The Burringurrah Community Aboriginal Corporation has been placed under special administration today by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Mr Anthony Beven. Mr Michael Carmody of the Adelaide based firm of intentMC Pty Ltd has been appointed as the special administrator.
The corporation provides municipal services for the Burringurrah community under several funding agreements. It also owns Burringurrah Holdings Pty Ltd, which operates the Jilgoo Store. This store is the only retail outlet for food and other essential supplies in the community.
Burringurrah, a remote Aboriginal community of 200–300 people, is located about 450km east of Carnarvon in Western Australia.
A significant number of breaches of the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 and the rules of the corporation were identified during an examination of the corporation’s books in November 2008.
‘We are also concerned about the financial position of the corporation.’ said Mr Beven. ‘The examiners raised several issues in their report about the operation and management of the corporation.’
‘Our priority is to ensure the delivery of vital community services will continue.’ Mr Beven said.
The special administrator will focus on improving corporate governance arrangements. He will work closely with members, employees and other stakeholders to improve efficiency and service delivery standards.
Through the corporation the special administrator will help the Jilgoo store fix problems affecting its profitability. The corporation directors will be offered training in corporate governance to help them prepare for when the corporation is returned to the members’ control.
The special administrator can be contacted at his office on (08) 8342 6086 or mobile 0400 440 110.
Contact:
Lisa Donnelly
02 6219 7611
10 March 2009
ORIC MR0809–19