It has been a tumultuous year at the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. After 10 years as Registrar, Anthony Beven departed in November 2017. In December, Joe Mastrolembo, the deputy registrar, was appointed Acting Registrar. Then in April 2018, Joe retired and on 1 May, Mike Fordham stepped in as (again, Acting) Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. Yes, three Registrars in one year! But that’s not the only major change in progress, as Mike explains…
The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations is an independent statutory office holder who administers the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). The CATSI Act has some unique features:
This story comes via the North Queensland Land Council Native Title Representative Body Aboriginal Corporation and is reproduced with permission.
Cairns, Queensland: Congratulations to the deadly Yirrganydji mob for Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation's recent win. The corporation was named winner of ANZSOG Indigenous Strength and Leadership Video Competition (along with New Zealand's Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services). The competition recognised initiatives promoting Indigenous leadership in public administration.
Hobart, Tasmania: In 1988, a group of Aboriginal women including Verna Nicho
Cross-border region of Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory: The Anangu women of Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council Aboriginal Corporation (NPY Women’s Council) know what they’re doing.
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.
