The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, today announced the end of the special administration of the Nguiu Club Aboriginal Corporation.
Established in 1985 in the community of Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, north of Darwin in the Northern Territory, the Nguiu Club has for many years been an important part of the island’s social activities.
The Registrar first met with the Nguiu Club members and directors in November 2015 when the club was in serious financial trouble. The club was at the time incorporated under the Associations Act (NT) and without urgent assistance was on track to close its doors. In December 2015 the members met and resolved to transfer the club’s registration to the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and requested the Registrar to place it under special administration.
On 4 January 2016 the Registrar appointed Austin Taylor and Stuart Reid as the special administrators of the Nguiu Club.
The special administrators worked closely with the local community, traditional owners, NT Police and Licensing NT in reviewing the Nguiu Club’s operations, including its licensing conditions. Prior to the special administration the club’s liquor licence required security staff to be flown to Wurrumiyanga each week from Darwin. Amendments negotiated by the special administrators now enable the club to employ local security staff, providing important training and employment opportunities.
The special administrators sought tenders for a professional management company. A combined tender from Outback Stores Ltd and Mantiyupwi Pty Ltd, the business arm of the local traditional owners, was eventually successful.
With tighter financial management, more flexible licence conditions and increased sales from an expanded bistro the Nguiu Club is once again trading profitably. As a result the special administrators have been able to repay creditors or enter into repayment plans. A new board of directors has been appointed, comprising six directors from Mantiyupwi Pty Ltd and two member directors. There is also the capacity for up to two independent directors.
‘The Nguiu Club’s transfer to the CATSI Act has been a positive development for all Bathurst Island residents,’ said Mr Beven. ‘I’m pleased my office has been able to keep the doors open at the club and that it will continue as an important part of the local community.’
The Registrar will monitor the Nguiu Club closely over the next 12 months.
Media contact
Patricia Gibson
(02) 6146 4743
ORIC MR1516-22
6 June 2016
