Come my countryman, sit down on our country Doomadgee.
Welcome to Gunawuna Jungai Limited (GJ), where community empowerment meets impactful change� Born from the collective aspiration of the people of the remote community of Doomadgee in Queensland, GJ stands as a beacon of community-led development and cultural strength�
• Our vision is clear: To create a thriving, independent, sustainable and culturally strong community in Doomadgee for future generations�
• Our purpose is strong: We exist to build the foundations for the selfgovernance of Doomadgee�
Founded in response to the pressing needs of our community, GJ is a community controlled, community owned company built to represent the whole of the Doomadgee community� It works on the premise that the Directors have identified 19 family groups within the community that all need representation and essentially become the Voice of Doomadgee�
At the heart of GJ lies a rich tapestry of community leadership and shared decision-making� We are guided by our principles of communityled and our structure ensures that the voices of our community members are heard and valued, driving every aspect of our work �
As you delve deeper into this prospectus, we invite you to join us on this journey of empowerment and positive change for the benefit of all of Doomadgee to help Close the Gap�
Closing the Gap
What is Closing the Gap?
Closing the Gap acknowledges the ongoing strength and resilience of Aboriginal people in sustaining the world’s oldest living cultures� It is underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved� It also recognises that structural change in the way governments work with Aboriginal people is needed to close the gap� All Australian governments are working with First Nations people, their communities, organisations and businesses to implement the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap at the national, state and territory, and local levels�
What are the Priority Reforms?
There are four Priority Reforms outlined in the National Agreement which aim to transform the way that governments engage and do business with Aboriginal communities�
1� Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision Making�
2� Building the Community-Controlled Sector�
3� Transforming Government Organisations�
4� Shared Access to Data and Information at a Regional Level�
What is a Place Based Partnership?
Under the National Agreement all parties have agreed that there will be 6 Place Based Partnership sites established across the country to;
1� Drive Aboriginal community-led outcomes on Closing the Gap�
2� Enable Aboriginal representatives, communities and organisations to negotiate and implement agreements with governments to implement all Priority Reforms and place-based strategies to support Closing the Gap�
3� Support additional community-led development initiatives�
4� Bring together all government parties, together with Aboriginal people, organisations and communities to the collective task of Closing the Gap�
In 2022, Doomadgee accepted the nomination to be the Queensland site for a Place Based Partnership.
Our Difference
Gunawuna Jungai (GJ) stands as a model of community representation and engagement, uniquely designed to mirror the inherent social structure of the Doomadgee community� In Doomadgee, people naturally organise into large family groups, a fundamental aspect that GJ has embraced to ensure its governance and operational framework genuinely reflects the community it serves� The ethics underpinning GJ mandate equitable representation for each family group, fostering broad-based engagement and cultivating an authentic community voice.
This commitment to equity is visually symbolised by the dartboard concept, a powerful representation conceived by community leaders to illustrate the principle of equal importance and inclusion across all sectors of the community� GJ’s innovative structure promotes the dissolution of marginalisation, ensuring every voice within Doomadgee is heard, valued, and has the power to influence change� By embedding these values into its core, GJ not only champions the unique identity and needs of the Doomadgee community but also sets a precedent for inclusive and equitable community-led development �
DECISION POINT 1
INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES
DECISION POINT 2
ELDERS
REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER
GJ Structure
DECISION POINT 1
Decide ‘who is in your Family Group’? Who do you sit down with?
INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES
These are the individual families that belong to the larger Family Group.
DECISION POINT 2
Decide ‘who are the decision makers for your Family Group’. This group will form the Elders for your Family Group
ELDERS
The responsibilities of this group are;
1. To endorse the Representative Member for the Family Group.
2. To pass information from Gunawuna Jungai down to their individual families.
3. To pass information and the will of their individual families back to the GJ Board through their nominated Representative Member.
REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER
The Representative Member is responsible for;
1. Advising the GJ Directors on the will of their individual Family Group on different issues
2. To pass information from Gunawuna Jungai down to their Elders.
3. To pass information and the will of their individual families back to the GJ Board.
FAMILY GROUP
Each section represents one whole family group. Each family group has an equal say in the GJ structure
DIRECTORS
The Directors of Gunawuna Jungai will have the responsibility to lead the company.
When the Directors are making decisions, they will do so in the best interests of the Doomadgee community as a whole.
