In 2023, a small pilot program was set up to teach coding to 160 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The idea was to encourage more First Nations people into science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and careers, where there is a significant underrepresentation.
A partnership with Oyster Hub Advisory Partners proved crucial. Oyster Hub’s expertise in organisational growth, strategic planning and governance helped to establish everything from community consultation frameworks to ORIC registration documents and funding access strategies.
Now, the corporation is giving a large block of pastoral land a new life as a space for community connections. It’s a long-term vision for Pairrebeenne/Trawlwoolway man and director, Grant 'Tank' Shaw, who has returned home to Country and formed a positive network of people to make it happen.
What began as a modest resource centre has become a welcoming meeting place, drop-in centre and program provider for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Chairperson Deanna Schreiber and Treasurer Ann Cribb say it’s staying true to community needs, having good governance and taking pride in their work that’s kept the corporation strong for so long.
Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation has been running activities, programs and services that support health, welfare and education for 20 years. In 2022, it hired its first employee – a volunteer who had been there from the beginning.
The Granites Mine Affected Area Aboriginal Corporation (GMAAAC) was set up by the Central Land Council (CLC) to support 9 mine-affected communities in the Northern Territory. GMAAAC collects compensation for the social impacts of the mine so affected communities can use the money for sustainable, community-driven projects.
Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation is deeply invested in getting positive outcomes for people in the northern NSW Clarence Valley region. All members of the team often put in hours outside of normal time, including volunteer hours, to support young people aged 0 to 25 and their families to connect with culture and education.
With a name meaning ‘be well’ in Bundjalung language, Bugalwan Indigenous Corporation calls on culture and traditions to innovate and improve mental health care for First Nations people. While still in its early stages, the corporation’s board is responding to challenges by pivoting when needed, learning from experience, and looking after its people as it grows.
