Our Stories – Kokatha https://kokatha.com.au Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:28:19 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 https://kokatha.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-Kokatha-logo-hi-res-32x32.png Our Stories – Kokatha https://kokatha.com.au 32 32 UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT TAFE https://kokatha.com.au/upcoming-training-opportunities-at-tafe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=upcoming-training-opportunities-at-tafe Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:25:24 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19231
The Aboriginal Access Centre at Port Augusta TAFE is calling for registrations of interest for White Card training and Front End Loader Operations.
🚧White Card – Work Safely in the Construction Industry
This short course provides an understanding of risk management and injury prevention in the construction industry.
📅Monday 26 October
⏰8.30am – 4pm
🚜Front End Loader Operations
This course is for a maximum of six participants and is free for Aboriginal students.
📅Tuesday 27 October – Thursday 29 October
⏰8.30am – 4pm
📲To register please call Deidre Coulthard on 86489924 or email deidre.coulthard@tafesa.edu.au
 
]]> BHP RENAMES OAK DAM WITH KOKATHA NAME https://kokatha.com.au/bhp-renames-oak-dam-with-kokatha-name/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bhp-renames-oak-dam-with-kokatha-name Mon, 21 Sep 2026 06:44:13 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19193
In an important chapter in the Kokatha story, BHP has renamed its Oak Dam exploration site Ankata, which is the Kokatha word for Bearded Dragon.
 
The name recognises the Creation Story or Songline, that the potential future mine is situated on.
 
It’s the first time that BHP has renamed one of its mining or exploration sites with an Aboriginal name, which we hope shows an acknowledgement of the deep cultural and spiritual connection Kokatha people have to their Country.
 
The day also marked the opening of a dedicated Kokatha office at Ankata, that can be used by all Kokatha people working at the site.
 
Ankata is more than just a name – it’s recognition that Kokatha Country has always, and will always, belong to Kokatha people.
]]> WHAT A WEEKEND ON KOKATHA COUNTRY! https://kokatha.com.au/what-a-weekend-on-kokatha-country/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-a-weekend-on-kokatha-country Mon, 21 Sep 2026 03:57:25 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19185
Kokatha Directors, community members and staff came together for two very important events on Kokatha Country over the weekend.
 
The weekend began with the Kokatha and Arid Recovery Open Day, where the KAC Board joined families, Rangers and visitors at the reserve, near Roxby Downs.
 
It was the first time Kokatha and Arid Recovery have jointly held the Open Day, and it was a great opportunity for people to learn about the work being done to protect Country, and also to enjoy a day together.
 
The next day marked a particularly significant moment, with the official renaming of Oak Dam to Ankata, and the opening of the new Kokatha office at BHP’s Ankata exploration site.
 
The name Ankata means Bearded Dragon and is part of the Creation Story or Songline, that passes through the area.
 
In his speech, KAC Deputy Chair Glen Wingfield said the name recognises the enduring connection between Kokatha people, culture and Country and ensures Kokatha language and story are reflected in the name of this important place.
 
He paid tribute to the Kokatha Elders who fought so hard to have their Native Title recognised, and thanked the community members for their support, and for coming out to witness what he hopes will be the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between KAC and BHP.
 
The dedicated Kokatha office at Ankata, which is decorated in artwork by Kokatha artist Presten Warren, was officially opened by KAC Director Joyleen Thomas, and provides a base for all Kokatha people working at the exploration site.
 
Thank you to everyone who helped make both events possible, and to all the Kokatha community and staff who supported these milestone occasions.
 
📸Check out the great photos from the weekend!
]]> ROWE PARTNERS BUSINESS AWARDS FINALISTS https://kokatha.com.au/rowe-partners-business-awards-finalists/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rowe-partners-business-awards-finalists Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:38:49 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19116
We’re excited to share that our Trust & Member Services Team has been named a finalist in the Rowe Partners Business Awards, in the Excellence in the Delivery of Services category.
The nomination recognised the team’s commitment to providing quality, responsive and professional support to Kokatha members.
Being named a finalist is a wonderful acknowledgement of the care and dedication the team brings to their work every day.
A big congratulations to Clayton, Jasmine, Deanna and Leticia on this well-deserved recognition.
We wish the team all the best for the awards night in October!
]]> WE’RE HIRING – HERITAGE SERVICES COORDINATOR https://kokatha.com.au/were-hiring-heritage-services-coordinator/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=were-hiring-heritage-services-coordinator Thu, 17 Sep 2026 01:25:27 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19109
Are you organised, proactive and good at keeping projects, people and plans on track?
 
Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation is looking for a Heritage Services Coordinator to join our Heritage Operations team.
 
This is an opportunity to play an important role in supporting the delivery of heritage services and activities across Kokatha Country, while working alongside a team committed to protecting culture and heritage for current and future generations.
 
The role will support our Heritage Operations team with:
◾Heritage project administration and record keeping
◾Travel and logistics coordination
◾Stakeholder, consultant and contractor support
◾Reporting, compliance and procurement
◾Invoicing, purchase orders and expenditure tracking
◾Improving systems and processes
 
We’re keen to hear from candidates with strong administration or project coordination skills, excellent communication and organisation, attention to detail and the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
 
Experience in heritage, native title, cultural services, mining, community or Aboriginal organisations is desirable, but not essential.
 
📍 Full-time | based in Port Augusta
If you’re looking for a role where your organisational skills can contribute to meaningful work on Kokatha Country, we’d love to hear from you.
 
How to apply:
To read the full position description, please click on the button below.
Or email your cover letter and up-to-date resume to:  employmentandtraining@kokatha.com.au
Please share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested in joining the KAC team.
Click here
]]> TJITJI TJUTA MUNDA CAMP REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN https://kokatha.com.au/tjitji-tjuta-munda-camp-registrations-are-now-open/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tjitji-tjuta-munda-camp-registrations-are-now-open Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:52:38 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19101
Calling all young Kokatha kids aged between 10 – 17! We still have five spots available on our upcoming Tjitji Tjuta Munda Camp (KAC Kids Camp).
This Kokatha Aborigial Corporation led camp will be held during the second week of the spring school holidays.
📆Departing Tuesday 6 October and returning Thursday 8 October 2026.
📍The camp will take place on Kokatha Country at Roxby Downs Station.
The camp will be an unforgettable opportunity for Kokatha young people to connect with Country, build on and develop personal skills, and experience guided cultural site tours.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the camp, or you know a young person who’d like to take part, please register your interest 👉https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdE9NqlrlO…/viewform…
Once you’ve registered, Jarrad Edwards from KAC’s Community Development Team will be in touch with more information.
‼️Please note that the registration of interest form must be sent back to Jarrad at jarrad.edwards@kokatha.com.au no later than Sunday 20 September 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you. The last camp was an amazing experience for everyone involved and we’re certain this one will be too!
]]> KOKATHA EDUCTION SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN https://kokatha.com.au/kokatha-eduction-scholarship-now-open/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kokatha-eduction-scholarship-now-open Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:47:50 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19092
We’re pleased to announce that the Kokatha Education Scholarship Round 1 for FY 2026–27 is now open!
Applications can be submitted from today, Monday, 24 August until COB Friday, 30 October 2026.
The Scholarship Program helps cover educational costs of up to $10,000 per calendar year for eligible registered Kokatha Common Law Holders (KCLH), registered KAC Members and their children.
Funding may assist with:
📚 Course fees, textbooks and study materials
💻 Digital tools such as laptops, iPads, hardware and software
🛠️ Equipment, tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
🏠 Accommodation and transport costs
🎓 Excursions and camps that form part of the assessed curriculum
📖 Tutoring and tutorial support
🎒 Uniforms
🌏 Educational holiday programs and extracurricular activities
🏡 Back to Home allowance
Please note that childcare, after-school care (OSHC) and vacation care are not covered. Digital devices are generally limited to one device every three years, and primary and high school students must provide supporting documentation from their educational institution confirming that the device is required for learning purposes.
To be considered, applications must include supporting documentation such as:
• Attendance records, where relevant
• An educational reference
• A personal statement from the student
• The most recent academic report
• Evidence of other external funding applications, or an explanation as to why these have not been made
• Evidence of a School Card application, where relevant
• Quotes for the educational costs being requested
Who should apply?
➡️ Students over 18 years must complete and sign their own application.
➡️ A parent or guardian must complete and sign the application for students under 18.
📅 Applications open: Monday, 24 August 2026
⏰ Applications close: COB Friday, 30 October 2026
Apply online through the KAC website:
Applications can also be submitted through the CAPs Portal.
If you have any questions about the Scholarship Program or the application process, please contact the Trusts & Member Services Team on 8642 2068.
 
]]> 12 YEARS OF KOKATHA NATIVE TITLE https://kokatha.com.au/12-years-of-kokatha-native-title/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-years-of-kokatha-native-title Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:03:56 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19057
This week marks an important milestone in the Kokatha story.
 
On 1 September 2014, Kokatha people gathered at Andamooka Station as the Federal Court formally handed down the Kokatha Native Title Consent Determination, legally recognising our enduring connection to our Country.
 
It was a day of celebration and and pride. But behind that celebration was a long and difficult journey.
 
For generations, Kokatha people fought to have our connection to Country recognised.
 
The journey to Native Title was challenging and, at times, marked by conflict, pain and fear.
 
Twelve years on, we can look back with enormous pride at how far we’ve come.
 
Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation has grown into a strong and proud organisation, working to support our members, care for Country, create employment, build businesses and ensure the benefits of our Native Title flow back to the Kokatha community.
 
We honour those who came before us. We remember the Elders who carried our culture, stories and connection to Country through difficult times. And we acknowledge the strength and determination of the Kokatha people who never gave up.
 
This week, we celebrate 12 years of recognition, resilience, strength and achievement, and we look forward to building on the work of our Elders to create an even stronger future for our children.
 
One People | One Country | One Dreaming 💙🧡
]]> EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – EXPERIENCED CIVIL CONSTRUCTION OPERATORS https://kokatha.com.au/expressions-of-interest-experienced-civil-construction-operators/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=expressions-of-interest-experienced-civil-construction-operators Fri, 04 Sep 2026 01:58:15 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19050
Kokatha Mining Services (KMS) is expanding, with upcoming opportunities within our civil operations.
 
We are seeking experienced civil construction operators with strong plant operating skills and experience working safely and efficiently on civil construction sites.
 
If you’re experienced in operating the following machinery, we want to hear from you:
🔸 Excavators
🔸 Front-end loaders
🔸 Skid steers
🔸 Backhoes
🔸 Graders
🔸 Rollers/compactors
🔸 Water carts
🔸 Trucks – side tippers and tippers
 
Desirable tickets & qualifications include:
✔️ Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
✔️ Certificate III in Civil Construction (General)
✔️ Certificate IV in Civil Construction (Supervision)
✔️ HR/HC heavy vehicle licence
✔️ White Card
✔️ Relevant plant and machinery tickets
✔️ Traffic management qualifications
 
We’re looking for people who have practical experience and knowledge across areas such as excavation and trenching, levels and grades, GPS machine control, earthmoving and material placement, road construction, drainage and pipe installation, basic surveying and levelling, and working safely around underground services.
 
👷🏾‍♂️Positions are also available for site supervisors and leading hands.
 
A strong understanding of site safety, SWMS/JSA, exclusion zones, pre-start inspections, environmental controls and hazard reporting is also important.
 
If you have several years of practical plant operation experience, can work safely and accurately, and have the skills to work both independently and as part of a team, please get in touch!
 
📧 To express your interest, please send your resume and copies of your relevant tickets and qualifications to:
kms@kokatha.com.au
 
Alternatively you can apply via Seek 👉https://au.seek.com/job/94409327?ref=cm-ui
Please share this post with anyone who might be interested!
]]> ABORIGINAL HEALTH &WELLBEING DAY https://kokatha.com.au/aboriginal-health-wellbeing-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=aboriginal-health-wellbeing-day Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:43:57 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19044
Wednesday, 30 September 2026
 
Want to find out more about the different health services and support available for Aboriginal people living in Port Augusta?
 
Come along to our Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Day, hosted by Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation, and connect with local services, organisations and community.
 
It’s a chance to have a yarn, ask questions, find out what’s available and make connections with services that can support you and your family.
 
📅 Wednesday, 30 September 2026
⏰ 10.30am – 2.00pm
📍 West Augusta Football Club
13 Gardiner Avenue, Port Augusta West
 
There will be a range of local organisations on hand to share information about health, wellbeing, mental health, family support and other services available in our community, including:
◾Uniting Country SA
◾Comet Healthcare
◾Inklings
◾Headspace
◾Pika Wiya
◾Healthy Dreaming
◾Yapi Services
…and more!
 
💉 FREE vaccinations will also be available for Aboriginal people, including children and babies, thanks to Stellar Health.
 
🌭 KAC will be providing a sausage sizzle for lunch, as well as water and fruit boxes.
 
🎟️ KIDS STAMP TRAIL!
 
Kids can visit each stall and collect a stamp along the way.
 
Once they’ve completed their stamp trail, they’ll receive a raffle ticket, with the raffle drawn at the end of the event!
 
More details to come – keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for updates!
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