Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) is located in Maningrida and functions primarily as an outstation resource centre.The name Bawinanga encompasses elements of the language names Barada, Gunwinggu and Rembarranga to demarcate the extremities of its jurisdiction.

Originally the services provided to outstation residents included the provision of basic shelter and water supplies, radio communications equipment, a mobile food and clothing shop, the construction of airstrips and roads, an art purchasing facility, mechanical workshop, and support for ceremonial and cultural activities.

Over the years the corporation has grown in response to the enlarging outstations population, and now supports approximately 800 Aboriginal people residing on some 32 outstations.Whilst the servicing of outstations and cultural maintenance remain the core functions of BAC, greater expectations of economic sustainability for the community have led to BAC operating as a regional development agency with a strong focus on economic development, enterprise development and the creation of employment opportunities.

The Corporation administers a CDEP program of 560 participants who are engaged in activities as diverse as mud brick manufacturing, natural resource management, rock art research, mechanical repair, building, municipal works, the arts and social services.BAC is now one of the biggest CDEP organisations in Australia, has one of the largest art centres and most successful ranger projects and has had a long association with visiting researchers from Australia and overseas.

It is widely recognised for best practice as an indigenous service delivery organisation. The Corporation is committed to the ongoing maintenance and improvement of life for all Aboriginal people in the region under its “umbrella”, an area totaling some 10 000 sq km and hopes to achieve this by the continued provision of essential services, enhanced self-determination, the development of sustainable enterprises and improved educational and training opportunities.