Aarnja has delayed the reopening of the sponsorship grant funding until after the 1st of July 2023. Further updates will be posted here for our members and community as we approach the next phase of sponsorship grant funds for application.
Due to the aspirations of our Kimberley Aboriginal people, especially our elders, Aarnja are dedicating time and resources to a Kimberley YES to a Voice Campaign. We see the importance in informing our people about referendums, the constitution, and what the Voice stands for.
Aarnja's VISION is to empower Kimberley Aboriginal people, communities, and organisations to have a strong Kimberley Aboriginal identity and to participate in all of modern society's social and economic opportunities.
This, we think, is a key step towards reconciliation and better outcomes for our Kimberley Aboriginal people. We look forward to meeting or being available to meet with our members over the coming months delivering on this important work.
Christmas Closure
Welcome to our new staff!
It has been an extremely busy time here at Aarnja. We have been recruiting for recent vacancies and filling project roles. We're pleased to introduce part of our new (and growing) team to you all!
Theresa Sibosado commenced as our Administration Officer last week. Theresa brings a wealth of skills and experience, previously working in similar roles for other Kimberley Aboriginal organisations. We are so glad to have her as a part of our team. Theresa is willing to standing strong and proud representing our people and community.
Naomi Pigram commenced as our Program Manager last week. The Program Manager role is a new position within Aarnja, with its primary focus being the Aboriginal Representative Organisation Pilot Program. We are looking forward to Naomi bringing her knowledge and experience from the social and community services sector, as she leads the team and program toward success for our community and people.
Farewell Torey! Thank you for your brilliant work
At the end of November 2022 we farewelled Torey Rickerby. We’re very sad to see him go. Torey’s contribution to Aarnja, especially over the last 12-months, will not go unnoticed. He has worked intensely with, and alongside, our internal and external stakeholders to shape the ARO project. We are one of only two pilot sites in WA. This demonstrates the energy, time and commitment Torey has contributed while employed by Aarnja for its members, and Kimberley Aboriginal people. It has been an absolute pleasure having Torey a part of Aarnja’s team and we wish him well for his next endeavours, wherever life leads him.
A warm welcome to Aarnja's new Chief Executive Officer
The Aarnja Board would like to make two public announcements to our members. Firstly, farewell to Damien Parriman who is leaving us to further his career with KRED Enterprises Pty Ltd and secondly welcome to Merrilee Williams as our newly appointed CEO for Aarnja Ltd.
Damien has been both anchor and leader for Aarnja during a transformational period in its journey. He has demonstrated amazing ability to be across all of Aarnja’s operations, as well as strategy; and the bigger issues and opportunities facing the Kimberley Aboriginal Nation. Damien has been key in bringing new projects and engagements to Aarnja and reforming existing programs such as Aarnja’s Sponsorship Program to better meet the needs of our Kimberley Aboriginal people. The recent nomination for Aarnja to become the Aboriginal Representative Organisation for the Kimberley was the final piece following six years of work.
Damien has navigated our efforts to build closer co-operation with Kimberley organisations to further develop Aarnja’s capacity and support to attract funding. We expect to build upon this experience to develop closer alliances with other Kimberley Aboriginal Organisations.
And without further ado, welcome to Merrilee. She is a proud Bardi and Yawuru woman, born and raised in Broome West Kimberley WA. Throughout her working life, she has developed the necessary skills and has the respect and passion for protecting member's cultural values and empowering the prosperity of Kimberley Aboriginal communities.
Additionally, she has gained positive and respectful relationships and networks with Traditional Owners and other relevant stakeholders. Merrilee has the maturity and successfully demonstrated experience in planning, operational outcomes and project coordination, which is both a valued and vital contribution to her recent appointment as CEO of Aarnja Ltd.
On behalf of the Aarnja Board
Yours Faithfully,
Aarnja Chairperson
Donna Birch.