The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Selwyn Button, has today announced the handback of Injalak Arts & Craft Aboriginal Corporation to its members. The corporation had been under special administration since 21 February 2019.
Injalak is an Aboriginal-owned not-for-profit social enterprise based in Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) in West Arnhem Land. It has been a leading art centre since 1989. It also operates Provenance Arts located in Darwin.
In February 2019, the members of Injalak agreed to transition the corporation from the Associations Act 2003 (Northern Territory) to the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006. At the time, the corporation was experiencing financial difficulties since it had entered into capital projects that exceeded its capacity. The directors asked the Registrar to appoint a special administrator. As a result, Jack James and Paula Smith were appointed as joint special administrators, and they have found a way to resolve the financial problems.
‘A unique partnership between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments has restored Injalak’s financial position, and the Northern Territory Government has provided capital funding to enable Injalak to complete its new screen printing workshop’, said Mr Button. ‘From June 2020 the workshop in Gunbalanya will create employment and growth opportunities for the corporation and the community. The newly-appointed board members are also very clear on their duty to track the corporation’s money story. I thank the members and the stakeholders for their patience as the work was undertaken to restore the corporation to good financial health.'
The Registrar will monitor the corporation’s progress following the special administration.
Background
See earlier media releases about this special administration:
- Registrar to support the home of x-ray art—ORIC MR1819-11, 21 February 2019
- Injalak special administration extended—ORIC MR1819-11, 19 August 2019
Media contact
Lisa Hugg 0477 762 290
ORIC MR1920-12
19 February 2020