Yappera Children’s Service’s high percentage of Aboriginal staff helps families feel connected to the service Families know their children are learning in a culturally safe environment with a strong connection...
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Category Two recognises and celebrates effective governance in small to medium, Indigenous-led incorporated organisations that earn under $1 million in revenue.
Indigenous incorporated organisations work in two-ways balancing both Indigenous and corporate governance.
Category Two organisations must demonstrate:
- how it has been governed
- how its affairs are managed
- how its outcomes are achieved.
Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation
Category Two 2024 Winner
Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC) was established in 2008 by a group of Elders in northeast Tasmania who were determined to reclaim their people’s rightful place as the original People of Tasmania. Melythina Tiakana Warrana means Heart of Country in the local Aboriginal language.
Membership of MTWAC is limited to Tasmanian Aboriginal people who can show a direct link to northeast Tasmania. The corporation is governed by a board of nine directors, overseen and advised by a Circle of Elders.
MTWAC’s effective governance structures facilitate transparency and accountability to their community. Their Circle of Elders and general members are invited to attend and participate in their discussions and operations, where non-directors can express their view through informal voting.
A significant way in which MTWAC is able to fulfill its people’s goals and objectives is through the establishment and successful management of innovative relationships and significant long-term partnerships. These relationships are structured to support capacity building, showcase capabilities, and empower Traditional Owners in caring for Country.
Voice of Hope Aboriginal Corporation
Category Two 2024 Finalist
Voice of Hope Aboriginal Corporation was established in 2022 to assist Aboriginal women in Western Australia to adjust back into community life after time spent in prison. It is a volunteer organisation governed by a board of six women (four First Nations and two non-Indigenous), and all activities are overseen by an Elders advisory subcommittee of five Aboriginal women.
Voice of Hope aims to assist Aboriginal women by conducting cultural programs that assist them to connect to their culture, identity and family. Noongar culture remains central to the Walbreninj Yorga (Healing Women) Prison Program, designed to help women heal and return to family. Connecting women with Elders supports wisdom, knowledge, and life experience to be shared between generations.
Their board of directors consists of women with lived experience and a diverse set of skills that contribute to their effective governance and strategic planning.
Mibbinbah Spirit Healing
Category Two 2024 Finalist
Mibbinbah was established in 2007 to support First Nations people to heal, grow, and resume their roles as nurturers, teachers, and leaders. It operates in many states across urban and rural, regional, and remote communities.
A small organisation with only three staff, Mibbinbah operates on a project-by-project basis, and approach their work with a whole of community focus. They have recently acquired some ongoing philanthropic support but continue to operate with minimal funding.
Mibbinbah’s culture smart governance contributes to their strong reputation within their community and to forming strong connections based on deep trust and respect. Interest in their initiative has seen organic growth through word-of-mouth, which is a testament to their cultural legitimacy.
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