Nexia client Baniyala Garrangali Aboriginal Corporation (BGAC) is based in remote Baniyala, a community home to just 150 people on Blue Mud Bay in the Gulf of Carpentaria. At its core, the business is focused on driving economic and social development opportunities in East Arnhem Land. Central to their mission is encouraging investment in the region, with a view to job creation and supporting the growth of local enterprise and the ultimate goal of helping local people living on country to build successful lives on their traditional lands.
Founded in 1975, BGAC has encountered countless challenges since it’s early days as a food retailer, but nothing like the potential impact on the local community and its economy presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The loss of significant tourism income, and major health risks through shortages of goods and groceries due to nationwide supply chain stress are just some of the threats to community welfare.
BGAC General Manager Cristina Holman discusses how Nexia has been critical in helping devise a five-year Strategic Business Plan, and in developing its response to the pandemic.
“As a remote business we face challenges that are unique and Nexia has been a great asset in helping us overcome those and operate effectively. They’ve also been flexible as we learn and develop new business management systems,” Cristina said.
“Most importantly they’re currently supporting the registration of BGAC as a charity to improve our ability to provide community benefits from our business and services.”
BGAC is supporting the Baniyala Community Safety Committee coordinate the regional homelands response including food security, health and public safety. BGAC is uniquely placed to lead these efforts through its expertise in remote business and program delivery, and their leadership and relationships throughout homelands and the region.
“The same strengths that enhance our response to COVID-19 are the opportunities that we will use to successfully expand our tourism operation in 2021,” said Cristina.
“Nexia has provided BGAC with bookkeeping, human resources and accounting services since 2014. Nexia has supported our rapid expansion and changes of management over the last two years and their advice will be invaluable as we navigate through COVID-19.”
Cristina has been working with Baniyala since she first visited in 2010 and was impressed by the Yolngu desire for self-sufficiency and self-determination.
“Yolngu leaders explained to me their vision for local jobs, better houses and better schools and education for their families. I understood that strong homelands lead to a strong future for coming generations,” said Cristina.
“Over the past decade I have listened to their disappointment about the lack of progress in starting homelands businesses, building better homes, and getting the right knowledge and skills to create real futures in homelands for their children and grandchildren.
“Each day I am inspired to work for the BGAC as it leads the Yolngu effort to develop businesses and demonstrate the strength and opportunity of homelands,” said Cristina.
Over the past two years, BGAC has worked with Australian and NT Governments, Northern Land Council, CSIRO, ALPA, YBE, Gong-Dal Aboriginal Corporation and Developing East Arnhem Ltd (DEAL) to improve business and deliver a range of projects and programs.
Programs have included the Djalkiripuyngu Enterprise Enhancement Project which involvesworking with CSIRO to investigate business development potential in Blue Mud Bay, and developing the Djalkripuyngu Local Decision Making Agreement with the NT Government to support regional agreement to improve education, health, housing and infrastructure, business development, community safety and culture for surrounding homelands.
In 2019, BGAC commissioned a regional tourism plan and new website, and has sought assistance from the Australian Army and Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation to improve the Baniyala Shop and coastal facilities to improve retail and tourism operations.
Cristina Holman
General Manager
Baniyala Garrangali Aboriginal Corporation
