BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities and Reconciliation Australia tonight presented the winners of the Indigenous Governance Awards 2016.

The awards are a celebration of outstanding governance and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation (Western Desert Dialysis) won the ‘Category A’ award for incorporated organisations. The Category B Award for non-incorporated projects went to Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly (Murdi Paaki).

In congratulating the winners, BHP Billiton Chief External Affairs Officer, Geoff Healy, said they were excellent examples of the benefits created by good governance standards.

Mr Healy said good governance helped build transparency and accountability in decision-making and confidence in organisations and their leadership.

“Indigenous peoples are critical partners for BHP Billiton worldwide and we aim to make a positive contribution to these communities through programs that support economic empowerment, social and cultural initiatives and public engagement,” Mr Healy said.

“These pillars are underpinned by a commitment to good governance.”

Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer, Justin Mohamed, said of the finalists and winners, “these organisations and projects are all contributing to the empowerment and achievement of their communities, and demonstrating reconciliation in action”.

“Our long and strong relationship with BHP Billiton has enabled us to shine a light on these stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander success.”

BHP Billiton has supported these awards since their inception in 2005.

“The awards provide examples of innovation, effectiveness and resilience in Indigenous organisations and we hope they inspire others,” Mr Healy said.

Note 1: Highly commended honours were awarded to Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa in Category A and Ara Irititja in Category B.

BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities

BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities is a charity established by BHP Billiton as part of its social investment program. Most projects supported by BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities are four to five year projects and they predominately focus on building capacity of individuals and institutions, so that after the project is completed, it will leave a lasting positive legacy.