Spotlight on

Unifying the community with the strength of culture

When the bright orange blooms appear on the Mudjar Tree, it signals to Nyungar people that Birak (Summer) has begun. The tree is important in Nyungar culture. It brings knowledge about food, like the crayfish that exit their caves during Birak. Or the sweet edible gum that bleeds during Kambarang (Spring) after bark is pulled to make canoes or shields. It’s at the centre of spiritual stories and sacred knowledge.

Small change and big hearts can go a long way

‘We’ll work really hard, but shove someone else up the front to get the glory.’ Vicki Thom of Mad Mob Aboriginal Corporation in the Hawkesbury, New South Wales might be uncomfortable with the spotlight, but she and her fellow directors deserve this pat on the back for their creation of a safe space for community members in the Hawkesbury.

Ingenuity for young people

Wanta Aboriginal Corporation is a thriving network of programs and activities for young people in 9 remote communities in the Northern Territory.

Alice Springs, Northern Territory: Wanta Aboriginal Corporation works in 9 remote Northern Territory communities to ‘engage, empower and develop young people to fulfill their fullest potential’. It’s grown into a thriving network of programs and activities for young people, to support them to excel at school and to be healthy, personally, socially and culturally.

Healing spirits, winning gongs

In June 2022, Noongars of Wungening Aboriginal Corporation were commended by Reconciliation Australia, Australasian Housing Institute and the Queen.

Perth, Western Australia: June 2022 was a hugely affirming month for Wungening Aboriginal Corporation. It won gongs for its governance and for its excellence in social housing. Then its chair, Danny Ford, was appointed to the Order of Australia for his service to the Noongar community.

Imagination for a fairer world

Meet the savvy corporation closing the gap on educational achievement in Australia and around the world.

Sydney, New South Wales: Forget Facebook. For young Indigenous people in Australia and young marginalised people around the world, there’s a far better way to engage with peers and the world beyond school.