"Indigenous Governance Awards are not about what these organisations do but about how they do their work. How they put their culture, values and kinship that are based on traditional knowledge and how that aligns with Western ideas of governance and compliance." - Karen Mundine, CEO Reconciliation Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations that place culture at the heart of their governance are invited to apply for the 2018 Indigenous Governance Awards (IGAs).
Entrants can apply in two categories. The first category is open to incorporated organisations whereas the second one is for non-incorporated entities.
Winners will get to share a pool of $60 000 dollars in prize money. The two award categories are Category A: Indigenous-led incorporated organisations and Category B: Indigenous-led non-incorporated initiatives or projects.
In addition to the prize money corporate mentoring is provided as well as media and networking opportunities.
Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine said it was important to showcase the high achievers in Indigenous governance, so that they get the accolades they deserve – and so that broader Australia understands their important contributions.
Organisations and groups of all shapes and sizes encouraged to apply
"We are always looking at that next crop of outstanding organisations that are showing how they are putting culture at the centre of their organisation and how they are using traditional culture and kinship values to actually create a better and stronger organisation,” Ms Mundine said.
Since winning the award the organisation in 2016 Western Desert Dialysis (Purple House) got greater exposure to other funding sources and got greater buy-in from a whole range of different people.
Western Desert Dialysis CEO Sarah Brown says, "the awards helped provide the organisation the credibility and recognition to secure further funding and expand their operations."
IGAs have a history of attracting high caliber nominations from organisations around the country, from the bustling capital cities to the most remote communities.
“For more than a decade, the IGA winners have shown that so much is possible when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander develop innovative and robust systems of governance by putting culture at the heart of what they do,” Ms Mundine added.
Entrants can apply online on IGA’s website until the 20th of July or call the organisation directly.
