The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, has congratulated the Jawoyn people on the 20th anniversary of the Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory being handed back.
‘Handing back the national park was a moment of enormous cultural pride for the Jawoyn people,’ Mr Beven said.
‘But not only that, the Jawoyn people have built a solid and sustained economic base providing jobs, services and support throughout the Katherine region. The Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation which represents Jawoyn people fills eight of the 13 board positions on the Nitmiluk Board of Management and is the 100 per cent owner of Nitmiluk Tours, which operates the commercial operations within the park.’
The Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation was registered on 31 May 1985 with the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations and is now one of the leading Aboriginal corporations in the country. From humble beginnings the corporation now generates more the $1.5 million income and holds over $3 million in assets.
‘A lot of Jawoyn people played an important part in the hand back and the ongoing management of the park. It is important to acknowledge their role in history at important times such as this celebration: Mr Peter Jatbula, Mr Sandy Baruwei, Ms Phyllis Winyjorrotj, Ms Sarah Flora, Mr Nipper Baybilama Brown, Mr Robert Lee and Ms Lisa Mumbin.
‘I congratulate the current leaders of the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, the acting chair, Mr Ryan Baruwei and the other board members on their continuing stewardship of the corporation. I also acknowledge the hard work of CEO Wes Miller and all the current and former staff who have worked together to make the corporation such a success.’ Mr Beven said.
Contact:
Lisa Donnelly
02 6219 7611
9 September 2009
ORIC MR0910-06