Apply now for 2014 Indigenous Governance Awards

Applications are now open for the 2014 Indigenous Governance Awards, which judging panel chair Professor Mick Dodson said are an important way to recognise self-determination in communities.

“Strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and initiatives are effective at finding solutions to complex issues―issues that have long confounded governments and mainstream organisations,” he said.

“It’s time we take note of this success and work with communities and their organisations to strengthen their capacity to take charge of issues.”

Established in 2005, the Indigenous Governance Awards, sponsored by Reconciliation Australia and BHP Billiton, are now a two-yearly event. This year is their sixth and in 2014, Reconciliation Australia aims to surpass the success of the 2012 Awards.

For one of the runners-up from 2012, the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), the process of applying for the awards provided an opportunity to learn about their organisation.

“It focused the organisation on looking at the work we had done―both the staff and the National Executive,” SNAICC’s Philanthropy Manager, Sue Beecher, said.

“The application and awards process contributed to SNAICC assessing and improving good governance in all aspects.

“For us, good governance means having systems and processes that help secure long term functioning and sustainability of the organisation. It validates us as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation and is especially helpful in the eyes of our funding bodies.”

And Sue’s advice for organisations wanting to apply for the 2014 Indigenous Governance Awards?

“Go for it, but be aware that the process requires commitment in time and energy from staff and the board. Make sure your systems and processes are in place―it’s definitely worth it in the long run.”