The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, has noted the end of the special administration of Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Community and Medical Services.
The corporation is based in Narooma on the far south coast of New South Wales and has delivered primary and secondary health care services to Aboriginal people from Ulladulla to Eden for almost 20 years. It had been under special administration for nine months.
A hand-back ceremony was held for the members, staff and clients of Katungul on Friday, 28 September 2012. The ceremony was also attended by the Registrar, Katungul’s new board of directors, the Minister for Indigenous Health, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP and the local federal member, the Hon Mike Kelly MP.
The Registrar initiated an examination of the books and records of the corporation in November 2011, following a report by the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) highlighting concerns. As a result of the examination findings, the Registrar appointed Alan Eldridge from Australian Indigenous Business Services as the special administrator on 12 December 2011.
‘The corporation was in a difficult financial position, its services had deteriorated and it had lost the support of the community,’ said Mr Beven. ‘The corporation has been turned around completely and is once again a thriving community health service.’
Some of the achievements during the special administration include:
- the payment of all debts and a positive balance sheet
- a surplus (profit) for only the second time in the past six years
- increased client episodes of medical care
- the commencement of a mobile dental service
- re-engagement with other health service providers in the region
- a stronger rule book
- the appointment of new directors, including independent expert directors.
Following an investigation, the Registrar commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against the former CEO of the corporation, Mr Damien Matcham, in January 2012. The proceedings return to the Federal Court on 2 November 2012.
Media contact
Patricia Gibson
(02) 6146 4743
Ref: ORIC MR1213-09
2 October 2012