20 19 20 20 Annual Report
stand firm and stand together 1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following report may contain images and voices of people who have died.
2 Contents
Our Mission, Our Vision, Our Values 4-6 Our Foundation 7 Highlights – 2020 8-17 Spotlights - 2020 18 Chairman’s Report 19 CEO Report 20-21 Directors 22-23 Rirratjingu – Looking Back 24-25 Rirratjingu – Looking Forward 26-27 Our Plan – Our Priorities 28 Taking Care of the Future 29 We Mean Business 30-31 Let’s Make Yirrkala Great Again 32-33 Governance 34-35 Rirratjingu Mining 36-37 Rirratjingu Fuel 38-39 Bunuwal Investments 40-41 Culture & Community 42-58 High Ground Report 44-47 Rirratjingu Football Program 48-49 Rirratjingu Music Program 50-51 Education Report 52-53 Health Report 54 Memorial Service 55 Leadership 56-57 The Coronavirus (COVID-19) 58 Consolidated Financial Reports 2019 - 2020 59-81 Photo Spread 82-83
3 Our Mission
Our Mission is to stand firm and to stand together for our people: To remain the rock that is one voice together with a shared resolve to shape a future for our families and generations to come so they can live equally in a world of economic certainty and social wellbeing. Our Mission is inspired by the Rock which remains immovable against the tide, the storms and the winds of change. The words of our forefathers remain in our minds:
“Be firm and strong for the land, and the strength of your solidarity will sustain you in your cause. Our country (land and sea) will exist forever. It must be protected so that it will remain the same, so that it can be seen in the same way that the elders saw it in the past.” (Roy Dadayŋa Marika - 1990 on behalf of the elders).
THE ROCK: “Even though you crash upon me and your patterns are left on me, I will stand firm for you as the day draws to an end …” 1 paddle, 1 boat, 1 harpoon, 1 people! Hunters for one turtle to benefit all our people.
4 Our Vision
Our Vision is a future where our people stand together in a world of harmony, prosperity and opportunity. A world where our traditional cultural values remain our heartbeat, the wisdom from our forefathers our map and a new generation of our people are standing strong, standing equal. Our Vision is guided by that of our forefathers. They have inspired us to work diligently, to hold tightly our culture and tradition, to be firm and strong for our land and our culture, to protect and care for our people and to stay united and stand tall.
5 Our Values
The following values sit at the heart of our work. They guide our service delivery. 1) Outstanding governance will epitomise our approach. 2) The highest ethical standards will remain central to our work. 3) Open and inclusive management will highlight our operations. 4) Yolngu culture will remain at the forefront of our minds and as a guide to our work. 5) A responsive and accountable approach to our members, our community and key stakeholders will remain at the core of our activities.
6 Our Foundation
The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation was founded in 1984 by the late Dadayŋa ‘Roy’ Marika: MBE and Father of Indigenous Land Rights in Australia. We wear our logo with pride – The mighty Rock ‘Mandula’ which is replicated as Roy’s resting place.
7 HIGHLIGHTS
Australia Day Report
Traditional Bunggul – All join in! The Rirratjingu Social Program uses culture to make a positive social change. The corporation participates in these events in one of our initiatives to help ‘Close the Gap’. Rirratjingu have been performing traditional Bunggul on Australia Day in Nhulunbuy over recent years. However, this year was special, with the event hosted in Yirrkala and joined by the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO. The Rirratjingu dancers got the community to join with us. It was a special day or sharing culture and celebrating.
Congratulations to Rirratjingu senior leader Mandaka Marika for winning the Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day celebrations.
8 Photos: Courtesy of Chute Photography 9 The Fish Trap
Rirratjingu people have, through They work wonderfully! the ages, been acutely aware of the The Yambirrpa fills up when the tide brings Fishtraps adjacent to the Yirrkala water (gapu) into the area. Along with the tides community. This year the corporation and the deeper water come the fish. And of has undertaken clearing and structural course, when the tide recedes the lower water works to make the area more inviting levels trap the fish which become easy to and exciting. The Fishtraps, referred to catch. in language as Yambirrpa are shown in This Yambirrpa, and its story, has been passed the attached photo. down over generations.
10 Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe in Yirrkala
Reserve Bank Governor, Philip Lowe, the late HC “Nugget” Coombs leads him to Yirrkala. On the 3rd July 2019 the Reserve Bank Governor, Philip Lowe travelled to the Gove Peninsular to acknowledge a special friend of the Yolngu people, the late Nugget Coombs. Herbert Cole “Nugget” Coombs (24 February 1906 – 29 October 1997) was an Australian economist and public servant. He is best known as the first Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, in office from 1960 to 1968. He is fondly remembered as a great friend to the Yolngu and reflected on the impact his predecessor had on people living in North Eastern Arnhem Land. those living in Yirrkala and the greater Eastern Arnhem Land. After an interval of some fifty-odd years, the Reserve Bank Board returned to Darwin to hold its meeting The day was special for all concerned and a great for July, 2019. Governor Philip Lowe took the opportunity to visit the site where some of the ashes opportunity, while in the Territory to revisit Yirrkala of Nugget Coombs were scattered with Aboriginal and meet with traditional owners. The Governor funeral rites. was escorted to the Nugget Coombes memorial
11 Police Remembrance Day
A National Police Remembrance Day honours those who gave their lives serving their is commemorated each year on 29 local communities. September as a way of remembering Rirratjingu were proud to acknowledge the work of officers who have made the ultimate the NT Police and police officers across the country. sacrifice. Vice-Chairman, Wanyubi Marika, laid a wreath in Each State and Territory police jurisdiction across front of the Nhulunbuy Police Station at the invitation Australasia and the South West Pacific Region of Commander Tony Fuller (wearing medals).
12 Rirratjingu Fuel – sponsoring our people
10th March 2020 This extension is evidence of our proficiency as well as a great result for our community and the broader In a show of support, Rirratjingu Fuel Arnhem Land community,” Mr. Marika said. provided sponsorship for emerging young golfer, Kaitlyn Rika. As a promising young “To have Rio Tinto continuing to buy our fuel is a golfer Kaitlyn was thrilled to receive really positive development and it is significant that the sponsorship. We will watch on with an Indigenous company is winning such important excitement as she progresses her contracts. This means that the profits stay in the sporting career. community, will support further development and will also provide jobs and training.” Rirratjingu Fuel has, since 2013, managed shipments of around 310 million litres and has this Photos above: highlighting the sponsorship this year year sealed a new deal with Rio Tinto to continue for emerging young golfer, Kaitlyn Rika (pictured supplying diesel to Rio Tinto’s Gove Operations. centre front)
13 Rirratjingu Mining Hightlights
Amongst the highlights for our Rirratjingu blue metal quarry we reflect on the extension of the existing agreement to supply crushed rock for Rio Tinto’s mine rehabilitation program. In addition, the parties expanded the agreement to cover supplies of rip rap rock for a new mine road. During 2019-20 period Rirratjingu Mining progressed the following new opportunities to supply quarry product: Gove deep water port infrastructure improvements, The sealing of the Central Arnhem Road, The imminent new Yirrkala housing subdivision and Armour rock for Northern Territory Government infrastructure including barge landings, bridge abutments and rock basket works. The future looks positive for continued profitability with revenue over the recent period, 2019 – 2020, $476,327.56. Reference our section late in the Report on the great outcomes and advances.
14 Upskilling our people
RAC received funding from NTG • AURASA001 Apply automotive workplace safety for various training courses. These fundamentals. opportunities are a valuable adjunct to the • AURPTE002 Inspect and service outdoor power emphasis we have on training our people. equipment engines. In July 2019 we were proud to see a number • AURPTA006 Inspect and service line trimming of Rirratjingu complete their training and receive systems and components. certificates which were awarded to the group in August 2019. Training included: • AHCCHM201 Apply chemicals under supervision. • FWPCOT2237 Maintain chainsaws. • AHCCHM303 Prepare and apply chemicals. • FWPCOT2239 Trim and cut felled trees. (Orient only) • FWPHAR2206 Operate a mobile • AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals. chipper/mulcher. (Orient only)
15 Cruising into Yirrkala
The cruise ship industry recognises the exquisite opportunities to visit Yirrkala to give passengers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures. Cruising into Yirrkala provided passengers an opportunity to explore one of Australia’s most acclaimed art centres, (Buku Larrnggay Mulka Centre) a chance to create their own unique piece of art with an art class and to experience a Bunggul performed by some of the Rirratjingu young leaders. Senior elders welcomed the passenger cruise ship into Yirrkala in December 2019.
16 HIGHLIGHT REPORT Future Leaders
Strengthening our young leaders The RAC Future Leaders initiative has continued to help participants to better understand themselves, affirm their identity, explore their thinking and develop leadership behaviours. A highlight this year was our governance workshop with participants learning about the responsibilities of directors. The session on wearing multiple hats was fun with discussion on the challenges in community of having varying roles and responsibilities and the need, at times, to wear different hats. The hats included Family, Director, Community and Friends with discussion on how these are all connected in community and must be acknowledged in carrying out governance responsibilities.
17 18 SPOTLIGHTS $103,517 Support to Families Funeral FundFuneral RAC DIRECTOR $28,203 Education for for Education Meetings our families
07
Bunggul’s 0
Future Leaders
Workshop/Events Workshop/Events 5
14
Average Average
Family $9,000 Support for Support Social Program Future Leaders Supported Participation Culture 27
nerals Funerals
10
W
orkshop orkshop
CHARITABLE PAYMENTS SPOTLIGHTS
$1.08M $163,875 Family p layers Darwin Buffaloes Support for Medical & Football Focus $11,814 Social Program Terminally ill Terminally
supported
CommunityHealth $13,
Support for
NEW INVESTMENTS 258 $9,769 W Future Fund Social Program Support for
hitegoods $13.5M
Miscellaneous Support Support Miscellaneous ReligiousActivities
$19,332
$
Social Program Social Program
Support for 3,948 Additional
$41,468 Support for for Support our Music
$476,327
$9,500 Sales Mining
Social Program Rirratjingu
Community Community Support for
Chairman’s Report
Director’s SPOTLIGHTS year in review
Last year’s report explained how we restructured its economic and community future after 2030. We the Rirratjingu group of companies in readiness for are aiming to provide certainty, particularly regarding the period through until 2030, when bauxite mining Nhulunbuy town, which is mainly on Rirratjingu will cease. This released new energy for business traditional land. We understand many Nhulunbuy Bunggul’s Social Program development reflected through our new strategic residents and businesspeople are worried about Support for plan prioritising ‘building wealth through commercial their land tenure after 2030. We know we need to
05 Religious Activities opportunities’: keep Gove’s businesses and the service providers. Family Funerals We rely on them for our future development. We Supported Football Focus $3,948 want to eliminate whatever uncertainty might deter Darwin Buffaloes Funeral Fund 27 By 2022 RAC will have in place a diverse investment in our region. Social Program Support to Families $163,875 Social Program Support for base of commercial interests and In Nhulunbuy it should be “Yolngu ga Napaki, as Support for Community investments designed to accumulate Social Program players supported good as it can be”. $103,517 Whitegoods a wealth “Treasure” that allows us to Support for $9,500 RAC also focussed on Yirrkala community. Culture take charge of our own destiny through economic independence. We collaborated with the NLC and our Gumatj Social Program $9,769 neighbours to facilitate a 40 year lease, at Support for Medical & peppercorn rent, to create a new 35 lot public Education for $9,000 Terminally ill Social Program housing subdivision. The NT Government has our families In 2019 Rirratjingu Mining reviewed our quarry Additional already awarded contracts to create serviced lots $11,814 Miscellaneous Support operations, identified new commercial opportunities $28,203 Future Leaders and pursued them, bringing important new and new streets, ready for house construction. Average Workshop $19,332 business in 2020. RAC engaged an architect to design a new Bunuwal Investments Pty Ltd approved the Yirrkala Town Centre Concept, to guide future Participation Support for RAC DIRECTOR necessary amount required to refurbish Malpi developments, likely to include a renovated Yirrkala Community Health Support for Meetings 10 Village, our successful Nhulunbuy housing estate. Community Store, a new sports and community our Music centre, a safety house and night patrol facility, and a 07 $13,258 Work will start in 2021, emphasising local contracting. local diesel fuel sales outlet. Family $41,468 Yirrkala’s famous Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre In March 2020, RAC established new commercial greatly expanded its facilities in 2020, and has Future Leaders CHARITABLE subsidiaries, Rirratjingu Enterprises Pty Ltd and acknowledged RAC for removing tenure and some Workshop/Events PAYMENTS Rirratjingu Contracting Pty Ltd, and began tendering Future Fund financial obstacles to that expansion. $1.08M Rirratjingu through these. Rirratjingu Fuel Pty Ltd renewed its 14 NEW INVESTMENTS Mining Sales contract with Rio Tinto to supply diesel fuel on the The Rirratjingu are planning and investing in $13.5M Gove Peninsula. We import about 2.5 million litres of the Gove Peninsula’s future, and we ask our $476,327 fuel each month. stakeholders to work with us. For more than a year we have worked with our Bakamumu Marika fellow stakeholders in the Gove Peninsula to secure Chairman 19 CEO Report
As the Chair reports, in 2019-20 the 20 period RAC engaged a Business Development RAC Board brought fresh energy to Manager and refashioned its Board Business business development, to preparing for Development Subcommittee to tackle commercial the future of Nhulunbuy after mining, opportunities. As a result of considerable business and to rejuvenating Yirrkala’s social and development work during 2019-20, RAC’s economic infrastructure. understanding of commercial opportunities in the pipeline has become more extensive and precise. The RAC Board saw a pressing need to identify This empowers RAC to become much more and to seize on commercial opportunities. Rio commercially active and this progress is described Tinto Gove Operations are planning a series of within this Annual Report under to the section ‘We major decommissioning, dismantling and other Mean Business’. rehabilitation projects over the next decade. Directly and indirectly these projects will create an array of The Rirratjingu are the traditional owners of Mount commercial opportunities with tight timeframes, Nhulun and much of the surrounding Nhulunbuy which RAC must position itself to be able to meet. town special purpose lease. Since the end of alumina processing in 2014, they have consistently Rio Tinto is attracting to Nhulunbuy skilled said they value this town and want to see it prosper contractors and a variety of specialists to work on after bauxite mining ceases, for the benefit of Yolngu its rehabilitation projects, creating opportunities landowners, local communities, businesses, for RAC to draw on their capabilities to address and industry. other commercial and social projects important to the Rirratjingu and others who will remain after Since 2019 RAC has been working with Gumatj mining ceases. Corporation Ltd, the Northern Land Council, Rio Tinto, the Northern Territory Government and As the Financial Reports show, the RAC group the National Indigenous Australians Agency on is in a good financial position to invest and to how to ensure this prosperity. This collaboration participate in significant contracting. During 2019- 20 is called the Gove Peninsula Futures Reference interest in the amenities, services and opportunities Group (‘GPFRG’). GPFRG members are all keenly available to Yirrkala residents. aware of Nhulunbuy’s importance to the people of During 2019-20, RAC continued to contribute Arnhem Land, especially for economic development strongly to the cultural and social life of Yirrkala and regional services. To support a positive and beyond. Within this Annual Report we refer regional transition, the GPFRG has been working to business initiatives and making “Making Yirrkala collaboratively through a number of transitional Great Again’’. These pages, and others herein, issues. describe many ongoing programmes and new All these organisations understand the importance initiatives. For example, when the COVID-19 of providing certainty about the future land tenure restrictions prevented Yirrkala’s annual Yarrapay arrangements for Nhulunbuy and the provision of music festival, RAC joined with Develop East essential services, as well as facilitating economic Arnhem Land Ltd (DEAL) to sponsor Yolngu development opportunities for the region. Radio’s East Arnhem Live online music events, Addressing these matters as early as possible which attracted remarkable audiences. On behalf ahead of transition from mining will encourage new of members, RAC obtained and augmented NT investment, industry growth, and jobs creation. Government Arts grants to aid talented artists to maintain productivity during the Covid-19 During 2019-20 the GPFRG met regularly and restrictions on gatherings. identified priorities for 2020. The GPFRG is facilitating work among traditional owners of the With Commonwealth funding contribution, RAC Gove Peninsula to draw out a clear vision and also commissioned a rebuilding and reopening master plan for Nhulunbuy town and associated of the road from Yirrkala to the ancient fish trap areas. This will enable the GPFRG to explore on the shoreline to the west, to enable Yirrkala’s tenure options and the necessary transitional steps elders and school students to travel there, for the with more confidence, given that Nhulunbuy is on imparting of practical and spiritual knowledge about Aboriginal Land. Because any replacement tenure this site, under the Dhimurru Learning on Country will require informed traditional owner consent, the programme. traditional owner vision project is a prerequisite to However, in 2019-20 RAC also embarked on long planning in key areas such as town governance, term strategic planning for Yirrkala, which is reflected government and community services, and services in our reference within this Annual Report titled, transition. GPFRG members contributed funding ‘Making Yirrkala Great Again’. The RAC board are and in-kind support to develop the traditional confident that, in the next few years, they will have owners’ vision to a Covid-19 affected timeframe much to report on in relation to major initiatives to which should still end in late 2020. revive Yirrkala. RAC has no formal role in the local government of Yirrkala. But on behalf of the Rirratjingu, traditional John Hughes owners of most of this town, we take an active CEO
21 Wurrulga Marika process, living quietly at her Director homeland on the northern Rirratjingu shore of Bremer Island. Aboriginal Gurrumin Marika Corporation Rirratjingu Mining Director Pty Ltd Bunuwal Rirratjingu Investments Pty Ltd Aboriginal DIRECTORS Corporation Mandaka Marika is a senior Bunuwal member of the Rirratjingu Investments Pty Ltd clan and the son of the late Dadaynga ‘Roy’ Marika. He Gurrumin Marika is a respected Bakamumu Marika Wanyubi Marika is actively involved in three ceremonial leader of the Chairperson Vice Chairperson entities across the Rirratjingu Rirratjingu Clan and is the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Rirratjingu Aboriginal Aboriginal Corporation holder of sacred knowledge Corporation Corporation including Rirratjingu Mining only known to a select number of men. Gurrumin has a Rirratjingu Mining Pty Ltd Chairperson and Bunuwal Investments. background in the education Bunuwal Investments Pty Ltd Mandaka has completed a Vice Chairperson sector where he has spent 10 Land Management course and Bunuwal Investments Pty Ltd Director years teaching on homelands. Rirratjingu Mining Pty Ltd holds employment at Dhimurru Director Aboriginal Corporation rising He holds a Certificate III in Bunuwal Fuel Pty Ltd Wanyubi Marika is a senior through the ranks as a ranger Teaching. Prior to his teaching leader of the Rirratjingu in 1993 to now holding the role, Gurrumin worked with Bakamumu Marika is an clan and Vice Chairperson Managing Director position. YBE and Yirrkala Dhanbul experienced board executive of the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Mandaka has dedicated his Council where he specialised and the Leader of the Corporation. Wanyubi played life to caring for the land, of in civil works particularly earth Rirratjingu people, traditional an integral role in establishing which his father and fellow moving and truck haulage. owners of lands on the Gove Bunuwal Investments Pty Yolngu leaders fought for Gurrumin practices his culture Peninsula. Ltd as the business arm of which resulted in the great and occasionally produces the