Esther Thorn – Kokatha

KOKATHA NAIDOC EVENT WRAP UP

Esther Thorn — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 02:21:45 +0000

Our Kokatha NAIDOC Event at Press Road, Port Augusta, brought our community together for a fantastic day of fun, laughter and celebrating culture.

One of the highlights was creating our special Kokatha banner, with handprints from our littlest Kokatha community members. Check out how deadly it looks in the photos!

There was something for everyone to enjoy, with arts and crafts, a delicious BBQ lunch, and a traditional roo tail cook-up shared by the community.

It was great to see Elders, families and Kokatha kids coming together to celebrate, connect and enjoy NAIDOC Week.

Have a look at some of the photos from the day and see if you can spot yourself, your family or friends! We even got a mention on Port Augusta’s NAIDOC news!

A big thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the celebration such a success.

KAC HERITAGE INFORMATION SESSION

Esther Thorn — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:06:38 +0000

Are you keen to find out more about doing heritage work for Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC), or are you one of our valued heritage workers?

If this sounds like you, or someone you know, come along to our upcoming Heritage Information Session.

You’ll find out about changes to the heritage employment contracts, hear an update about heritage business at KAC, and learn about future plans for the team.

It’s also a great chance to learn more about how you can start working with our heritage team, and connect with other heritage workers and community members.

Whether you’re already part of the team or simply interested in learning more, we’d love to see you!

Thursday 23 July

Port Augusta Yacht Club

Sign in from 10:30am with the info session starting at 11am

A sausage sizzle and refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Please RSVP by Monday 21 July to heritage@kokatha.com.au

We look forward to seeing you there!

WE’RE HIRING – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Esther Thorn — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:28:15 +0000

Do you have experience in business development, building strong relationships and working independently to deliver meaningful outcomes?

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference, Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) would love to hear from you!

We’re looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to help lead business, procurement and economic development opportunities arising from the Northern Water Project — one of South Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects.

Working closely with Kokatha people, businesses, industry and government, you’ll identify opportunities, build strategic partnerships and help create lasting economic benefits for current and future generations.

We’re looking for someone who:

✔ Thinks strategically and sees opportunities where others don’t.

✔ Has experience in business development and stakeholder engagement.

✔ Enjoys building partnerships and influencing positive outcomes.

✔ Can work independently and deliver real results.

📍 Port Augusta

🕒 Full-time | 12-month fixed-term contract

Please click on the buttons below to download the Position Description and apply via SEEK.

For more information please email recruitment@kokatha.com.au

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 24 July. We look forward to hearing from you.

CALLING ALL OUR DEADLY YOUNG DESIGNERS

Esther Thorn — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:50:58 +0000

Are you a young Kokatha person who loves to draw and create? Here’s your chance to have your artwork featured on this year’s KAC Kids AGM shorts!

The winning design will be printed on the kids’ shorts that will be handed out in the children’s goodie bags at this year’s KAC AGM in November.

How to enter:

Download the shorts design template by clicking the button below.
Unleash your creativity with a design that celebrates culture, community and Country.
Make sure you write your name, age and contact details on your entry.

How to submit your design:

📍 Drop your entry into the KAC Railway Terrace office, or

📧 Email it to events@kokatha.com.au

This competition is open to all Kokatha children and young people up to 16 years old.

🏆The winning design will be chosen by KAC staff, the Board and Committees.

📅Entries close Monday 31 August 2026.

We can’t wait to see all your deadly designs. Good luck to everyone entering!

SAVE THE DATE KAC CLHM – SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 8

Esther Thorn — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:16:26 +0000

Registered Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation members and registered Kokatha Common Law Holders are invited to save the date for our upcoming Common Law Holders’ Meeting.

WHEN & WHERE:

Saturday 8 August 2026

West Augusta Football Club

This is an important opportunity for Kokatha people to come together, hear updates, discuss matters important to our community and help shape the future direction of our Corporation.

Further information, including meeting times, agenda items and registration details, will be shared in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our Facebook page and website.

We look forward to seeing you there.

One People • One Country • One Dreaming

A STEADY HAND THROUGH CHANGE

Esther Thorn — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:22:57 +0000

When John Hender stepped into the CEO role at Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) in February 2025, he thought he might only be there for a few months.

‘I thought it might be about four months,’ John laughs. ‘But it ended up being 14 months. That just goes to show how hard it is to find the right person for these roles. KAC is a dynamic and complex organisation.’

John was asked to take up the job after former CEO David Whitelaw resigned.

While John had held leadership positions throughout much of his career and had a long-standing connection to KAC through his role on the Kokatha People’s Native Title General Trust, this was the first time he had taken on a CEO position.

‘I’d never had an actual CEO role before and I was quite keen to see how I’d go,’ he says.

Over the following 14 months, John helped guide KAC through a period of significant growth and change.

Among his proudest achievements were relocating the KAC Port Augusta office from Flinders Terrace to Railway Terrace, securing the Indigenous Ranger Grant through the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), establishing a new Adelaide office and witnessing KAC achieve the historic Oak Dam Retention Lease Agreement.

While there were many milestones along the way, the people who make up KAC are what John will remember most.

He loved spending time on Kokatha Country, visiting the stations, getting to know community members and connecting with Kokatha Elders.

John is also incredibly proud of the team of staff that has been built within the Corporation.

‘There was a bit of dysfunction amongst the staff when I first started, but once we got it up and running properly, I couldn’t have been prouder of them,’ he says. ‘Seventy per cent of our staff are Kokatha people and their professionalism and commitment continues to impress me. I’ve worked at publicly listed national and international companies and I can say that the calibre of our staff at KAC is of the highest level.’

One of the major pieces of work undertaken during John’s time as CEO was the development of KAC’s Strategic Plan, which provides a clear roadmap for the future of the Corporation.

As he hands over the reins to new CEO Jason Davison, John says he is excited about what lies ahead.

‘I’m thrilled about Jason’s appointment,’ he says. ‘The Board put a lot of effort into ensuring we were recruiting the right person for the job and Jason comes with excellent credentials.’

John believes KAC has a bright future, particularly as work continues towards securing a new Olympic Dam Agreement and Kokatha Mining Services goes from strength-to-strength.

‘KMS really is a shining light at the moment. They’re achieving so much with amazing staff. It’s impressive to see,’ he says.

As KAC enters its next chapter, John is also enjoying the opportunity to slow down a little.

‘After months of waking up at 5am, I’m really enjoying setting the alarm for 7am,’ he laughs.

These days he’s spending more time fishing, gardening, hunting, and enjoying the company of his grandchildren, wife and children.

Reflecting on his time as CEO, John says he is grateful for the opportunity he was given.

‘My main concern going in was that I wasn’t going to have the energy to do the job,’ he says. ‘But I actually found that it energised me. There was a lot of work to do, and it was constantly evolving, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with such a highly professional, motivated and committed team.’

KAC Chairperson Nyani Thomas thanked John for stepping into the role when the Corporation needed him and for the leadership he provided.

‘John guided us through some really important structural changes and helped get the huge amount of work done to create a Strategic Plan for KAC,’ he says. ‘We’re so grateful for the leadership and integrity he brought to the CEO position, and we wish him all the best for the future.’

For now, John will be cheering KAC on as the organisation moves into its next chapter under Jason’s leadership.

‘I wish KAC all the best for the future and can’t wait to see what further achievements are made,’ he says. ‘It’s an exciting time ahead and I’m grateful to have played a small part in the Kokatha story.’

KAC STRATEGIC PLAN OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

Esther Thorn — Thu, 28 May 2026 07:39:54 +0000

Today marked an important milestone for Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) with the official launch of the KAC Strategic Plan 2026 – 2035 at the Press Road Community Space in Port Augusta.

The event brought together KAC Directors, community members, staff and guests, including BHP Copper SA Asset President Anna Wiley, to celebrate the next chapter for the Corporation and the Kokatha community.

The day began with a community barbecue, fire and roo tail cooking, creating an opportunity for people to come together, connect and reflect on the journey that has led to this moment.

KAC Chairperson Nyani Thomas then officially launched the Strategic Plan and spoke about the importance of having a clear vision and direction for the future.

The Strategic Plan is a major step forward for KAC. It was developed through community consultation, workshops and feedback from Kokatha people and sets out the priorities and goals that will help guide the Corporation over the next decade.

Importantly, this is only the beginning. The next phase will focus on turning the Strategic Plan into action by making sure the goals and priorities identified by the community are delivered through real projects, programs and opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this important day for the Corporation and the Kokatha community.

KAC OFFICE CLOSED TODAY – THURSDAY 28 MAY

Esther Thorn — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:55:33 +0000

Please be advised that the KAC Port Augusta Office will be closed today, Thursday 28 May, while staff attend the launch of the KAC Strategic Plan at Press Road.

The event kicks off from 10:30am and all Kokatha community members are warmly encouraged to come down and take part in this important day for Kokatha.

There will be food, activities, roo tail cooking, damper making and a presentation from the KAC Board about the future direction of the Corporation and community.

We look forward to seeing everyone there.

REMINDER – KAC CODE OF CONDUCT

Esther Thorn — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:21:18 +0000

As we prepare for today’s KAC Strategic Plan Launch, we respectfully remind all attendees that the KAC Code of Conduct applies to everyone attending the event.

The Code of Conduct is in place to help ensure the launch is a safe, respectful and positive event for all Kokatha people and guests attending.

✨ Expected behaviours include:
• Treating everyone with respect and courtesy
• Using respectful language
• Following reasonable directions from staff and event organisers
• Helping create a welcoming environment for all community members
• Acting in the best interests of Kokatha people and community

🚫 The following behaviours are not acceptable:
• Aggressive, intimidating or threatening behaviour
• Verbal abuse, harassment or offensive language
• Bullying or physical abuse
• Disruptive behaviour that impacts the event or other attendees
• Attending under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances

🔔 Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in attendees being asked to leave the event.

Today is an important opportunity for the community to come together, hear about the future direction of KAC and celebrate the work that has gone into developing the Strategic Plan. We thank everyone in advance for helping make the event safe, respectful and enjoyable for all.

MEET THE NEW KAC CEO – JASON DAVISON

Esther Thorn — Wed, 20 May 2026 01:05:06 +0000

Jason Davison has lived and worked across Australia and New Zealand, but his recent move to South Australia has already made a lasting impression. ‘You South Australians have certainly kept the secret well,’ he laughs. ‘Your beaches are incredible, the Flinders Ranges are beautiful and Kokatha Country is just spectacular.’

Jason stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) last month, and has recently returned from a visit to the Kokatha stations, near Roxby Downs. It’s an experience that has only strengthened his enthusiasm for the role. ‘I’m loving meeting everyone and I’m really impressed by the scale of the Corporation,’ he says. ‘There’s a lot of positive momentum right now, from the Ranger Program to the growth of Kokatha Mining Services. It’s a really exciting time to be part of KAC.’

With strong experience working in Aboriginal corporations, Jason brings both leadership and a genuine commitment to community. Most recently, he served as CEO of Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation in Derby, Western Australia. ‘After moving to Australia from New Zealand, I felt a strong desire to give back to the Country that welcomed me,’ he says. ‘Working alongside Aboriginal communities is one of the most meaningful ways I can do that.’

Jason’s career began in disability support, where he developed the communication and people skills that continue to shape his leadership today. ‘That work taught me how important it is to listen and connect,’ he says. ‘I see my role as bringing people together and building a strong, capable team.’

KAC Chairperson Nyani Thomas says Jason’s appointment comes at an important time for the organisation. ‘This is a really important period for KAC,’ Nyani says. ‘With our new Strategic Plan being launched next week (Thursday, 28 May) and a strong direction ahead, having a CEO like Jason puts us in a great position for the future.’

Jason will be based at KAC’s Railway Terrace office in Port Augusta and is looking forward to becoming part of the local community. ‘I’m really looking forward to getting to know the Kokatha community and spending time with the Elders and meeting the young Kokatha leaders,’ he says. ‘It’s an honour to step into this role, and I’m excited to help KAC continue to grow and reach its full potential.’