Narooma, New South Wales: Seven years ago, the outlook for Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services (Katungul) was gloomy. Having provided holistic and culturally-appropriate wellbeing services for Aboriginal people on the south coast since 1993, the corporation was running at a loss. Today, Katungul has a new story to tell.

Moree, New South Wales: Yaama Ganu Aboriginal Corporation is a well-connected not-for-profit Aboriginal art gallery and café. 

North-west South Australia: In 1993, a group of people living on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankatjatjara (APY) Lands were concerned at the lack of infrastructure, services and employment opportunities in the APY Lands. They wanted to look after all the local Anangu communities and in the process secure training opportunities and jobs for local people.

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 determination to his role as chaplain at Acmena Juvenile Justice Centre in Grafton. Having worked in the system for years, he has seen many people return again and again. Some he could see were natural leaders, but instead of embracing that potential, they would go on to Kempsey gaol.

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. 

Rowena Mouda, chair of the board of Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation