Kimberley entrants recognised for outstanding contributions in WA Community Achievement Awards

The 2021 Western Australian Community Achievement Awards took place last week, with several Kimberley winners recognised for their outstanding contributions. More than 300 guests from across the State gathered at the Awards Gala Presentation Dinner on Friday October 15, to celebrate regional WA’s highest achievers. Outshining hundreds of strong applicants, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation won the prestigious Rinehart Development of Northern Regional WA Award. DAC operate commercial businesses which allow it to be 70 per cent self-funded, as well as reinvest profits into improving the liveability of the community, developing skills and creating local jobs. The corporation own Djarindjin Community Airport which refuels helicopters for the Browse Basin and has created 20 highly skilled and paid local jobs, as well as operate the Dampier Peninsula Safehouse and provide Aged Care and Youth and Community Service Outreach programs. In a recent initiative, DAC also rolled out a Remote Communities Pilot Program for Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills Development for post-school-aged adults in WA. DAC chief executive Nathan McIvor said he was surprised to win. “Many thanks go to the awesome board I work with who have the vision, determination and desire to see the best for their community not just for today but for decades to come,” he said. “What we achieve today will be the stepping stones for tomorrow’s children and DAC is passionate to ensure their community is delivered the best results.” Other winners included Life Without Barriers of WA’s Aboriginal Driver Training Program, which won the Insurance Commission of WA Regional Safety Award, and the Country Women’s Association’s Ord Valley Branch of Kununurra, which won the Woolworths Community Group of the Year Award. Entirely Indigenous owned, created and managed by Gabrielle Rahman, Balu Australia of Broome was also recognised as a nominee in the Prime Super Business Innovation Award. Ms Rahman creates hand-coloured crafted eco-silks, sustainable jewellery, canvas arts and ethical Indigenous wood crafts and has provided environmentally friendly workshops to the community. The winners each received $500 cash, a $500 Woolworths Gift Card, $500 in the crypto trade digital currency Qoin and a $500 Bartercard Tourism Gift Certificate.