Rirratjingu Aboriginal bark paintings and plays He is actively involved Land Rights campaigns of the Corporation. Yidaki. in four entities across 1960’s and beyond. the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Since its establishment, A strong cultural standing A traditional man, Gurrumin Corporation including Rirratjingu monetary ensures Mandaka is a key spends time with family Rirratjingu Mining, Bunuwal entitilements have been leader, and often called upon and can be found helping Investments and Bunuwal invested in various businesses, to be a keynote speaker, and his wife and children with Fuel. Bakamumu works creating wealth and promoting conduct welcome to country traditional pandanus grass closely with the management opportunity for the region. for the Rirratjingu clan and harvesting, preparation and team of Rirratjingu Aboriginal Wanyubi plays a key role business arms. weaving. A highly experienced Corporation taking an interest in the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Director, Gurrumin brings a across the operations and Corporation and acts as Lak Lak Marika dedication to his governance social impacts stemming from Cultural Advisor across the Director roles at Rirratjingu Aboriginal successful business models Rirratjingu and Bunuwal Rirratjingu Corporation. and a world class Culture & entities. Wanyubi has studied Aboriginal Wuyala (Bruno) Marika Community program area. Media, Clerical Administration Corporation and has an Associate Diploma Director A strong, highly functioning Bunuwal of Community Management. Investments Pty Ltd Rirratjingu Rirratjingu Clan underpins the Aboriginal reasoning behind Bakamumu He plays a critical role in Lak Lak Marika serves as Corporation serving across all boards. ensuring businesses are a Director of the Rirratjingu Bunuwal developed in culturally Bakamumu understands Aboriginal Corporation and Investments Pty Ltd appropriate ways.Previously, Bunuwal Investments. She the importance of securing Wuyala Marika is a senior Wanyubi has been recognised is the most senior figure of investments and business member of the Rirratjingu as an artist of national the Rirratjingu Clan. As the opportunities for the future of people, traditional owners of significance. Working mostly ultimate cultural authority of the Rirratjingu people. lands on the Gove Peninsula. in bark painting, larrakitj her clan, Lak Lak holds the He is Director of the Rirratjingu (hollow log coffins) and final decision-making power Aboriginal Corporation and wood carving, Wanyubi has over issues involving land and Bunuwal Investments. delivered exhibitions across other clan concerns. Wuyala is heavily involved the nation. Wanyubi is a former Lak Lak was educated by the with his culture and often Chairperson of the Buku- missionaries before studying plays significant roles for Larrnggay Mulka Arts Centre nursing and becoming an the Rirratjingu Ceremonial Committee. Aboriginal Health Worker in Program. Wuyala currently 1969. She was later promoted holds employment at the to Chairperson of the NT Health Yirrkala Nursery where he Department overseeing specialises in native plant Aboriginal Health Workers regeneration and maintenance across the Territory. duties in nearby Nhulunbuy. Lak Lak is actively involved in the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and business entities decision making
22 Djayminy Marika leader of the Rirratjingu clan as a Business Advisor through throughout Australia. Director and a Director of Rirratjingu his own business – Bolero Danny is a recipient of the Mining Pty Ltd and Bunuwal Mentoring Advisory Services. Rirratjingu Prime Minister’s Centennial Investments. Witiyana is a Peter’s role as a Special Medal, finalist Tasmanian Aboriginal senior ceremonial leader and Advisor to the RAC Board, Corporation Business Leader of the Year a teacher of song lines and which commenced in August and recipient of various other Djayminy Marika is a ceremonies for his clan and 2018, has resulted in his national awards for his work. man forging his way as a future community. Witiyana is also appointment as the Chair of leader of the Rirratjingu people, the Cultural Ambassador for the Business Development, Danny has worked with RAC traditional owners of lands on RAC. More widely, Witiyana Finance and the Legal Sub- since 2014 in establishing the Gove Peninsula. He serves is known across Australia as Committees. strong corporate compliance and business principles. as a Director for the Rirratjingu a key member of the famous Peter’s work in conjunction Aboriginal Corporation. band Yothu Yindi, which he with his fellow special advisors • Master of Business Djayminy is the current captain co-founded with the late Mr M Denise Fincham and Danny Administration for Djarrak Football Club and Yunupingu. Keep and the great RAC • Post Grad Business & led the side to the 2017 Gove As a member of Yothu Yindi, administration team has Management AFL Premiership and has been Witiyana has travelled the resulted in significant change • Bachelor of Arts - Social hands on in mentoring the globe sharing Yolngu culture. and improvement across Work - Honours next crop of first year senior Witiyana has worked closely many areas impacting on • Fellow of the Australian players. with Richard Trudgen as a the operations of Rirratjingu Institute of Company Previously, Djayminy has co-presenter at cross-cultural Aboriginal Corporation. Directors completed training and gained seminars, and in this role he • Bachelor of Business, Qld • Graduate of the Australian employment with Rio Tinto continues to tour Australia Institute of Technology Institute of Company Gove Operations. He now educating a cross-section of 1978 mixes his time between Yirrkala the nation’s Academic and Directors • Past Fellow of Institute of and Barrkira Homeland. Business worlds. • Former Fellow of the Chartered Accountants Australian Institute of A strong governance Australia Djalinda Ulamari background includes Management Director • Past Fellow of the Taxation Vice Chairperson of the Institute of Australia Denise Fincham Rirratjingu Aboriginal Resource Aboriginal Development Services (ARDS) • Past Fellow of the Director Corporation and formerly held Chairperson Australian Institute of Bunuwal Bunuwal of Buku - Larrnggay Mulka Management, SA & NT Investments Pty Ltd Investments Pty Ltd Arts Centre Committee and • Past Member of Australian Special Advisor Djalinda Ulamari was Dhimurru Land Management. Institute of Company Rirratjingu first elected to the Board Directors Aboriginal Corp of Rirratjingu Aboriginal Peter Chilman Rirratjingu Mining Danny Keep Corporation in 1984. Djalinda Special Advisor Denise is a well-respected has a Diploma of Teaching Rirratjingu Special Advisor business identity in North East specialising in Aboriginal Aboriginal Rirratjingu Arnhem Land and a former Schools and spent most of her Corporation Aboriginal NT Business Women of the working life in the education Rirratjingu Mining Corporation Year and founder of Gorrkbuy sector, including working Pty Ltd & Bunuwal Rirratjingu Mining Industrial Supplies, which she with the Yirrkala Community Investments Pty Ltd Pty Ltd & Bunuwal owned and operated until Education Centre and Yirrkala Investments Pty Ltd 2008. Homelands School. Peter has over 35 years’ experience in the provision Danny is the Managing Denise was appointed director A strong communicator, of taxation, audit, advisory Director of the highly regarded of the Territory Insurance Office Djalinda has been registered and business services national consultancy company, and has been a member of the with the Aboriginal Interpreter whilst a Partner at KPMG Business & Community Pty TIO’s Investment Committee. Ltd. With 30 years’ experience Service (AIS) and been called Darwin. Notably he was She has held positions with in corporate leadership upon to assist with justice a key leader for KPMG’s the East Arnhem Economic positions Danny’s focus system processing, Centrelink Indigenous advisory business Development Committee, has been to strengthen the and with NT Police among in the Northern Territory and a Regional Development management capability and a host of responsibilities. member of KPMG’s National Australia and the NT Area governance of Indigenous Djalinda now serves as a Indigenous Development and Consultative Committee, Corporations and businesses Senior Cultural Advisor for Reconciliation Committee. with a focus to developing across Australia. the Dhimurru Aboriginal Peter has led a range of the Territory economy and Corporation and has previously engagements that have With extensive business assisting with the development been an active member of the required a deep understanding and corporate governance of Indigenous businesses. organisations board. experience including Corporate of appropriate cultural Her 35 year association with Compliance Examinations communication practices. He the Rirratjingu Clan led her to Witiyana Marika and Special Administrations has worked directly with a become a valued Independent Alternate Director Danny has been a first choice large number of Indigenous Director of Bunuwal (FG 1) consultant to numerous state businesses to improve Investments. Rirratjingu their business practices and Territory governments, Aboriginal and financial sustainability the Office of the Registrar Denise was also appointed Corporation right across the Top End of of Indigenous Corporations, in 2018 as an advisor to the Australia. Indigenous Business Australia, Rirratjingu Group which has Director completed a restructure Since retiring as a Partner of the Indigenous Land Council, Rirratjingu Mining Pty Ltd AusIndustry and numerous with guidance from advisors Bunuwal Investments Pty Ltd KPMG on 30th June 2015 including Denise. Peter has continued to operate Indigenous Corporations Witiyana Marika is a senior 23 RIRRATJINGU
Looking Back
The Djang’kawu narrative, what non- There is no timeframe to the Djang’kawu narrative, Indigenous people might call a Dreamtime but anthropologists say that the Rirratjingu people story, tells of how the Rirratjingu Clan have lived in North-East Arnhem Land for about was formed. 