It started 25 years ago on the back of a $100 donation. A group of concerned local Aboriginal volunteers got together to establish a corporation. The aim was to help provide affordable housing for the local community. A quarter of a century later, Winnam is a thriving concern with over $22 million in assets.
Kaltjiti (Fregon), APY Lands, South Australia: In December 2013 a fire swept through the Kaltjiti store destroying the community’s only shop and service station. Sparks spread from cardboard boxes to gas cylinders which then exploded, forcing the fire up the walls and through the ceiling. The store was gutted.
Just days out from Christmas local residents were stranded without provisions. The damage bill was estimated at around $2.5million.
South Goulburn Island, Northern Territory: It’s less than six months since Yagbani Aboriginal Corporation received the news it was hoping for—it had won the contract to deliver the community development program (CDP) on South Goulburn Island.
For all those who campaigned and supported the community, it’s been a huge achievement and cause for celebration.
Armidale, New South Wales: Since 1987 Minimbah Pre-school, Primary School Aboriginal Corporation has been a place for learning for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. Tucked away on the green fertile plains of the Northern Tablelands, the school proudly offers a safe and culturally-sensitive environment for pupils from preschool to year 6.
There are 130 children enrolled at the school and 22 employees on the staff. Attendance is high in no small measure due to the school’s warm and friendly atmosphere.
Arnhem Land, Northern Territory: It comes as no surprise that the ‘Sun Come-Up Mob’ behind the Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation radiate optimism and energy. Their positive outlook and ‘can do’ attitude make everything they set out to achieve seem possible.
Ramingining, Northern Territory: The Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation (ASRAC) hasn’t been operating for long but already it’s standing out for its exceptional work. It’s recently been nominated for the Northern Territory’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) ‘Best NRM Story’.
Wedgefield, Western Australia: Pilbara Meta Maya Regional Aboriginal Corporation (PMMRAC) is a privately-owned Western Australian Aboriginal organisation based near Port Hedland in the Pilbara. Since its inception, 21 years ago, PMMRAC has grown into a professional business which delivers value-added services in property management, support and tenant education, and environmental health.
Alice Springs: When it comes to construction, maintenance and general entrepreneurship, Ingkerreke Outstations Resource Services Aboriginal Corporation is out there in front.
Kununurra, East Kimberley: For two very good reasons, last year was a stand-out year for the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS). Firstly, the corporation (on 1 September 2014) celebrated 30 years of service to the Aboriginal people of Kununurra and surrounding communities.
And, secondly, OVAHS became the first ever Aboriginal medical service in regional and remote Western Australia to achieve the international accreditation standard ISO 9001: 2008 for quality management.
Spotlight on, November 2015
From left to right: Margie McDonell, Nguumambiny Indigenous Corporation manager Lynn Field, Chanelle O’Brien, Shoana Howison and Kylie Stockwell at a Rough Diamonds program meeting. Photo: Belinda Soole/Daily Liberal
