Forbes, New South Wales: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations with a large-scale, well-funded operation tend to have the highest profile. But many survive year after year on the strength of the commitment and sustained effort of their members and directors. Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre Indigenous Corporation is a great example. Its open-hearted determination is nourishing the whole community in and around Forbes.
Casino, New South Wales: Pastor Peter Boughey brings a quality of quiet determin
Kimberley, Western Australia: Many members of the Dambimangari community live in the Western Kimberley—in Derby, Mowanjum and other places—and some are as far away as Perth. Government policy and history have dislocated and fragmented them, but essential traditions and identity remain.
Darwin region, Northern Territory: Having registered in 1998, for a full two decades now, Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation has represented the interests of Larrakia people and assisted some of Darwin’s most disadvantaged. In May 2018, its 600 members celebrated the corporation’s 20th birthday at a festive family fun day.
WARNING:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: please be aware that the following story contains images of unidentified people who are now deceased.
Clark Webb shows a group of children wombat berry at Yarraw
Perth, Western Australia: Any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person considering a career in health care (or hospitality) would do well to check out Marr Mooditj Training Aboriginal Corporation. It’s a registered training organisation (RTO) with 34 years’ experience of providing culturally sensitive training and assessment and holistic support, and a mission to maximise the employability of Aboriginal people.
Northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory: Gumatj Corporation Ltd (a not-for-profit corporatio
Arnhem Land, Northern Territory: Beginning in 1972 as a cooperative of community stores in seven communities, The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) is now the highest-earning corporation under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). In 2015–16 it generated income of over $95 million—with a tidy $5 million surplus for its five member communities—Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Minjilang and Ramingining. It’s a smart, diverse operation strengthened by a passion for bridge-building.
Yirrkala, Northern Territory: The Rirratjingu clan, traditional owners of land on the Gove Peninsula, is well-known for its leadership. In 1963, when the Australian Government excised over 300 square kilometres of land from the Arnhem Land reserve for bauxite mining— without consulting the traditional owners—five Rirratjingu brothers took action.
