future acts (any proposed activity/development on land or waters that may affect native title rights). YMBBMAC also assists traditional owners to gain rightful recognition of their culture, acceptance as native title holders of their land, achieve social justice outcomes and engage in appropriate and sustainable economic development.
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 threatrical 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 learning skills to work in the theatre industry.