55,000 years, making them the oldest continuous It begins with the Djang’kawu brother and his two culture in the world. sisters, Bitjiwurrurru and Madalatj, who journeyed First contact with outsiders may have been 1,000 from Burralku through the darkness with only the years ago. Clan stories tell of light-skinned, rice- Morning Star to guide them. When they reached eating seafarers with metal tools and weapons the shores of Yalangbara, the sun rose to herald the Macassan traders arrived in the 17th century birth of the world. in search of trepang. The contact between The sisters were the owners of ceremonial lore Macassans and the Yolngu ended when the and travelled with their digging sticks (mawalan Australian Government banned the trepang trade or djota), feathered regalia and sacred objects in 1907. (rangga) secreted in their conical baskets and mats (nganmarra). These seemingly ordinary objects Europeans arrived in the late 19th century and a transformed into different landforms along the way; mission settlement was established at Yirrkala in the feathered string became sand ridges, the mat an early 20th century. island and clap sticks (bilma) rocky outcrops. The most dramatic outside influence began in the The pregnant Bitjiwurrurru gave birth to the 1960s when bauxite began to be mined on the Rirratjingu Clan and bestowed on them their Gove Peninsula. The Rirratjingu and other clans sent language and ownership of the land. The first bark petitions to the Federal Parliament in opposition Ngarra ceremony was performed in a manner that to mining and declaring their rights to traditional is still performed to this day as a demonstration of lands. The protests did not stop the mining, but a the unbreakable link that the Rirratjingu have to their parliamentary inquiry recommended that Yolngu land, their culture and their history. people be compensated, and sacred sites be 24 protected. It was the foundation of the Land Rights Mining. These enterprises provide evidence of our Act 1976. initiative and capacity along with the foundation for us to grow our presence in the commercial world. The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) was founded in 1984 by the late Dadayŋa ‘Roy’ Marika: We have invested productively, we have paid MBE and Father of Indigenous Land Rights in down debt and a range of economic and Australia. The original corporate focus was to social programs have been launched. We have give the Rirratjingu a corporate structure with an established a substantial investment portfolio which emphasis to distribute mining royalties from the includes our recently established Future Fund mine. Charitable Payments Reserve. These investments acknowledge the limited life span for the mine In 2011, the Gove Agreement was signed to extend and the need to build strong investments that can the life of the mine for a further 42 years. The ensure the necessary financial legacy for future Rirratjingu make claim that the Gove Agreement generations. intended that royalties would be shared equally between the Rirratjingu Clan and the Gumatj Clan. We have built a reputation for our balance between While the original decision was contrary to this the commercial and social outcomes. Our recently Rirratjingu maintain a resolve to ensure fair and established Social Program, Funeral Fund and equal distribution of royalties. Ongoing mediation Transport initiative all reflect our commitment to our brings closer the conclusion of this matter. people today and supplement our substantial family based charitable payments program. These will While working to achieve clarity around land remain our pillars moving forward. ownership and royalty distributions RAC have also achieved outstanding commercial success through We are excited about our future. Bunuwal Investments, Rirratjingu Fuel and Rirratjingu 25 RIRRATJINGU
Looking Forward
The Rirratjingu people are always sense of direction and a more structured policy looking ahead, always working towards environment. These are the standards that will give a stronger, healthier, more secure future us the platform to grow and achieve. for generations to come. This forward- We maintain a resolve to achieve fairness and to thinking comes naturally to a people claim that which is rightfully ours. But there is so who have lived on their lands since the much more for us to do! While we are focusing Dreamtime. on further growth through our existing commercial As well as being forward-thinking, Rirratjingu people arms of Bunuwal Investments, Rirratjingu Fuel and are resilient, ambitious and stand on their own Rirratjingu Mining we are strongly committed to two feet. building on these commercial enterprises with new and innovative business partnerships. The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation look forward, with a strong sense of optimism and excitement. The last twelve months has seen the corporation We have a foundation upon which we can build and build increased business, finance and legal capacity opportunities that can ensure we prosper in building at operational and board levels. Board sub- a better tomorrow for our people. committees give increased attention to business and social outcomes. We have maintained a disciplined approach to moving forward with a board driven strategic plan There are numerous commercial opportunities supported by detailed operational planning. This currently under consideration. These business continues our focus on priority areas and ensures ventures will feature heavily in the changing face we measure our progress. Nothing is left to chance, of RAC. We have a reputation for good business all planned and measured. acumen and our future will see this further flourish through a greatly enhanced focus on business Amongst our non-negotiable imperatives sit the opportunities. determination to resolve our land rights and to also build a highly successful 21st century corporation We remain acutely aware that Rio Tinto will close, with a reputation for strong governance, commercial and mining royalties will cease. The announcement success and a social agenda that meets the needs of this imminent closure was made in 2013 and of our people by providing greater opportunity for reflected through the redundancy of some 1,500 them to progress. workers. Now in 2020 we expect a royalty window of less than ten years. This is a critical time for us to We have, in recent times, made hard decisions invest strongly and to grow our assets to ensure a in the interests of the corporation and our sustainable future. Our agenda must provide for our members. These decisions have led to greater people today but must also ensure we remain firmly professionalism, improved capacity at both board focused on our future and sustainability. and operational levels, a clearer and planned 26 As Chair, Bakamumu Marika says: “No one looks after the clan, we look after ourselves.” We have a proud history of creating prosperity and opportunity for the Rirratjingu people of North-East Arnhem Land. Our record has been shaped by the sons of the Land Rights movement and their commitment to see the community benefit from what is rightfully ours. This history inspires our future as we look forward. A future of ambition and vision, for continued sustainable growth, continued social and economic progress in the community and continued recognition of everything achieved in the past. We will continue to channel our business into tangible outcomes that benefit the broader community. Our future will see RAC continue to drive further social and economic progress for the local community. It will also see the Rirratjingu continue to stand up for what is right, and advocate for policies that will improve the lives of not only local Indigenous people, but Indigenous communities throughout Australia, including continuing to fight for secure tenure and access to our own land. We look forward to the future of the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation. It is exciting and will always be guided by the clan’s rich history and its continued commitment to driving progress in the community.
27 Our Plan - Our Priorities
Integral to ‘looking forward’ the Board of To the contrary, they are clear and specific and the RAC has established fifteen (15) carefully RAC board further commissioned management considered Strategic Priorities for the to take away each of these fifteen (15) Strategic period 2019 - 2022. Priorities and to develop an Operational Plan with clear targets, timelines and responsible persons. Each of these priorities contain detail designed to give clarity to their intent and each include key Where the Strategic Plan delivers the mandate on measures and expected outcomes that elaborate WHERE we wish to go the Operational Plan delivers on the direction in which the Board seeks to head. the mechanics of HOW we intend to get there. These priorities have not been designed as general Provided below is a brief summary of these statements or aspiration that are intended for little Strategic Priorities. more than providing a general sense of direction. CREATING A EMPOWERING SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OUR PEOPLE Priority 1 GOOD GOVERNANCE Priority 8 SOCIAL COHESION – MEMBER EMPOWERMENT (social services) Priority 2 INVESTING TOWARDS A Priority 9 CULTURAL INTEGRITY SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Priority 3 BUILD WEALTH THROUGH Priority 10 POSITIVE CORPORATE CULTURE COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES Priority 4 PROFESSIONAL OPERATIONS Priority 11 INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE Priority 5 STRONG BRAND Priority 12 STRENGTHEN OUR YOUNG LEADERS Priority 6 SECURE CERTAINTY OF TENURE Priority 13 FELLOWSHIP AND FUN OVER OUR LAND Priority 7 REALISE THE SOCIAL AND Priority 14 CREATING EMPLOYMENT COMMERNCIAL POTENTIAL OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR OUR LAND AND PROPERTY PEOPLE Priority 15 SUPPORTING THE EDUCATION OF OUR YOUTH & EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
28 Taking Care of the Future
Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) (a) such benefit is for the relief of disadvantage has long recognised the importance of among the Aboriginal Community; and achieving a balance between looking after (b) such benefit is entirely consistent with the our people today and also establishing objects and purposes of rules 3.1 and 3.2 savings to provide for the future of our above; and people in the post mining era. (c) royalty payments cease or in case of other We are acutely aware that the royalties that are hardship as under rule 14.1. received today will soon expire as the mine finishes For the benefit of clarity, it is acknowledged that its life. Therefore, the directors have a responsibility current royalty receipts necessary to support the to prepare for the mine closure. This means making Aboriginal Community will cease in the foreseeable sure that RAC has sufficient investments to replace future and that in order to ensure continued royalty receipts. charitable support to the Aboriginal Community, and Whilst it is evident from the Annual Report section, sustainability, that a portion of funds received must ‘We Mean Business’, we recognise the importance be invested through the Future Fund Charitable of building commercial enterprises as a means Payment Reserve. (FFCPR). to grow our wealth and we must be sure that all It is anticipated that at some stage in the future our eggs are not in one basket. The finance world once mining royalties cease the RAC Board will changes quickly and by spreading our assets we consider the development and clear terms of a mitigate risk. FFCPR withdrawal policy that supports the intent RAC already have a strong reputation for business and spirit of these funds to provide continued and with our Fuel and Mining operations and we have sustainable charitable support to the Aboriginal strong investments in real estate through the Malpi Community. Village. These are providing good returns on our In support of the Rule Book objective the Board investment. established a finance policy titled, Future Fund In the last twelve months the directors engaged the Charitable Payments Reserve. The policy applies specialist services of two prominent professional to all RAC Directors, Officers of the Corporation, investment firms to guide us in further diversifying Special Advisors as well as other staff and our growing wealth. In doing so the directors contractors working for, or on behalf of, RAC. established the Future Fund Charitable The Directors resolved to accept the Future . Payments Reserve (FFCPR) Fund Charitable Payments Reserve (FFCPR) Along with other RAC Rule Book changes we Accumulation Policy at its meeting of directors created a new objective to protect all funds put dated 12th June 2020. The policy detail gives aside for the future so as they are not unnecessarily members comfort that strong governance spent before they are needed or before the mine processes ensure careful oversight of the Future ceases paying royalties. The following provides Fund Charitable Payments Reserve. reference to the new rule book objective: This initiative demonstrates the strong commitment Objective 3.3 to caring for our people today through our To maintain a Future Fund Charitable Payment numerous social, cultural and wellbeing initiatives Reserve (FFCPR) that quarantines funds into ($2 million dollar program each year) and keeping investments for the future public benefit of the a firm eye on the future for our children and their Aboriginal Community where: children.
