The Arabana Aboriginal Corporation (AAC) has had a busy year full of progress, growth, and important milestones. We’ve worked tirelessly to protect our land, culture, and heritage while making sure that our community’s voice is heard in every space it matters. Here's a look back at some of the highlights from this year:
Community and Cultural Strength
This year, the AAC continued to grow and strengthen our connections to country, culture, and each other. The Annual Arabana Ngura 2024 was held in October at Finniss Springs, where around 90 Arabana Nharlah (people) camped out and celebrated the beauty of our Wadlu (land). It was a wonderful occasion to reflect on our shared goals and achievements.
Water is Life: Advocacy and Protection
We’ve continued our fight to protect Arabana Kutha (water), with presentations of “Water is Life” delivered in key locations including Naarn (Melbourne), Mparntwe (Alice Springs), and Tarntanya (Adelaide). These presentations aimed to rally support and build partnerships in boardrooms and political spaces. The Arabana people know that to protect our Kutha, we need allies and strong partnerships, and we are committed to this cause.
Arabana Rangers: A Vital Force in Our Community
Our Arabana Rangers have been busy on the ground, protecting Wadlu, Kutha, and other vital cultural resources. From learning directly from our Elders to collaborating with other mobs, our Rangers have been at the forefront of protecting native flora, fauna, and the Mound Springs, which are so central to Arabana culture. We’ve also worked with organisations like FOMS, SAAL, TAFE, IDA, and Arid Recovery to strengthen our efforts in conservation.
Heritage and Strategic Planning
The AAC has been deeply involved in heritage work, including site clearing and water monitoring on Wadlu, and we’ve held community workshops to discuss the Wadlu Ngurra-ku (For Healthy Country) Plan and the AAC Rule Book review. We are committed to ensuring that the future of our country and people is shaped by strong foundations of cultural knowledge and sustainable practices.
We are also excited to report that strategic planning for the future is well underway, and the Marree Elders Building, which will provide much-needed accommodation and support for our Elders, is currently under construction.
Growing Stronger Together
With a workforce that is 78% Indigenous, and 56% Arabana, the AAC continues to be a leader in fostering employment and opportunities for our community. We are working hard to improve financial reporting and policies to ensure sustainability for the years to come.
As we continue our efforts, we reflect on a powerful quote:
“THE ULARAKA IS ALL OF WHAT MAKES US ARABANA NHARLA (PEOPLE)“
SOME CALL IT ALL OF HISTORY OR KNOWLEDGE.
THE ULARAKA GIVES US OUR SPIRIT AND OUR CHARACTER ENSURING WE ARE RELATIONAL RECIPROCAL BEINGS, HIGHLIGHTS HOW WE LEARN TOGETHER, AND POINTS TO UNDERSTANDING GAINED IN RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE ACTION.
SOME CALL IT THE DREAMING.
V Arbon Pers Comm 2024
We are proud of the work we’ve done, and the future is looking bright for the Arabana people. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more updates as we keep moving forward.
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