The directors of the Angkerle* Aboriginal Corporation (AAC) have asked the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, for help in getting the corporation’s business affairs back in order.
Mr Beven today appointed Mr Andrew West of Andrew H West and Associates as special administrator.
Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation holds the lease over the Standley Chasm flora and fauna reserve located 50 kilometres west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The corporation manages the day to day operations at the reserve and also operates an on-site café and gift shop.
Standley Chasm is a popular tourist destination with the iconic chasm rising 80 metres above a creek bed. It also provides easy access to the Chewings Ranges and the Larapinta Trail and is home to some rare and threatened species of native flora and fauna.
‘In November last year, my office engaged an independent examiner to review the Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation,’ Mr Beven said. ‘He highlighted weaknesses in the corporation’s governance framework and financial management.
‘Once the directors recognised they needed assistance they asked me to appoint a special administrator and I commend them for taking this step.
‘The aim of the special administration is to quickly restore good operational order and work on resolving governance and financial management issues to ensure long term benefits for the local community.’
Mr Beven said the potential for the corporation to succeed is clear and the special administration process offers an opportunity to launch a number of improvements.
‘The development of better operating systems and improved strategies for attracting and managing tourism should see the Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation turn around relatively quickly,’ he said.
Contact details for the special administrators are: Mr Andrew West 0410 553 784 or email west.andrew@bigpond.com.
*Angkerle Arrenge is the Arrernte term for Standley Chasm, given its European name after Ida Standley who in 1914 was the first Alice Springs school teacher and the first non-Aboriginal woman to visit the area.
3 February 2011
Contact: Donna Murray
(02) 6219 7645
Ref: ORIC MR1011-23