Reconciliation Australia is looking for outstanding examples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and projects to be part of the 2012 Indigenous Governance Awards.
Chief Executive Leah Armstrong said good work is taking place right across Australia by organisations and initiatives run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. “The Indigenous Governance Awards are the best evidence I’ve seen of what works—they provide solid examples of the positive things that are taking place across Indigenous Australia,” Ms Armstrong said.
The prestigious biennial awards program, held in partnership with BHP Billiton, showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and initiatives that demonstrate strong leadership, effective management, and a commitment to achieving lasting outcomes.
“Since 2005 the Awards have helped show us, and the nation, what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander success looks like. They’ve given us the confidence to say that effective Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance is the foundation stone for real outcomes and sustainable change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
The Indigenous Governance Awards is the only national program dedicated to recognising excellence in Indigenous governance. In 2012 the Awards will focus on innovation and resilience and the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be self-determining.
“Indigenous governance is all about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples sitting in the decision-making seats, not governments or others. Our past Awards finalists demonstrate this by driving positive outcomes from the ground up.
“Good Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and projects incubate leaders, build community capacity, employ large numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and play a pivotal role in Indigenous economic development,” Ms Armstrong said.
Nominations for the fifth Indigenous Governance Awards will be open until 31 May 2012. Organisations and initiatives from a broad range of areas—including housing, education, health, media, sport and the arts—are encouraged to apply.
In 2012 for the first time non-incorporated projects and initiatives are eligible for the Awards, which will be focused on governance innovation and resilience.
The winners will be announced at a special event in Melbourne in October where $60,000 in total prize money and corporate mentoring packages will be awarded.
