The acting Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Mike Fordham, has today announced the end of the special administration of the Many Rivers Regional Housing Management Services Aboriginal Corporation (Many Rivers).
Located in Kempsey, New South Wales since 2008, Many Rivers aims to provide quality affordable housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and manages over 500 rental properties, primarily in the Macleay Valley.
On 13 April 2018, after an examination identified serious issues with Many Rivers’ governance, the Registrar appointed a special administrator. The appointment had also been requested by former directors.
‘The former directors were concerned that Many Rivers was being improperly managed and that its essential services were being disrupted’, said Mr Fordham.
The special administrator worked closely with senior staff and the Aboriginal Housing Office to turn Many Rivers around. During the special administration, the organisation was restructured, new staff recruited and a committed, strong new board of directors appointed. In addition, the corporation won a tender for $70,000 to upgrade its outdated IT framework. As a result of all these efforts, Mr Fordham regards Many Rivers as well-placed for the future.
‘Many Rivers plays a critical role for Aboriginal people in the Macleay Valley, and it’s now in a strong position to accommodate thousands of community members into the future’.
The Registrar’s office will monitor the corporation over the next 12 months and offer governance training for the corporation’s new directors.
Background
See the Registrar’s previous media release, MR1718-22, NSW Aboriginal housing provider in special administration, 13 April 2018.
Media contact
Lisa Hugg
(02) 6146 4738
ORIC MR1819-05
2 November 2018