29 We Mean Business
“It is all happening in the Business The purpose of RAC taking up this opportunity is to Development Space for Rirratjingu ensure that following occurs; Aboriginal Corporation.” • That there are sufficient funds reinvested into the store to greatly improve the facility for all community members The RAC Board, in 2019, established • To ensure that the store becomes a vehicle to the Business Development Sub- provide Yolngu work training and employment Committee which has been tasked with identifying and developing various • To work with the store operator to improve the business and property opportunities. quality and range of products available The desired outcomes are focused • To introduce a fuel outlet facility as part of the at contributing to the “RAC Future store operations Fund,” the creation of new employment • To ensure that appropriate rent is charged (and opportunities for the Yolngu community actually paid) to provide a return to the Traditional members and importantly to take the Owners to further invest in the store and other lead by demonstrating a clear financial community assets. commitment to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous investors in North East Old Yirrkala Workshop Site: Arnhem Land. All the old derelict car bodies have long littered the site and presented a poor image. These car bodies along with buildings have been, or are in the As a key initiative the Business Development Sub- process of, being cleared from this site. Committee has appointed a Business Manager whose role has been to meet with, and develop The reason for this step is that RAC, through its relationships amongst, North East Arnhem Land key BD sub-committee are in negotiations with key stakeholders in addition to promoting the interests stakeholders to secure funding and support to of RAC within the business community. facilitate the development of a new, well equipped, health clinic. This will be leased to and operated by It is an exciting time for RAC, and the region and an a suitably qualified health provider. enormous amount of work already completed has established a productive foundation. This foundation This facility will provide vastly improved and long is reflected through numerous outcomes, some of overdue health outcomes, potential local indigenous which are outlined below: employment as well as the development of a significant asset that could provide a long-term Yirrkala Store Head Lease: financial return to RAC. Following very positive discussions and negotiations with the NLC and Traditional Owners RAC has now Acquisition and Development of secured the rights to hold the Head Lease for the Lot 1369 Nhulunbuy: Yirrkala Store. RAC is now in the process of seeking The BD sub-committee is in the final stages of expressions of interest from appropriate Store the design and feasibility of a multi-million dollar Operators to take up a sub-lease from RAC under development for an Office / Car-Boat Wash / key terms set out by RAC. Laundromat / Storage facility on the vacant lot of 30 RIRRATJINGU - SITE DEVELOPMENT MASTERPLAN LOT 1369 ARNHEM ROAD, NHULUNBUY
SHEET LIST SHEET NO. SHEET NAME REV NO. REV DATE AUTHOR 1 A001 DRAWING REGISTER & PERSPECTIVES D 01.09.20 AT 100 A101 PROPOSED SET OUT PLAN C 01.09.20 AT A102 PERSPECTIVES C 01.09.20 AT A103 PERSPECTIVES C 01.09.20 AT A104 PERSPECTIVES B 01.09.20 AT Grand total: 5
PRELIMINARY NOTES CLIENT PROJECT CONSULTANTS GABBERT DESIGN PROJECT TITLE: RIRRATJINGU PROJECT No: GD-346 DATE: 1/06/2020 DRAWING TITLE: This drawing is copyright and the property ABORIGINAL IRWIN CONSULT - BUILDING CERTIFIER 2/55 CAVENAGH ST D Revision 4 01.09.20 of GABBERT DESIGN and must not be RIRRATJINGU SITE DRAWN: AT CORPORATION DARWIN NT C Revision 3 22.07.20 used without written authorisation. Do not BUILDER IRWIN CONSULT - STRUCTURAL ENGINEER SCALE: B Revision 2 13.07.20 scale this drawing. All dimensions are to be - DEVELOPMENT MASTERPLAN DRAWING REGISTER & A001 verified on site and any discrepancies - CIVIL ENGINEER Ph. (08) 89423986 @ A1 PERSPECTIVES REVISION: A Revision 1 02.06.20 reported before commencement of any - HYDRAULIC ENGINEER Mb. 0439 333 776 ARNHEM ROAD, NHULUNBUY No. Description Date work or shop drawings. - - MECHANICAL ENGINEER [email protected] D - REVISIONS - ELECTRICAL ENGINEER COPYRIGHT GABBERT DESIGN FILE PATH: D:\GD PROJECTS\GD Worksharing User Files\GD-346 RIRRATJINGU_CENTRAL_SK03_Alissa.Thivakon..rvt DATE/TIME STAMP: 1/09/2020 2:41:17 PM land next to the existing bakery known as lot 1369. We are working with all key stakeholders to ensure the success of this project which, if it proceeds, will have a major positive impact and provide a range of new services to the community. have been significant delays in the start-up date and awarding of initial contracts that were subject It will also provide additional employment to tender. Both the BD sub-committee and the RAC opportunities within the car-boat wash and Board are confident of the long-term success and laundromat operations. employment opportunities that these companies The BD sub-committee is currently planning to be in can create. a position to present its final recommendations on Quarry Development: this project to the RAC board at its October 2020 As commented on in the Rirratjingu Mining report, a board meeting. great deal of work has already been completed by Refurbishment and Leasing of the the BD sub-committee in preparing the Rirratjingu Wet Mess Site: quarry to maximise its market position. The future for Whilst this opportunity has been considered a this enterprise is positive with forecasted demand number of times without success, the BD sub- continuing from Rio and other opportunities such as committee is again in negotiations with a service the Central Arnhem highway. provider for whom this site has potential. The Summary opportunity has good merit and will be fully explored These business development initiatives reflect the with the aspiration to achieve a positive outcome for rapidly intensifying focus of RAC, and the board, on all involved. building increased commercial participation across Rio Contract Opportunities: the Gove Peninsular. There are others under review During the last year RAC formed two new and there will be further opportunities as we move companies: Rirratjingu Enterprises Pty Ltd and forward. Our message is that RAC has never been Rirratjingu Contracting Pty Ltd. These new better placed to respond to market opportunities. companies were created with the explicit intent of Our capacity in this ‘space’ has been substantially competing for various Rio contracts as they come enhanced and as Traditional Owners we are obliged to market. to provide leadership where it can supplement the long-term future of our people. Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID-19 there 31 “Let’s Make Yirrkala Great Again“
Sitting in the hearts of Rirratjingu people, of Yirrkala both in terms of providing an international and all who live in the community of and local outlet for Yolngu artists as well as being Yirrkala, is a passion to embrace a future the largest Yolngu employer in the local area. where the community can be proud of At the RAC Board meeting held in May 2019, after their environment. an approach by the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre The board of Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation have Board, RAC was able to assist in resolving an a commitment to their vision of ‘Let’s Make Yirrkala impasse between the Arts Centre and the NLC in Great Again’. These are not designed as fancy relation to a request for a new Sec.19 lease. words but a determination to lead in building a RAC’s financial sponsorship of the Arts Centre of better community environment. $35,000 per year for five (5) years represented A reflection on our strategic planning reflects the trigger for a Sec.19 lease and subsequent a number of key elements directed at making government funding to complete the infrastructure Yirrkala Great Again. The board and staff have expansions that are now evident to all. moved quickly to commence the journey and have progressed several initiatives. What is very pleasing is this has now had a roll on effect with the Arts Centre recently awarded a The following reflects some of these initiatives and further multi-million dollar government grant for a our commitment to working in partnership with new art gallery and administration offices which are others in driving towards our aspiration to “Make to be built on the existing Arts Centre site. Yirrkala Great Again”. Expansion of the Arts Centre These developments are exciting for the Arts The expansion of the Arts Centre was recognised Centre and the community. RAC has been pleased as a key element in our broader community to work with the Arts Centre team in achieving their aspiration. Long a treasure within community it was objectives and more particularly in contributing to acknowledged that an opportunity to expand would “Making Yirrkala Great Again”. add further value to community and the objective to The RAC Board is also actively investing in “Make Yirrkala Great Again”. numerous similar initiatives that will, in combination, The RAC Board agreed that the Arts Centre was “Make Yirrkala Great Again”. The following additional critical for the future economic and social success projects are examples: 32 Other Key Yirrkala Infrastructure Projects 5. To improve the roads and walkways to create Currently being developed: a Yirrkala Central Business District linking the Consistent with our passion for Making Yirrkala above 4 developments for the benefit of all Great Again RAC is committed to a range of Yirrkala residents; initiatives, some of which are as follows: 6. To identify the infrastructure improvements 1. RAC appointed Colin Browne the Architect / required to enhance the Ceremonial grounds Town Planner who worked on the Arts Centre and seek funding assistance to make it development to develop the overall Town happen; Centre Concept in consultation with 7. RAC engaged our road contractor who has the Yirrkala Community; fixed the track out to the Fish Traps so that 2. With the consent of the Traditional Owners school buses can go there for Learning on to obtain the Head Lease on the Yirrkala Country; Store so as to be able to select the preferred 8. RAC arranged to making the old Visiting store operator who is prepared to with RAC Officers’ Quarters building ready for the invest in the employment of Yolngu people, COVID-19 emergency; improvement of the store facilities and 9. RAC with input from all Yirrkala Community products sold including the provision of a fuel Leaders identify what other improvements can facility at the store; be made including identifying important cultural 3. The development of a new Yirrkala Community or heritage issues that need to be addressed. Centre which will include a range of facilities In summary, the driving motivation for the RAC including; undercover sporting area, cyclone Board is to develop a community with modern shelter, a number of smaller offices that could infrastructure and pleasant surrounds, a community be rented for small businesses such as a environment that promotes wellness and pride, hairdresser, community meeting hall and public and importantly a community that will create toilet facilities; opportunities for both the current and future 4. The cleaning up of the old workshop site generations to gain meaningful employment and which has already happened and to negotiate provide activities to ensure a healthy lifestyle for all with the relevant authorities to secure funding Yirrkala residents. for the development of a new full service health clinic to be owned by RAC and to be leased to and run by Miwatj Health;
