Spotlight on

Derby, Western Austraila: Garl Garl Walbu Alcohol Association Aboriginal Corporation was incorporated in 1988 to contribute to policy and research about alcohol and drug misuse and related problems among Aboriginal people in the Kimberley—and to care for people affected. The corporation is based in Derby, in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia—a long way from Perth and Darwin.

The effect of alcohol and drugs

One of the corporation’s directors, Nola D’Antoine, describes how problematic alcohol and drugs are for this community:

Frankston South, Melbourne:

Welcome to Bunurong country, land of our ancestors, land of the Kulin.

These are the words of respected Bunurong elder, Chris West, as he welcomes visitors to Bunurong country, which takes in much of Melbourne.

Chittaway Bay, New South Wales central coast: Founded in 1994, The Glen, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre for men run by Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation, is now in its third decade of saving lives and nurturing spirits. Every year, its ‘business’ strengthens. How do they do it? And is it significant that all the board members of Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation are women? The short answer is: perhaps. But what definitely drives the success of this corporation is the very singular purpose shared by the board, the CEO and the staff.

Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands, South Australia: In 2012, a group of Aboriginal traditional healers—ngangkaṟi—from the APY lands came together with a mission to strengthen traditional practices and medicines, and a vision for a complementary, ‘two-way’ healthcare system.

Coen, Queensland: The Lama Lama traditional owners living in Coen and Port Stewart are the driving force behind Yintjingga Aboriginal Corporation. Since they established this homeland-based, not-for-profit organisation in 2009, Yintjingga has grown in significance and reputation.  

‘Our aim is to improve the social, cultural, and environmental well-being of our Lama Lama community,’ says Gavin Bassani, traditional owner, Ops Manager and chair of Yintjingga Aboriginal Corporation. ‘We’re also interested in economic development.’

Port Macquarie, New South Wales: In June 2016 Werin Aboriginal Corporation medical centre celebrated 10 years serving the Port Macquarie–Hastings area as well as independence from its auspice arrangement.

Over this time the community-controlled, not-for-profit medical centre has consistently provided quality healthcare services. ‘We’re a close-knit team and we do the very best we can for our patients and clients,’ said the corporation’s secretary, Warren Mason.

It started 25 years ago on the back of a $100 donation. A group of concerned local Aboriginal volunteers got together to establish a corporation. The aim was to help provide affordable housing for the local community. A quarter of a century later, Winnam is a thriving concern with over $22 million in assets.

Kaltjiti (Fregon), APY Lands, South Australia: In December 2013 a fire swept through the Kaltjiti store destroying the community’s only shop and service station. Sparks spread from cardboard boxes to gas cylinders which then exploded, forcing the fire up the walls and through the ceiling. The store was gutted.

Just days out from Christmas local residents were stranded without provisions. The damage bill was estimated at around $2.5million.

South Goulburn Island, Northern Territory: It’s less than six months since Yagbani Aboriginal Corporation received the news it was hoping for—it had won the contract to deliver the community development program (CDP) on South Goulburn Island.

For all those who campaigned and supported the community, it’s been a huge achievement and cause for celebration.

Armidale, New South Wales:  Since 1987 Minimbah Pre-school, Primary School Aboriginal Corporation has been a place for learning for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. Tucked away on the green fertile plains of the Northern Tablelands, the school proudly offers a safe and culturally-sensitive environment for pupils from preschool to year 6.

There are 130 children enrolled at the school and 22 employees on the staff. Attendance is high in no small measure due to the school’s warm and friendly atmosphere.