It was an exciting and emotional day when the finalists in the 2008 Indigenous Governance Awards gathered on the 23rd floor of BHP Billiton in Melbourne for the announcement of the Awards winners.
The finalists joined guests from community, corporate and government sectors at the lunchtime event, which began with a warm welcome to country from Aunty Joy Wandin-Murphy.
An unexpected surprise for guests was an impromptu song from the women from Waltja, a finalist organisation in the central desert.
Master of Ceremonies Deborah Cheetham said how especially pleased she was to be there again in such select company. She introduced BHP Billiton’s Director of Public Affairs, Geoff Walsh, who spoke about the company’s commitment to the awards program and the success stories that it generates. He quoted an opinion piece published in The Australian that day by Gary Banks, Chair of the Productivity Commission and a member of the awards judging panel: ‘that the best among these Indigenous bodies actually outclass most mainstream organisations or enterprises in Australia’. Read the article.
Jason Eades, the CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, inaugural winner of the award in 2005, gave an inspiring talk about the importance of continuing to work on governance, and the ongoing value the Trust has been able to leverage through winning the award.
After a short film outlining the stories of the finalists, it was almost time for the moment everyone had been waiting for. Chair of the Awards, Prof Mick Dodson took the podium saying: ‘Today is a celebration of not just the finalists and winners’ he said ‘but of all the applicants in this year’s awards, as well as all the Indigenous organisations who are striving to achieve and to make a real difference in their communities.
‘This has been another rewarding year for the judging panel. It was a difficult process to separate these final eight, but I think I speak for the entire judging panel when I say how inspiring it is to be involved in something as positive as these awards – it’s good for the spirit.
‘Being in the top eight in the country is an achievement in itself and the finalists should feel very proud’.
And then to warm applause the winners were announced.
Organisations established for less than 10 years
Warakurna Artists, WA – Winner, $10,000
MG Corporation, WA – Highly Commended $5,000
Organisations established for more than 10 years
Traditional Credit Union, NT – Winner, $10,000
South West Aboriginal Medical Service, WA – Highly Commended $5,000
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs closed the event with the exciting announcement that the government had agreed to fund two people from each of the two winning organisations to travel to the United States in October. The trip is part of an Indigenous governance and leadership exchange program being developed by Reconciliation Australia in partnership with the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.
Category A: Organisations established for less than 10 years
Edwina Circuitt from Warakurna Artists with Geoff Walsh from BHP Billiton
Supports the production and marketing of culturally intense, artistically rich works of art, and in doing so returns a broad range of benefits to individuals and the community, such as employment and access to small business opportunities.
Judging panel comments
- The considerable strength of the organisation in the courageous stance taken in relation to ethical dealing in Indigenous art.
- Sustained commitment to good governance and governance training.
- The involvement of young people, with clear policies and practices directed towards the engagement of the next generation.
- Creating community leaders and role models – empowering the community.
- The duty to country and to its stories, and painting being a part of keeping culture strong in a contemporary way.
David Saunders, Edna O'Malley and Jodie Pincini from MG Corporation
Keeps Miriuwung Gajerrong law and culture alive and strong by working closely with the elders. It is 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.
Judging panel comments
- Commitment to traditional leadership and knowledge strengthens the organisation.
- Capacity of the governing body.
- Long term planning and the vision of being a big player in the town.
- Opinion is valued and they are able to influence the policy of departments to reassess how they do business.
- Ethical nature of the staff.
Category B: Organisations established for more than 10 years
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP with Micky Wunungmurra and Cathy Hunt from the TCU and Prof Mick Dodson
Provides 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.
Judging panel comments
- Two governance systems or ‘ceremonies’ – Australian banking regulations and Yolngu cultural.
- By providing banking services where there are none, it is a model for banking services in remote communities.
- Specific agenda item at Board meetings for Indigenous input and community issues.
- Committed to community education and professional development of staff by identifying internal staff for training and promotion.
- Local people working in local branches attracts new membership, staff speak the languages and other advantages.
Peter Hill, Christine Khan, Glenda Humes, Victoria Hill and Phillip Ugle from SWAMS
Provides a health service for Indigenous people and a forum for them to discuss their health requirements, needs and grievances. It also sponsors, promotes and encourages the maintenance and renewal of traditional Aboriginal medicine and culture.
Judging panel comments
- Ward system – success in being able to rise above sectional and family interests.
- Recovery from past problems, also shows the great success of the ongoing program of change management.
- Use of a members’ jury (an exercise in deliberative democracy) to review evidence of performance and to reflect on policy.
- Engagement with Elders to ensure that all interventions are culturally appropriate and therefore, effective.
- Commitment by Board and CEO to build capacity in Noongar community.