33 Governance
The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation rule book reflected current practices and the wishes is an Indigenous Corporation governed of members. under the Corporations Aboriginal and The directors have also focused heavily over the Torres Strait Islander (CATSI) Act 2006. last year on further strengthening the corporation’s Our classification is a large corporation. policy framework. A number of new policies were The Corporation is governed by a board of local designed to add clarity and regulation around Rirratjingu directors for the reporting period 2019 - operational, management and membership areas. 2020. During this time the board has met regularly A Policy and Forms Register was created to ensure to host director meetings. ongoing best practice management of the policy framework. The majority of our directors have been on the The directors also formally appointed several board since incorporation in 1984 providing a sub-committees to drive the numerous initiatives stable and active core group. Board meetings are currently underway. These sub-committees include: formal and governed by clear protocols. Directors are engaged in proper and vigorous conversation • Legal sub-committee on topics appropriate to their responsibilities. The • Strategic Planning sub-committee environment is one of teamwork and sharing, with input from all directors. • Business Development sub-committee • Finance sub-committee This year the directors provided oversight for numerous productive changes within the • Social and Community programs corporation. A comprehensive review of the Rule sub-committee Book was completed. We were pleased to receive • Human Resources sub-committee a letter from the ORIC Registrar dated 13th of August 2019 confirming acceptance of the Rule • Rule Book revision sub-committee Book changes and the new Rule Book came into The board and executive staff are confident the effect the following day, 14th of August 2019. Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation has in place a The old Rule Book was hard to read, poorly strong and compliant governance framework. presented and unnecessarily complex. Improving We have continued to supplement our director these ‘format’ issues or ‘layout’ problems were just positions with three Independent ‘Expert Advisors’ a part of the many changes made to ensure the who are contributing across specific areas as we take on the exciting challenges before us. 34 CHAIRMAN Bakamumu Marika
VICE CHAIRMAN Wanyubi Marika
DIRECTOR Lak Lak Marika
DIRECTOR Djayminy Marika
DIRECTOR Guruminbuy Marika
DIRECTOR Wurrulga Marika
DIRECTOR Wuyala Marika
DIRECTOR Djalinda Ulamari
SPECIAL ADVISOR Denise Fincham
SPECIAL ADVISOR Danny Keep
SPECIAL ADVISOR Peter Chilman
COMPANY SECRETARY Adrian Rota
35 RIRRATJINGU
Mining
The future looks positive for a) An (OH&S) Occupational Health & Safety and continued profitability for the (EHS) Environmental Health & Safety review to Rirratjingu Gravel quarry. identify any improvements in compliance and operations. Early in 2020 Rio Tinto Gove Operations and Rirratjingu Mining Pty Ltd extended an existing b) Improving the security of the quarry both agreement to supply crushed rock for Rio Tinto’s technically and physically. mine rehabilitation program. The parties expanded c) Improving the overall efficiency within the the agreement to cover supplies of rip rap rock for a quarry by evaluating equipment requirements, new mine road. placement and diversity of material required, During 2019-20 period Rirratjingu Mining began to stock issues and general layout functionality. pursue several new opportunities to supply quarry d) Delivering market capabilities. A market review product: for Gove deep water port infrastructure identified new products which could be offered improvements, for the sealing of the Central Arnhem to the benefit of the Gove community. Road, for the imminent new Yirrkala housing As part of these reviews Rirratjingu Mining began subdivision and for armour rock for Northern to explore potential partnering (by contractor/s or Territory Government infrastructure including barge other arrangements) with a knowledgeable and landings, bridge abutments and rock basket works. experienced quarry operator. During 2019-20 the Rirratjingu Mining Board The Rirratjingu Mining Board approved a revised began planning new, best practice management marketing plan to attract new business. As part arrangements for the quarry to meet known and of this, during 2019-20 period Rirratjingu Mining likely demand. These best practice management commissioned fresh technical analysis of all arrangements included the following: main quarry products and provided these to all 36 stakeholders and interested parties. Lintin Geotechnical and Geochempet Services, both accredited in this area, undertook the testing and data reporting, providing a full suite of material testing, petrographic and secondary mineral count reports. The Rirratjingu Mining Board identified potential for expanding Yolngu employment, by changing quarry management methods and by adding new products.
Sales Report 01 July 2019 – 30 June 2020
Tonnes Material Type Delivered Concrete aggregate 1998.95
Armour rock 564.79
Revetment rock 2031.55
Road base 480.54
Crusher dust 1948.55
Sand 217.46
Other 149.02
Total tonnes sold 7390.86
Total sales for the 2019 – 2020 period $476,327.56
Rirratjingu Mining benefitted greatly from a comprehensive review obtained through the Jawun organisation in 2019. RAC would like to thank Jawun secondees Rob Brindal (seconded from Woodside in Perth) and James Watts (from Allens lawyers in Melbourne), and our new Business Development Manager, Brock Simon, for significant strategic analysis and progress during 2019-20. 37 RIRRATJINGU
Fuel
Rirratjingu Fuel Pty Ltd (Rirratjingu Fuel) is players in the commercial world with global a 50/50 joint venture between Cambridge competitors including Exxon, Caltex and BP. Gulf Limited (CGL) and the Rirratjingu Amongst the exciting news for the recent year Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) and has was the acknowledgement of our strong market been importing and distributing diesel fuel performance with a contract extension. On 10 on the Gove peninsular since 2012 with 79 March 2020, Rirratjingu Fuel Pty Ltd and Rio Tinto shipments delivering 310M litres to date. signed an extension of the contract for the supply Rirratjingu Fuel supplies diesel for electricity and distribution of diesel fuel to Rio Tinto’s Gove generation for the Gove Peninsular, including bauxite operations and the Gove Peninsula region. Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala. It also sells directly to third The signing ceremony was held in the RAC Yirrkala party fuel consumers in bulk, including Laynhapuy offices and attended by the RAC Board and senior Homelands Aboriginal Corporation, who use this Rio Tinto management, with General Manager Gove fuel for the needs of remote communities and Operations Alysia Tringrove signing the contract on homelands throughout North East Arnhem Land. behalf of Rio Tinto. Rirratjingu Fuel has become an extraordinary role This contract extension will see Rirratjingu model for Indigenous businesses throughout Fuel continue to supply Rio Tinto with diesel Australia. It demonstrates that Indigenous fuel over the next five years and is a significant corporations can transition into being significant milestone for all parties involved. The joint venture 38 is CGL’s first significant indigenous partnership with Rirratjingu Fuel has, this year, built on its success traditional owners and has laid the foundations for with continuing sponsorship of the following: other joint ventures and business initiatives with $1500 to Nhulunbuy Speedway for fuel during traditional owners across Northern Australia. the season. The contract extension validates Rio Tinto’s $1500 to local golf player Katelyn Rika (who commitment to delivering sustainable economic secured a golfing scholarship to a USA opportunities to traditional owners and is particularly university) in providing opportunities for NE significant given that the provision of a reliable and Arnhem Land young people, especially girls in economical fuel supply into such a remote location helping them to achieve their goals. is critical both to the mining operation and the community. EXCITING NEWS: Having successfully secured the five-year contract extension, Rirratjingu Fuel plans to Rirratjingu Fuel will be working with Rio Tinto over install a diesel fuel outlet at Yirrkala and potentially the five year term to further improve the service other East Arnhem communities. These will be a and build our case for an extension of the contract welcomed development that reflect the growing beyond this 5 year term. business confidence of RAC together with our drive to build better community infrastructure in Yirrkala.
Below: RAC Chair Bakamumu Marika with General Manager Gove Operations Alysia Tringrove Left: Tony Chafer, Denise Fincham and Lindsay Innes, Directors, Rirratjingu Fuel Pty Ltd, Witiyana Marika Cultural Ambassador RAC.
