Governance & Reports
Empowering our Community
Overview
BLHGAC ICN: 3394 (ABN: 14938484993) is:
- an incorporated Indigenous organisation with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations;
- compliant with the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act) 2006 (Cth);
- a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth); and
- registered for advancing culture, the natural environment, and public or social welfare.
Our Governance
We are a proud member of the:
BLHGAC:
- belongs to our members, and they own it;
- encourages all Binthi Warra to attend the meetings and join the corporation;
- is a homeland-based organisation set up to encourage Binthi Warra Bama (people) to maintain strong cultural connections to Bubu (land) and support the Binthi Warra traditional estate;
- is the leading organisation for the Binthi Warra and all-of-Country business that are discussed in quarterly Director’s meetings and Annual General Meetings.
- represents our 3 family groups by equal representation on our board; and
- regularly engages with members, and the member’s and former member’s register is well managed and up to date.
Principles of accountability, commitment, integrity, leadership, openness, and transparency are important to us. We are proud of our good governance, partnerships, and work on Country. We have implemented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Many Rivers for our community economic development plan – to maintain and enhance our financial and governance position.
We aim to focus on a culturally responsive, effective and holistic approach to supporting our youth by adhering to the Child Protection Policy. See our Charter that outlines our values and purpose, and guiding principles.
Our elected Board of Directors decides on policies, priorities, monitors performance, and strategic directions of BLHGAC.
BLHGAC has:
- Code of Conduct;
- Conflict of Interest Policy;
- Delegation levels;
- Experience in managing contracts and projects, milestones, stakeholder groups;
- Fraud control and corruption prevention strategies;
- Risk Management Policy and Framework;
- Whistleblower Policy; and
- Robust administrative framework and Work Health and Safety policies and practices.
Tax Status
BLHGAC is registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Our Financial Report is audited each year to meet our registration obligations with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and the Office for Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC):
Supporting Documents:
Overview
We are dedicated to Healing Country through comprehensive land management practices, which emphasise the preservation and revitalisation of traditional lands. We foster partnerships with various stakeholders, ensuring that projects align with both cultural values and sustainable development goals. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainability practices, we promote the long-term health and vitality of the land and its communities. Refer to our corporate documents for an understanding of our commitments and initiatives.
Strategic Plan
We are an Indigenous organisation for Binthi Warra people and one of the most respected organisations.
At BLHGAC we take an outcomes-driven approach to our strategy to ensure our work connects to our purpose to preserve and enhance the cultural, environmental and social values of our Country (Bubu).
This requires collaboration. Each year, the Board review and develop the strategy based on input from our members, office bearers, industry partners, and external experts.
We are excited to share our refined Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030 which outlines the strategic priorities we want to achieve and defines our critical work:
- Culture and Heritage;
- Economic Development;
- Education and Employment;
- Environmental Stewardship; and
- Leadership and Governance.
What does success look like?
Success means our work and advocacy will effectively strengthen Indigenous Land Management, foster Indigenous Entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment and training opportunities.
We will lead by example, championing a strong and positive workplace culture within the corporation, enhancing community trust, and promoting greater awareness of the importance and value of Healing Country.
By upholding high standards for the organisation, we will deliver lasting economic benefits, sustainable employment pathways, and meaningful training opportunities that empower our community and ensure the longevity of our efforts.
Code of Ethics
As an Indigenous Land Manager, we endeavour to combine Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) practices with western management models for the betterment of the community, to create improved opportunities and quality of life for a sustainable future. By leading by example, we strive to support other sectional interests working in integrity and partnerships.
BLHGAC’s Code of Ethics combines the principles and values that shape the decisions, with the cultural traditions and customs passed down from our Elders. Outlined in the Guidelines on Professional Conduct is a framework for the clients and members to use in relation to exercising judgment of BLHGAC. As Directors and Members of BLHGAC, we accept that we will be held accountable for our actions and conduct, and commit to operate in accordance with the Code of Ethics.
The Binthi Warra Healthy Country Plan
Our Healthy Country Plan supports a secure and sustainable future for the Binthi Warra. This holistic strategy endeavours to safeguard our social, economic, cultural, and environmental values for years to come. Giving care to the creation of economic opportunities and conservation of natural resources.
- Programs we will implement to minimise the impact of the threats;
- Targets we should take care of to achieve our aspirations:
- Threats we must address so that our targets can thrive; and
- Vision and goals we share for our Country.
Targets
Targets are the important things that need to be looked after. For Country and our people to be healthy, our targets need to be healthy. We have already done a lot of planning and work on Country, so we can make a good judgment about how healthy our targets are now, and about the work we need to do to improve their health.
Target One
By 2032, we will have increased protection for our important species, including our totem species, and their habitat.
Target Two
By 2032, Binthi Warra people will be regularly accessing our Country. Binthi people will be healthy, our Elders will be widely respected and cared for, and our youth are learning and participating in what we do. Wherever possible we will follow traditional Lore and Custom to respect each other and Country.
Target Three
Our language is strong and being spoken. Our knowledge is passed on in the right way to the right people. By 2032, our sites will be thoroughly mapped, and our management of our sites will be strengthened.
Target Four
By 2032, the significance of our sand dunes and sandstone Country will be recognised, and they will be protected forever. The historic sites and the shared Palm Island will also be recognised and protected.
Target Five
By 2032, our water and waterways will be in very good health, abundant with the right plants and animals, protected by Lore.
Our water and waterways will be strong, and able to stand up to the impacts of climate change, and they will be protected from the threats of mining, tourism, feral animals and weeds.
Target Six
By 2032, we will be well on our way to seeing the return of all our traditional lands to BLHGAC. Binthi Warra traditional lands be recognised as ours and we are recognised as the Traditional Owners of Binthi as a whole – regardless of the various land tenures and titles in existence on our traditional estate at present – for the purpose of exerting some reasonable control of our estate in any negotiations that may take place in times to come. We will have established and successful pastoral, agricultural, tourism and other enterprises on our Country.
