Ella Noah Bancroft is the CEO Founder and a Director of The Returning. She explains, ‘We founded The Returning with a deep desire to bring people back into right relationship with Country, community and self and we have seen the healing that occurs by bringing humans back to the natural world to immerse in the waters, sit on Country and be in community.’
The Returning incorporated with ORIC in 2021.
From grassroots beginnings as a fishing advocacy group, Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation has become a thriving organisation. It’s providing local jobs in land and sea management on projects that care for Country on the NSW south coast.
Walbunja man Wally Stewart and a board of Yuin Traditional Owners are taking opportunities for Joonga to go even further. But handling the fast and large growth has been a challenge. Strong relationships and constant communication have been key to keeping up with the speed of expansion and project delivery.
Healthy disagreement on a board is a good thing. Disagreement can bring different perspectives and different ideas. It brings out differences of opinion.
Distinguish differences between corporate and cultural authority. Be mindful of understanding rules and obligations under the Corporations (Aborigin
Don’t worry – examinations are positive. Examinations look at what corporations do well and how they can improve.
As the group played From Little Things Big Things Grow, an idea was raised to reform the Nala Boodja Eco Clan Aboriginal Corporation (Nala Boodja). The corporation would bring people together going forwards – to share songlines, facilitate storytelling and create wellbeing programs.
A chairperson is first among equals. They may lead the board, but they have the same voice and the same vote as every other director.
The board should be a reflection of the purpose and objectives of the corporation.
