Category A: Organisations in existence since January 1996
Gannambarra Enterprises, NSW
Gannambarra Enterprises develops sustainable businesses and opportunities for local Indigenous people to be employed in their preferred fields. It runs four businesses - Deadly Detailers car detailing service, Wiradjuri Natives nursery, Gannambarra Pottery and an arts and crafts centre.
Leonard Ritchie, Mitchell Honeysett and Brendan Evans from Deadly Detailers, a Gannambarra business
Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre, NSW
Muru Mittigar opened as a meeting place for sharing cultures, as well as to provide employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people. Its businesses include a cultural centre, land rehabilitation crew, cafe, retail gallery, accredited wholesale nursery, environmental monitoring services and a range of employment and training programs.
Nadine Bryant showing Chris Richardson some products in the Muru Mittigar shop
Nyirranggulung Mardrulk Ngadberre Regional Council, NT
Nyirranggulung was established through the amalgamation of several communities and outstations in the region. As well as managing all the regular essential services, the council also provides housing, aged care, mechanical services, sports and recreation activities and centrelink facilities.
Nyirranggulung Regional Council workers Alan Mole Jnr and George Runyu
Wunan Foundation, WA
Wunan aims to develop commercially sustainable Aboriginal-owned business enterprises in the East Kimberley. Its activities include Kimberley Wilderness Adventures; Wunan House, a hostel for young Aboriginal people pursuing education, training and employment; a Business Services Centre; and partnerships to recruit, train, place and mentor young trainees and apprentices.
Trainees with Kimberley Group Training, a partner with Wunan Foundation, at Argyle Diamond Mine
Category B: Organisations in existence prior to 1996
Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre, WA
Wangka Maya aims to preserve and protect the thirty Aboriginal languages of the region, and to educate others about the culture and history of the Pilbara. The centre produces a range of language resources as well as conducting cultural awareness training and local community events. It also facilitates the repatriation of skeletal remains.
Eleonora Deak and Hazel Walgar from Wangka Maya making a recording
WuChopperen Health Service Limited, NT
WuChopperen was formed in 1979 as an essential health care service provider. Its services include specialist clinics and chronic disease management, oral health, and social health and wellbeing.
Annie Alick with Rita Gutchen at WuChopperen Health Service
Yarrabah Shire Council, QLD
Yarrabah has been operating as the local government body since 1984. It is responsible for the provision of all regular essential services to the local community, as well as managing the largest CDEP program in the country with over 800 participants.
Vesta Sexton and Ruby Ludwick at the Yarrabah Shire Council art centre
Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation, WA
Yirra Yaakin was formed to tell the stories of Aboriginal communities through an Indigenous determined performing arts process. The company has evolved from a successful youth theatre project to Australia's leading Aboriginal theatre company. It now has a world-wide reach with major national and international tours of authentic Aboriginal theatre.
Eva Mullaley and Dennis Simmons making props at Yirra Yaakin