39 BUNUWAL
Investments Pty Ltd
Rirratjingu’s investment arm, Bunuwal This will upgrade all houses and provide Investments, is a strong advocate for employment and business opportunities for local investing in the region and supporting contractors in these challenging times. We are local contractors. Our commitment pleased to report that most of the leases which run to housing is exemplified through our out in 2020 have been renewed with the Northern investment in the Malpi Village Estate. Territory Government and the remaining leases are currently being negotiated. After having paid off all debt in our Malpi Village loan, we are now heavily in the process of The Workers Camp at Wallaby Beach, which was undertaking overdue maintenance on Malpi purpose built to provide short term accommodation, Village properties. continues to outperform expectations and is proving The plan is to undertake repairs and maintenance to be an asset for local businesses who struggle to for all twenty-six (26) houses. This maintenance accommodate their visiting contractors. program will be spread across the next 12 to 18 month period. 40 41 CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
42 CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
43 ‘High Ground Report’
The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation, through our continued strong emphasis on respect for our past and the retention of culture for the future has continued to emphasize the importance of showcasing our history. Our Strategic Plan, priority 9, further highlights our commitment to cultural integrity and history. ‘In 2022 Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation will be a prominent 21st century Aboriginal corporation founded on principles of cultural integrity. We will empower Rirratjingu Yothu Yindi Mari Guthara through a range of cultural programs. Strong culture will underline our values, form the basis of our approach and align to our high standards of service delivery.’ Consistent with our emphasis on culture and the history of our people we have been proud to provide sponsorship support over the last year to the 2020 Australian film, High Ground. At the heart of High Ground is the tragic The film, directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson (director story of Frontier encounters and the missed of Yolngu Boy), was co-produced by our very own opportunity between two cultures. High Ground Witiyana Marika (Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation’s was conceived as a story that would challenge Cultural Ambassador) along with David Jowsey, Maggie accepted notions of Australia’s settlement. Faced Miles, Greer Simpkin and Stephen Maxwell Johnson. with the myth of terra nullius the aim with the film “High Ground is a gripping period drama set during is to present a different perspective on how this Australia’s resistance wars in a glorious primordial country was formed. It explores themes of identity landscape, driven by a narrative where the hunter and culture and the attempts that were made to becomes hunted. It takes us inside a remote and exotic preserve and progress culture in the face of an world at a time of transition between the ancient and overwhelming threat. the new. High Ground is a story with mythic proportions,
44 45 with complexity and no easy answers. This story that all our children will walk in both-worlds, never presents the view that there really is no such thing forgetting the past." as ‘settlement’ it’s all about conquest and High Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM Gumatj Leader Ground exposes the shameful truth of Australia’s history. Rather than dramatising a single historical The film is planned to have a local cinema release in event ‘High Ground’ draws on stories from a Australia in early 2021 and the Australian Premiere variety of locations, a fiction to illustrate a will take place at the Brisbane International Film deeper truth. Festival on 1 October 2020. High Ground is a human drama, instilled with The production received support from many a strong sense of hope. It’s a story of fear, Indigenous organisations including Rirratjingu treachery, heroism, sacrifice, freedom and Aboriginal Corporation. love, misguided beliefs, an unequal struggle for power, and grief. But above all it is a story about FILM CAST redemption and the finding of ones roots. RAC Cultural Ambassador, Witiyana Marika, while My aim has been to entertain and immerse also a co-producer, plays the part of Grandfather an audience in an environment teeming with Dharrpa in the film. He is supported by a cast of unexpected threats, and to take them on a ride well-known identities including: through an aspect of Australia’s history that is Jack Thompson, as Moran: One of Australia’s most under-represented, hopefully encouraging them loved and respected actors, Jack Thompson has to rethink the Australian story.” appeared in numerous Australian and American Directors Statement films. Stephen Maxwell Johnson Simon Baker, as Travis: Australian actor and director "High Ground is a both-ways film, First Nations Simon Baker is known to audiences around the and Balanda. It depicts a time of trouble in world for his performances in film and television. Australia; it honours our old heroes, reminds us of His film credits include the 1997 Academy award the past and the truth of our joint history in winning film L.A. Confidential, The Devil Wears the country. Prada And Margin Call. I hope that this film can play an important role in Jacob Junior Nayinggul, as Gutjuk: Jacob Junior’s Australia’s national conversation towards a First father passed away early in his life and he was Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution so raised by his uncles, the strong Nayinggul family. 46 His grandfather, the late great Jacob Nayinggul was a powerful leader of his family and his community. High Ground is Jacob’s first on screen role. Callan Mulvey, as Ambrose: Callan Mulvey is one of Australia's leading actors. Callan is best known for his leading roles in the television series Rush, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms, and Underbelly. Callan first graced Australian screens in the hugely successful series Heartbreak High, as well as Head Start and McLeod's Daughters. Esmerelda Marimowa, as Gulwirri; This is Esmerelda’s first on-screen role. Esmerelda lives at Cannon Hill, protected Aboriginal country under the jurisdiction of Australia’s iconic and World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Aaron Pedersen, as Walter: Aaron Pedersen recent shows include Foxtel’s A Place To Call Home, Blue Murder 2: Killer Cop for the Seven Network, Stephen McCallum’s 1% and Damien Power’s Killing Ground. Caren Pistorius, as Claire: Caren Pistorius is currently co-starring with Russell Crowe in the feature film Unhinged. She is well known to television viewers. Ryan Corr, as Father Braddock: Ryan Corr’s latest acting work includes key roles in The Commons, Channel Ten's The Secrets She Keeps (Lingo Pictures) and SBS original drama Hungry Ghosts.
Photographer: Sarah Enticknap.
47 Rirratjingu Football program
The team in DJARRAK ‘away playing’ jumpers
• develop well rounded individuals Rirratjingu Football program which started who apply their leadership, in 2015 is not just about winning, it’s teamwork and community spirit about helping build stronger, healthier, to make positive contribution happier and safer community. to society. • improve school attendance of players involved This validates our ability to advocate to key stakeholders, about valuable contribution football • provide a pathway to makes to the community. employment • provide significant physical and mental health We are pleased to say that MinterEllison joined our benefits through regular participation program as a platinum sponsor along with shorts sponsorship from Gallagher Insurance Brokers. THE LAST YEAR IN REVIEW In 2019-2020 Rirratjingu supported 64 flights with 2019 witnessed the rise of the Young Guns. an ongoing opportunity for talented players to play We welcomed a group of Young Men into the for Darwin Buffaloes. Thirteen (13) regional flights squad with the age range from 15 to 17. across Arnhem Land assisted various additional We were in footy terms ‘the hunted, meaning the community players to play for Djarrak. other teams were out to get us and tried to make The inclusion of new young men training and the boys scared of playing against men. attending school under the team’s policy of ‘no With growing confidence, the young men started school - no game’. to feel comfortable playing alongside the senior We strongly believe that “Active people learn better” players, and with growing confidence, became Rirratjingu board’s strong commitment and direction ‘the hunters’. program aims to: It was a pleasure to take the reins as the coach of • bring socially excluded youth to build this great club. their self-esteem "We finished 3rd in the competition, and I feel it was 48 Above: The Playing Group with the RAC Chairman 2020. Right: The rising stars playing Premier League with Buffaloes
The team in DJARRAK ‘away playing’ jumpers a great achievement from the young playing group. When these young men are talked about as the Young Guns it made me proud to see the families proud of their young men." Coach Steven Raymond
A BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR MinterEllison
2020-Richard and BJ sporting the MinterEllison Sponsors Logo
RISING STARS! Over the last year we have witnessed the emergence of Dunga Maymuru BJ Munungurr, Lee Munungurr, Djamadjama, Wamut Wunungmurra and Nathaniel Cooper. The lads have all stepped up and play Premier League with Buffaloes, a fantastic reward for Kendrah Sherman wearing sponsored shorts by their efforts. Gallagher Insurance Brokers. 49 Music Program
Yolngu, the traditional owners of East Arnhem Land, practice the longest continuing traditional culture in the world. At the center of this culture is song, dance, and connection to country. HIP HOP WORKSHOP Over the Christmas School holidays, RAC came together with the Mulka Project and the NT Government to support Yirrkala youth with music and hip-hop workshops. The focus was to produce the “Bukmak Video”. Our youth got to work with some incredible local talent including Yirrmal Marika, Aris, Arian Pearson, Rachel,
and Ineke Wallis of Miku Performing Arts. You can review the amazing work by entering the following: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3cGSUbPSwS0
EAST ARNHEM LIVE PROJECT The Rirratjingu Music program proudly supported East Arnhem Live project in partnership with DEAL and Yolngu radio, a newly developed online concert series and a creative way to showcase talent during COVID-19 lockdown. Through East Arnhem Live, local artists were employed to support them while their gigs 50 were cancelled and to share culture during this unprecedented time. During National Reconciliation week, Rirratjingu Bunggul was live streamed at Federation Square in Victoria.
YIRRMAL MARIKA The Rirratjingu Music program encourages younger Rirratjingu to develop their musical talent. This year we provided funding to Yirrmal Marika to advance his professional music career.
