Spotlight on

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. 

During NAIDOC week each year, First Nations surfers and their families gather on Gumbaynggirr Country (Coffs Harbour, NSW) to take part in some healthy competition while promoting culture, connection and wellbeing.

This is the Naru Surf Gathering, the Naru Indigenous Corporation’s annual surfing event. Since 2017, the popular event has brought hundreds of people to saltwater Country in honour of Eric Mercy. 

When the bright orange blooms appear on the Mudjar Tree, it signals to Nyungar people that Birak (Summer) has begun. The tree is important in Nyungar culture. It brings knowledge about food, like the crayfish that exit their caves during Birak. Or the sweet edible gum that bleeds during Kambarang (Spring) after bark is pulled to make canoes or shields. It’s at the centre of spiritual stories and sacred knowledge.

Australian Kriol ... it’s the most widely-spoken language unique to Australia, and most people have never heard of it. Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation of Ngukurr in the Northern Territory is hoping to change that through its Meigim Kriol Strongbala (Make Kriol Strong) program. 

‘We’ll work really hard, but shove someone else up the front to get the glory.’ Vicki Thom of Mad Mob Aboriginal Corporation in the Hawkesbury, New South Wales might be uncomfortable with the spotlight, but she and her fellow directors deserve this pat on the back for their creation of a safe space for community members in the Hawkesbury.

It was a ruby anniversary celebration for South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation (SCMSAC) recently! The dedicated team celebrated 40 years of providing health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Shoalhaven area of the NSW south coast with an open day, gala evening and community fun day.

It’s all about community at Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Started by 5 Aboriginal Elders, Baabayn has embraced culture and connections to grow its services for the Aboriginal community in Western Sydney.