Our Board
Director, Kenneth Gilbert
GJ is about everyone having a say, an opportunity to be heard for those families in the community who haven’t had a voice until now�
This is about activating our leaders, making sure our culture is heard and respected�
Director, Murray Walden
Our Members
DAVID ESCOTT
ESTATE: SIGEL CREEK
TRIBE: GARAWA/WAANYI
KERRY-ANNE GALLAGHER
ESTATE: RIVERSLEIGH
TRIBE: WAANYI
MARIA MICK
ESTATE: DUMBRA
TRIBE: GANGALIDDA/MINGINDA
YOLANDE DOUGLAS
ESTATE: LAWN HILL
TRIBE: WAANYI/GANGALIDDA
STEPHEN MCNAMEE
ESTATE: BUGAJINDA
TRIBE: GANGALIDDA
TROY FRASER
ESTATE: GUNAMULLA
TRIBE: GANGALIDDA/MINGINDA
HENRY APLIN
ESTATE: GREGORY DOWNS
TRIBE: WAANYI
WHAT ‘COMMUNITY LED’ MEANS TO DOOMADGEE
In the context of Doomadgee, ‘Community Led’ refers to a model of development, service provision, or decision-making where the Doomadgee community takes a leadership role in determining our own needs, aspirations, priorities, and solutions� Rather than external organisations or governments dictating what is best for us, Doomadgee itself leads the process, ensuring that strategies and initiatives are culturally appropriate, relevant, and sustainable�
In Australia, Indigenous-led initiatives have shown that when communities have agency and leadership in the programs and projects affecting them, outcomes are more positive and sustainable� This approach contrasts with past practices where external entities often made decisions without adequately consulting Indigenous communities, leading to mistrust and less effective programs�
THESE ARE OUR CORE PRINCIPLES
OF ‘COMMUNITY LED’:
OWNERSHIP:
The Doomadgee community has ownership over projects, programs, or services, meaning we not only participate in its development and execution but also guide and lead it�
CULTURAL RESPECT:
Initiatives respect and integrate our cultural structures, traditions, family groups, and local wisdom�
PARTICIPATION:
Broad-based community participation ensures that the views and needs of various sub-groups (like family groups, elders, youth, women, etc�) within the community are considered�
CAPACITY BUILDING:
A focus on strengthening the skills, competencies, and abilities of Doomadgee community members so we can lead our development initiatives both now and in the future�
LOCAL SOLUTIONS:
Recognising that we as Doomadgee people best understand our challenges and are best-suited to craft solutions that will work for us�
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
Efforts prioritise long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes� This includes thinking about the economic, social, environmental, and cultural impacts�
PARTNERSHIP:
While the community is in the lead, collaboration with external agencies, government, NGOs, and other stakeholders can provide essential resources, expertise, and support� These collaborations, however, are grounded in mutual respect and understanding of the community led principle� Principles | Company Prospectus 15.
GUNAWUNA JUNGAI LTD: OUR VALUE PROPOSITION
Leading the operational arm of Gunawuna Jungai, Chief Executive Officer Kieran Smith and Chief Operating Officer Massimo Zaini bring a depth of experience and insight, with a combined tenure of over 30 years in project and operational management of multimillion dollar programs within remote Aboriginal communities across Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria� At the heart of their leadership philosophy is a commitment to sustainable outcomes through the integration of service design and delivery within the local cultural context
� This approach not only respects but actively incorporates the authority and wisdom of local cultural leaders, ensuring that operational outcomes are not just achieved but are deeply meaningful and respectful of traditional practices� Smith and Zaini have pioneered bespoke management tools tailored to bridge the policy-to-practice gap, adapting traditional management processes to flourish within the unique requirements of the local cultural context
� Their leadership ensures that Gunawuna Jungai is founded on innovative, culturally integrated service delivery, setting a new standard for how community-led projects can achieve significant, sustainable impacts�
PROCESS VS OUTCOME
= Resentment from the Community. WRONG PERSON/S + WRONG PROCESS
RIGHT PERSON/S + WRONG PROCESS
= Person will withdraw or feel compromised and invalidate the outcome.
WRONG PERSON/S + RIGHT PROCESS
= Illegitimate outcome /won’t achieve sustainability nor broader community buy in.
RIGHT PERSON/S + RIGHT PROCESS
= Best Outcome + extra!
Collective Impact Approach
DEFINITION:
Collective Impact is a collaboration framework that engages across sectors and groups who share a common interest to address a complex social issue, in a given community�
Gunawuna Jungai Limited aspires to recalibrate social service delivery in Doomadgee through the implementation of a community-led collective impact model, embodying the aim to act as the backbone organisation for the community� With a clear mandate from our board to establish a lean, versatile, and scalable community company, GJ is committed to coordinating and enhancing the effectiveness of social services within Doomadgee, aligning with significant government investment and the community’s desire for quality, culturally integrated services�
We will work closely with all service providers to align them with Doomadgee’s community led principles and ensure that service provider coordination is carried out with a data-driven approach� This culturally coordinated guidance of service providers will assist to significantly increase service delivery outputs within community�
5.
OUR APPROACH IS FOUNDED ON THE FIVE PIVOTAL ELEMENTS
Establishing a common agenda that reflects the shared vision for change, rooted in community needs and aspirations�
1. 2.
Implementing a shared measurement system to track progress and outcomes, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement�
Through this strategic framework, GJ aims to lead Doomadgee towards a future where social services are not only more effective but deeply resonant with the cultural fabric of the community.
Providing backbone support, where GJ will offer the leadership, resources, and skills necessary to maintain momentum and keep all partners aligned and focused on the collective mission�
3. 4.