Funding will help Yirrmal with the production cost of an EP, showcasing Yirrmal’s music to local, national and international markets. 51 Education Report
The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation is • We will have increased participation in committed to supporting the education tertiary education. of our youth along with early childhood development. STARS FOUNDATION YIRRKALA REPORT: One of our initiatives this past year has resulted in Priority 15 of our Strategic Plan highlights this work with Roselee Grimes, Stars Foundation as follows: Program Mentor. By 2022 Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation will, in partnership with others, have played an important part Rirratjingu Aboriginal Coporation funded Stars in supporting the education of our youth and the early Foundation Yirrkala with a $10,000 grant. The grant childhood development of our young ones. We will be is specifically for the improvement of educational able to demonstrate tangible evidence of impacting outcomes that will assist in creating pathways through these critically important early learning experiences for school and vocation. our people. This year the majority of the funds were used for a As a measure of our success we will have regularly week long intensive study in Darwin. In week 1 of collaborated with existing agencies and provided Term 4, six (6) girls from Senior Secondary as well as support and encouragement in assisting them to a Stars employee travelled to Darwin. build education of our youth & early childhood The Rirratjingu funding was essential in providing development outcomes. transport and accomodation for all six (6) students Outcomes associated with this Priority may reflect: as well as two (2) teachers from the Yirrkala school. • We will have strong relationships with relevant key It was also imperitive in helping our senior secondary agencies including local schools; students complete a large proportion of their studies in an environment of structured learning without • We will have in place a stronger understanding of distraction. our youth; • We will have established a register of our youth The students reported that they enjoyed their visit to and children with a view to working towards Flinders University Darwin for some insight into where education and early childhood development their health courses are delivered. outcomes; YIRRKALA CLONTARF ACADEMY • We will have continued to build on our social In 2019, the Yirrkala Clontarf Academy was a program with youth and early childhood successful applicant for a $10,000 grant from the development in mind; 52 Ivy Marika
Andrea Wanambi and Yirrmala Mununggurritj
Some of the outcomes from the project have been: • Work and learn from Nalipal'mi (elders) • Learning more about Yolngu culture and identity • Improvement of intercultural capability Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation via the recently • Development of graphic design skills established Dr Marika Education Fund. • Sharing of culture on a national stage The funding provided was a continuation of the strong alignment established between Clontarf The project was due to culminate in a trip to and RAC in 2017. Both organisations share the Geelong to deliver the final design and product to same philosophies of presenting opportunities to the Geelong Cats. However, due to the impact create positive outcomes in the education and of COVID-19 we had to postpone the trip and employment space for the young people of Yirrkala. reschedule when travel restrictions are lifted. Flights and Accommodation had been booked using the Bernie Price, Yirrkala Clontarf Academy, highlighted funding from the Dr Marika Education fund, all of that the most recent instalment of funding was which has now been transferred to airline credit used for a design project in conjunction with AFL vouchers so we may be able to travel later in club the Geelong Cats. The Cats were able to the year. provide the opportunity for Clontarf members to design the match day warm up top for the 2020 The Rirratjingu board strongly believes that Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round. Whilst the Education is the key to future of our young people. design would be the final product, the exercise RAC is also proud to continue our ongoing support was morphed into a Stage 2 Communities to three (3) talented girls currently studying in Studies subject and has contributed heavily to the Brisbane. We acknowledge Andrea Wanambi, successful completion of NTCET (Northern Territory Yirrmala Mununggurritj and Ivy Marika. Certificate of Education and Training). 53 Health Report
The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Health program is focused on promoting physical and mental health in the community. Our Program is constantly exploring opportunities that exist for improvement and to reduce youth suicide. YIRRKALA STORE: “Healthy stores build healthy community”. Rirratjingu board is working towards obtaining a head lease for Yirrkala Store to ensure increased availability of healthy food options for community. Once we secure the head lease, we will then be able to select the preferred store operator; an operator who is prepared to work closely with RAC and invest in the community. HEALTHY BODIES HEALTHY MIND: Mawuru Marika RAC continues to deliver a suicide awareness campaign as part of our Healthy Bodies Healthy Enemy Within’ program through Joe Williams, a Minds program. proud indigenous man from NSW. This year we have delivered a range of positive well- Through customised workshops, Joe talks of being messages through social media with our key dealing with adversities, struggles, emotional message being “Shining a light on wellbeing & healing trauma in schools, communities suicide prevention” and workplaces. Joe shares his personal suicide THE ENEMY WITHIN: story and has been able to engage deeply with RAC has also continued its partnership with ‘The community members. 54 Memorial Service
Memorial Service on site at Yirrkala for the the ship and she started to go down immediately," HMAS Patricia Cam historian Mike Owen said. Mandaka Marika, a Rirratjingu Director and senior BOMBING REMEMBERED BY FAMILY man lives in Yirrkala, and his uncle Milirrma Marika A piece of World War II history was remembered died in the attack along with Djimanbuy, Djinipula in a special ceremony for those who died. The Yunupingu and six other seamen. ceremony and plaque paid tribute to those brave people that lost their lives and those who survived "It's a very sad feeling just like losing someone, a the odds. loved one ... In our heart we remember our brave uncle," Mr Marika said. The ceremony was held in Yirrkala, and a plaque in the community was a fitting memento for those who "Every year we should remember these brave men died in the attack. working for the Australian Army that were killed We were told that one morning in 1943, there," Mr Marika said. coastwatcher and missionary Reverend Len Kentish and five Yolngu men from Arnhem Land communities jumped on board the HMAS Patricia Cam to go to Yirrkala. The ship was then bombed and machine gunned by a Japanese sea plane. "It blew the bottom out of
55 Leadership
2019 – 2020 witnessed the continued The program is using a combination of structured focus on our Future Leaders program. workshop sessions built around a curricular along Whilst we were stalled with the COVID-19 with exposure to other cultural, commercial and health issues we have nevertheless governance environments designed to improve enjoyed a productive year of learning and awareness and understanding of the world building knowledge. around them. In doing so we continue to implement strategies The program is providing participants with broad consistent with the Board’s Strategic Plan, Priority 4: based learning on matters aligned to walking in two Strength in our Young Leaders worlds along with practical examples, leadership challenges, case studies and the opportunity to hear from experts, guest speakers and their peers. In 2022 Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation The program is continuing to expose participants will have strong young leaders that are to a range of leaders and leadership styles to help positioned to take greater responsibility them forge an understanding of leadership and within the community and the corporation. develop their own personal leadership capacity These young leaders will have been and style. carefully selected, groomed and trained in culture, governance, business and The program is helping participants to better leadership. understand themselves, affirm their identity, explore their thinking and developing leadership behaviours. It is building capacity to confidently and effectively transition into leadership and management roles. The RAC Future Leaders program objective is to progress the leadership capacity of suitable Prior to the COVID-19 shut down, workshop Rirratjingu people who have demonstrated the sessions were conducted monthly with subjects potential to become community leaders. This may including governance, finance, business, law and include the transition into employment, directorships politics. As many as 14 attended some sessions and other leadership positions within RAC or the with an average of 8 participants over several community in general. workshops attended. 56 Top right: Future Leaders workshop – World of Work Above: Special Advisor, Danny showcasing the challenges of wearing many hats
57 COVID-19
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Once the biosecurity zone was announced, emergency in Yirrkala new people coming into the zone had to isolate themselves in houses or hotels for two weeks: if they We became aware of a potential COVID-19 pandemic had brought the disease, this would have stayed in late February 2020, and on 21 March the NT with them alone. But 160 students and many other Government began encouraging a “Return and people had already just arrived in our zone, and they Remain on Country” policy for Yolngu. had not been asked to isolate themselves. Medical Initially this was a NT Government proposal to close people thought that some of these people might have Yirrkala and other the homelands, while leaving the disease and might be spreading it to others. It Nhulunbuy open. But within days the proposal was a would take up to two weeks before symptoms of the federal government one, to close all Yolngu country disease might show. These two weeks were highly and Nhulunbuy by making it a special “biosecurity risky for Yirrkala Yolngu. zone”. People outside the zone would be kept out, RAC closed our office from Monday 30 March, for unless officials could be sure they were not bringing three weeks until Monday 20 April. Nhulunbuy- COVID-19 with them. Nhulunbuy had to be part of based staff, who might otherwise carry disease from the biosecurity zone because it is extremely difficult Nhulunbuy to Yirrkala, stayed home. Yirrkala-based to stop people moving between Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala, staff were able to achieve the project of making the Gunyangara and other Aboriginal towns former Yirrkala Visiting Officers Quarters fit for use and homelands. by sick or vulnerable people, at a time when the Senior health workers in our region believe COVID-19 Government had not opened a building for this. Staff could kill Yolngu in large numbers, particularly older met by Webex each morning briefly. people, and people with poor lung health. It was very RAC identified twenty elderly or frail members thought important to stop people from bringing it here. to be specially at risk of dying from Coronavirus, and NT Government consulted RAC about this, and offered to place them in hotels away from Yirrkala Chairman, Bakamumu Marika agreed this biosecurity during the riskiest two weeks while people in the zone region was a good idea. The Commonwealth waited to learn if there was Coronavirus here. Most Parliament passed biosecurity legislation on 26 March were preoccupied with funeral obligations during the 2020. Not only was Yolngu country a biosecurity first week. Only a few of the vulnerable people took up zone; there were many other zones, including the RAC’s offer. Kimberley in WA, and the Pitjantjara lands. At the end of the two weeks, there were no cases of The Governments also announced many new rules COVID-19 in our biosecurity zone, and no community to stop the spread of this disease, including social infections anywhere in the Northern Territory. RAC’s distancing, and rules which have changed several office reopened on 20 April and all staff returned to times. At the beginning of Bakamumu Marika’s late the office, with attention to social distancing rules. brother’s funeral, the rule was that no more than Although COVID-19 rules are relaxing in the NT, 500 people could attend a funeral. Then halfway Medical officials emphasise that COVID-19 could through this funeral, the number that could attend was still break out here before there is a vaccine, as was reduced to just one person. The funeral organisers feared during early April. Older people, and people decided to shorten this funeral and not to bring with lung sickness, would become particularly people from outside the Yolngu area. The NT Police vulnerable again. For this reason, RAC remains noted this, and decided that as this funeral had alert to advice from our region’s Local Emergency already started, they would not intervene. Management Committee. 58 20 19 20 20
COVIDAnnual 19 Report
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For The Year Ended 30 June 2020 59 Financials
Saheel Shah CFO
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 Photo Board
82 83 e [email protected] p (08) 8987 3433 a 3 Chaseling Square Yirrkala NT 0880
84