Indigenous governance awards recognise outstanding organisations

Aboriginal organisations have been recognised for their role in supporting their communities at the 2012 Indigenous Governance Awards held in Melbourne today.

The Indigenous Governance Awards were created by Reconciliation Australia in partnership with BHP Billiton to identify, celebrate and promote effective Indigenous governance.

The NPY Women’s Council won the award in the Indigenous Incorporated category for its strong leadership in promoting the health, safety and culture of women in the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara lands.

The council is the main provider of family and community services in the NPY Lands and provides leadership and a strong voice on issues affecting the Anangu and Yarnangu people, including substance abuse, domestic and family violence, child protection, policing and safety issues, and the needs of young people.

In a newly created awards category, the Yiriman Project was recognised in the Indigenous non-corporate organisations or projects category for its youth program in the Kimberley.

The Yiriman Project is a successful youth diversionary program which helps young people tackle alcohol and substance abuse issues.

Since 2000, Yiriman has worked with young people, their elders and members of the community on trips to country to re-connect young people to their culture. .

In recognition of their achievements the NPY Women’s Council and the Yiriman Project will each receive $20,000.

This year more than 100 applications have been received for the Indigenous Governance Awards, more than tripling the number of applications in 2010.

Congratulations to all the participants and to Reconciliation Australia and BHP Billiton for their leadership and vision in creating these important awards.

For a full list of the nominees and recipients of the 2012 Indigenous Governance Awards visit: www.reconciliation.org.au/iga