Spotlight on

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. 

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. 

On Yolŋu Country, in East Arnhem land in the NT, a community-led initiative is connecting generations and celebrating culture through innovative new media projects. 

Goŋ Wanhurr Indigenous Corporation has a focus on making stronger and more sustainable Homelands and connecting them with the world. Mixed media and performance arts are being used as storytelling avenues for Yolŋu culture. 

The Ngarigo Toomaroombah Kunama Namadgi Indigenous Corporation is forging bonds with businesses and local community in the Snowy Mountains area of New South Wales. Their goal is to maintain, nurture and share Ngarigo culture, and keep Country not just alive, but flourishing.  

Since 1989, Jungarni-Jutiya Indigenous Corporation has supported the safety and wellbeing of families who live in remote parts of northeast WA. The name ‘Jungarni-Jutiya’ means ‘straight path’ in Jaru language – Jaru and Kija peoples are the Traditional Owners of the surrounding lands.

PAMS teams understand and consider the spiritual, social, economic and cultural wellbeing in overall health. This personal approach to healthcare assists with client treatment while also supporting everything surrounding getting treatment, whether it’s travel, health education or family support.

In 2022–23, PAMS provided 42,000 services and supported the health of nearly 4,500 Aboriginal people in the East Pilbara region, including in the communities of Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji and Newman.

In Northwest Queensland on Kalkadoon Country, in the town of Mount Isa, the team at Mithangkaya Nguli (‘To Always Stand Up for Something’ in Kalkatungu language) – Young People Ahead (MNYPA) is leading strong children and youth programs with community voices at the centre.

The corporation was founded on a collective desire to make a space for Aboriginal people facing challenges, particularly children and young people at risk. Its founding Elders envisioned a platform that would empower children and young people, help them grow, and build a strong sense of community. 

The team at Marigurim Yalaam Indigenous Corporation for Community Justice (MYICCJ) is working tirelessly towards a better future in justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

MYICCJ has come a long way in the past 2 years. From being on the brink of folding in 2021, the board, including one community Elder and people who work in a variety of areas, worked with ORIC to get MYICCJ back up and running to thriving – where it is today.

Warrigunya (Warriors Home) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation is developing programs for Aboriginal men to have stable housing and turn their lives around following prison release. 

The organisation is looking forward to Stage 1 completion of a new building in October from where they’ll conduct their work: looking to break the cycle of re-offending and helping men transition back into society. 

From mental health to brain health and healing

Sheryl’s career shifted into community services. There, she was trained by neuroplasticity scientists and began to think about how this breakthrough could work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. 

If the brain changes in response to life events, then with the right approaches, it could change to heal itself and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.