The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) governance history

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers should be aware that this video may contain images and voices of persons who have passed.

The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) is the largest Aboriginal corporation in Australia. It operates across twenty-seven locations in the Northern Territory and Queensland. ALPA contributes to the development of local economies and Indigenous business. Some of their economic ventures include:

• retail stores
• accommodation and hospitality, in partnership with local families
• training and employment services
• construction
• youth services
• furniture manufacturing
• homelands service delivery.

ALPA was established in 1972 as a co-operative of community stores in Arnhem Land. Before this, the Methodist Overseas Mission Commission (MOM) supervised the Yolŋu people of Arnhem Land. The church opened and operated community stores. MOM established the Arnhem Land Civic and Economic Development Council Inc. (CEDAR) for Yolŋu economic development. The Arnhem Land Progress Association Incorporated was formed as an activity of CEDAR.¹“Our History,” Arnhem Land Progress Association, accessed June 2023, [link]

Today ALPA is financially independent. It’s owned by Yolŋu members and governed by a Yolŋu board of directors. Read more about ALPA’s history on their website.

In this video, ALPA directors share the organisation’s history, where it is today and its vision for the future.