Fostering open and continuous communication to build trust, align efforts, and encourage collaboration�
Engaging in mutually reinforcing activities that leverage the diverse capabilities of all stakeholders towards achieving common goals�
Large-scale social change requires broad cross-sector coordination, yet the social sector remains focused on the isolated intervention of individual organisations�” – Stanford Social Innovation Review, 2011
Allies to Corporate Partners
Gunawuna Jungai holds immense gratitude for the steadfast partnership and enduring support provided by Act for Kids� Since 2009, Act for Kids has played a pivotal role in our development journey, fostering strong relationships and building trust within our community� Their efforts have been crucial in empowering us to manage and lead our own initiatives, culminating in the formal incorporation of Gunawuna Jungai in 2022�
Under the passionate and dedicated leadership of CEO Dr Katrina Lines, Act for Kids’ support has transcended the initial setup phase� They continue to provide invaluable corporate support, which stands as a testament to a truly allied relationship� This ongoing partnership is instrumental, enabling us to strive towards self-sufficiency and ensuring our success is led and defined by our community� We are deeply appreciative of this sustained collaboration, which significantly bolsters our capacity to serve and uplift our community effectively�
Gunawuna Jungai enormously appreciates the partnership with, and the generous pro bono support of King & Wood Mallesons (KWM)� Under the guidance of former Chief Executive Partner, Berkeley Cox, KWM has been an unwavering ally in our mission� From the outset, Berkeley and the team at KWM dedicated themselves to building relationships and deeply understanding the unique cultural structures and processes of our community which were woven into the fabric of our organisational structure (a company limited by guarantee registered with the ACNC)� KWM has advocated for the needs of our community and bolstered the confidence of both our board and executive team including through negotiations with government entities with legal and commercial acumen and commitment �
They led the drafting of the nearly completed Place-Based Partnership Agreement, a pioneering effort under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and have supported us in our collaboration, service delivery, employment and other contracts�
Without the profound support and expertise of King & Wood Mallesons, Gunawuna Jungai would not be positioned where it is today
CULTURAL CONSULTANTS
Economic Development Model
Gunawuna Jungai Limited (GJ) is dedicated to advancing economic sustainability and prosperity in Doomadgee through a strategic approach that capitalises on the area’s unique geographic advantages� Our commitment involves carefully assessing the local economic environment and crafting forward-looking plans aimed at economic retention and growth� Embracing the principles of a circular economy, we seek to efficiently utilise resources while supporting community resilience and empowerment � By aligning community aspirations with viable industry opportunities, GJ aims to foster enduring socio-economic benefits that uplift and empower the Doomadgee community�
A CALL TO ACTION
In August 2022, Gunawuna Jungai Limited was established as a company limited by guarantee under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), marking a pivotal moment in our journey towards fostering community development and empowerment in Doomadgee� Recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and granted Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, GJ is a foundation of hope and progress for the Doomadgee community� As the sole Queensland site for Place Based Partnerships under the National Agreement for Closing the Gap, Doomadgee has been given a unique and historic opportunity to redefine its future�
Gunawuna Jungai is at the forefront, endorsed to lead Doomadgee as we advance towards signing the groundbreaking Place Based Partnership Agreement – a first in Australia� This pivotal role underscores our commitment to transforming Doomadgee into a community that is thriving, independent, sustainable, and culturally vibrant for generations to come�
JOIN US IN SHAPING
A BRIGTHER FUTURE
The journey ahead is filled with promise and potential� By partnering with Gunawuna Jungai, you are not just contributing financially; you are investing in the empowerment of the Doomadgee community and setting a precedent for communityled development across Australia� Together, we can create a legacy of resilience, independence, and cultural strength�
To explore partnership opportunities or make a contribution, please contact us at 0418 794 911� Your support can make a world of difference�
WHY PARTNER WITH GUNAWUNA JUNGAI?
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
As a registered entity under ASIC and ACNC with DGR status, we adhere to the highest standards of governance and financial management
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
Our role in facilitating the Place Based Partnership Agreement showcases our capacity to lead significant change�
COMMUNITY-CENTRIC APPROACH
Every project and initiative is designed with and for the Doomadgee community, ensuring cultural integrity and relevance
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
We are committed to finding creative and sustainable ways to address community challenges, guided by the principles of the National Agreement for Closing the Gap�
YOUR ROLE IN THIS HISTORIC JOURNEY
We are at an inflection point, where support from government bodies, philanthropic organisations, corporates, and individuals is crucial� Your partnership can help unlock the vast potential within Doomadgee, catalysing innovative solutions that foster a strong, self-reliant community� Here’s how you can contribute:
1� Philanthropic Investment: Your donations can fuel initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare, education, and economic development, directly contributing to our community’s resilience and sustainability�
2� Corporate Partnerships: Engage with us in meaningful collaborations that leverage your expertise and resources to drive impactful projects, from infrastructure development to skill-building programs�
3� Government Funding: Support from local, state, and federal governments can amplify our efforts, enabling us to scale solutions and make a lasting difference in the lives of Doomadgee’s residents�
4� Individual Contributions: Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference� By supporting GJ, you become part of a collective effort to uplift an entire community�
