Business – 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.

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.

SAVE THE DATE – THURSDAY 28 MAY

Esther Thorn — Tue, 12 May 2026 05:58:50 +0000

Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) would like to invite the Kokatha community to save the date for the official launch of the KAC 2026 – 2035 Strategic Plan.

Thursday 28 May 2026

Press Road Community Space, Port Augusta

10.30am – 2pm

The Strategic Plan is like a map for the future, that helps KAC make good decisions and work towards important goals for our people, culture and Country.

Coming to the launch is a chance for you to learn about the exciting things planned for the future, and be part of the journey.

The afternoon will include:

Arts and craft activities

Roo tail and damper cooking

Sausage sizzle and drinks

Official launch and presentation of the Strategic Plan

The launch will be held during National Reconciliation Week and will be a fun and community-focused afternoon, bringing Kokatha families together to celebrate this important milestone.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for more information. We can’t wait to see you there!

KAC EASTER FUN DAY – WHAT A SUCCESS!

Esther Thorn — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:45:17 +0000

A big thank you to everyone who took part in the Kokatha Easter Fun Day on Saturday, it was a huge success!

We had more than 85 people come along, with Kokatha kids of all ages and lots of families enjoying time together.

It was great to see the Kokatha community out, connecting and having fun.

Congratulations to our golden egg prize winners, Myla Reid and Aaron Reid

Jarrad and Shonelle from the KAC Community Development Team ran some great games with the kids before we all got into the Easter egg hunt.

There were plenty of smiles, laughs and full baskets by the end of it!

We’ve had lots of positive feedback from families, with many keen to see what else KAC has planned for the rest of the year!

Thank you to Kym Chamberlain, Joanne Strangways, Jarrad Edwards, Shonelle Reid and Erika Grantham for all their work in the lead up and on the day.

A shout out also to all the parents who got helped run the games – we couldn’t have done it without you!

HAVE YOUR SAY – KOKATHA COMMUNITY EVENTS SURVEY NOW OPEN

Esther Thorn — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:09:13 +0000

Kokatha community – we want to hear from you!

We’re planning community events, activities, and training for the year ahead, and we’d love your input.

This survey will take about five minutes of your time and your feedback will directly shape what we deliver this year.

We’ll also share back with the community what you asked for and how we’ve delivered it.

We want your thoughts on things like:

Community events – pool days, cinema nights, beach games, aquatic days.

School holiday activities for all ages.

Easter & NAIDOC event ideas.

Trust & Membership info sessions.

Heritage info sessions – how to join the crew, required tickets/licenses.

Workshops and training opportunities – e.g., White Card.

Any other ideas, suggestions or feedback.

Follow the link to complete the survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X8HXM5P

Survey closes Tuesday 31 March

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

JOIN THE KOKATHA RANGER PROGRAM

Esther Thorn — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:53:07 +0000

Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) is inviting Kokatha men who want to work on Country and give back to community to join our Kokatha Ranger Program.

Based at Roxby Downs Station, these roles offer the chance to be part of a hands-on team caring for Kokatha land,

culture and heritage, while building skills for the future.

Location: Roxby Downs Station and across Kokatha Country

Opportunities: Full-time (permanent), part-time and casual roles available

You’ll be working alongside Elders, the Station Manager and ranger team, taking part in land management, cultural and environmental work, and on-ground activities that make a real difference.

What’s on offer:

• Competitive pay and super

• Salary packaging up to $18,500

• Ensuite accommodation and meals at Roxby Downs Station

• Internet provided on site

• 4 weeks’ annual leave

• Work vehicle for work purposes

• Training and development opportunities

The role:

This is a practical, on-Country role involving ranger and station work, community engagement, training and cultural activities, with the opportunity to help shape the future of the Kokatha Ranger Program.

Applications close:

5pm on Friday 27 February 2026

Early applications are encouraged as interviews may take place before the closing date.

Apply now:

Send a short expression of interest and your resume to

ranger.operations@kokatha.com.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

KAC AGM AND CLHM WEEKEND WRAP UP

Esther Thorn — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 03:17:54 +0000

What a weekend! We had a record crowd this year with more than 350 Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation members attending the AGM. It was fantastic to see so many Kokatha people come together to talk about the future of our community.

The weekend started with a barbecue breakfast, which was a great way for everyone to catch up, share a meal and get the day underway. There were plenty of activities for the kids right across the weekend and they all had a great time.

One of the highlights was seeing Ayana Reid announced as the winner of the Kokatha kids t-shirt design competition. Her design looked deadly and the kids were proud to wear their new shirts.

The AGM and CLHM gave everyone a chance to connect, have their say and make some important decisions for our community moving forward.

Congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected KAC Directors, as well as the new Trustee Advisory Committee members and the Culture and Heritage Committee nominees. We look forward to seeing all of you continue this important work.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and to all the staff and supporters who helped make the weekend such a success. Kokatha community spirit was strong and it was great to see so many people coming together.