Today, the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, announced that control of the Mimili Maku Store Aboriginal Corporation has been handed back to its members.
The corporation manages the only store in the remote community of Mimili, situated in the APY Lands in South Australia. The store provides a range of vital services to more than 250 people living there. ‘It supplies fresh food, general merchandise and fuel.’ Mr Beven said.
Last year members of the corporation were concerned about the viability of the store and the store manager had also decided to leave the community. In November 2008 they asked the Registrar to appoint a special administrator.
The special administrators were appointed by the Registrar on 18 November 2008. They allowed the store to continue trading without interruption. The store has undergone improvements during the special administration. Funding was secured to complete essential repairs to equipment, bring the fuel pumps into compliance with safety standards and re-open the takeaway food outlet. It is also now providing free fruit to the local school to promote healthy eating among the students.
‘Store trading hours have been extended to satisfy local demand and a wider range of products is now available.’ Mr Beven said.
‘The special administrators have put measures in place to ensure the store has a stable and viable future. The corporation has contracted Outback Stores to manage the store for the next five years.’
An advisory group from the community was appointed to help the special administrators. Most of these people are now the new directors of the corporation. Mr Rex Tjami has been appointed to chair the corporation and has played an important role in developing the new direction of the store.
Background
The Registrar supports community ownership of remote stores and will intervene when necessary in a corporation's affairs to ensure that food security is maintained in remote communities.
Contact:
Christa de Jager
02 6219 7645
1 June 2009
ORIC MR0809-25