Kokatha

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.’

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!

FOLLOWING IN HER GRANDFATHER’S FOOTSTEPS

Esther Thorn — Wed, 06 May 2026 02:13:06 +0000

Growing up, Kirsty Sultan always looked up to her grandfather, respected Kokatha Elder and loader operator Abdul Sultan. ‘I just always admired him and thought, I want to be like him when I grow up,’ Kirsty says.

At the time, many people told her operating machinery was ‘a man’s job’. But Kirsty never let that stop her. ‘I’ve always liked proving people wrong,’ she says with a smile.

Today, thanks to her determination, hard work and the support of her mum Tania

Sultan, Kirsty has achieved her childhood dream – becoming the first female

operator at Kokatha Mining Services (KMS).

‘As a Kokatha woman, it feels really special to be employed by KMS and to be able to work on Country every day in a job I love,’ she says. ‘I could never have done it without my Mum though, she’s been a constant support.’

Kirsty is one of four Kokatha people recently recruited to KMS and contracted

to work with Aurizon, as part of a new labour hire arrangement.

She is currently driving a water truck and says she has quickly settled into the role. ‘I love the work and I’m really proud to be part of the KMS team,’ she says. ‘All the guys have been really welcoming and positive about having me onboard.’

Kirsty is no stranger to working in what has traditionally been a male-dominated

industry.

She began her career at Olympic Dam when she was just 25 years old, at a time when there were very few women working in mining. ‘I actually started in admin, but it really wasn’t for me,’ Kirsty laughs. ‘Before long I was driving trucks underground. These days there are a lot more women doing that work, but back then there weren’t many at all.’

Her career then took her to Iron Knob, where she operated dump trucks and loaders, before moving to the Whyalla steelworks to work in a production role.

When she saw a position advertised at KMS, the decision to apply was an easy one.

‘I thought, well I love operating and I’m Kokatha, so why not?’ she says.

Kirsty is Mum to a teenage son and a four-year-old daughter, and says her family is

incredibly proud of her new role. ‘They come up and see me at work and it’s really special to be able to tell them that Mum’s working on Kokatha Country, doing a

job she loves,’ she says.

Kirsty hopes her journey will inspire other young Kokatha women to pursue careers in the industry too. ‘If you’re passionate about operating and working on your Country, just go for it,’ she says. ‘It’s really rewarding.’

This is just one of many positive stories happening across Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation. To read more about the great work, achievements and community updates, check out our latest newsletter by clicking on the button below.

Pictured – Kirsty Sultan in front of the Aurizon water tanker she proudly operates on Kokatha Country.

KOKATHA YOUTH CAMP – REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

Esther Thorn — Tue, 05 May 2026 05:33:10 +0000

Registrations are now open for Kokatha people who are interested in taking part in the inaugural Kokatha Youth Camp.

The camp was initially planned for April, however due to current fuel prices, it had to be rescheduled.

The new dates and venue are:

5 – 7 October 2026 (second week of spring school holidays – dates may change)

Arid Recovery Nature Reserve, on Kokatha Country

This camp is open to Aboriginal young people aged 10–17 and is all about:

Connecting with Country

Building strong relationships

Learning from Elders and Knowledge Holders

Developing confidence and life skills

This is a special opportunity for Kokatha young people to come together, learn, and grow in a culturally safe and supportive environment.

We’re also looking for people to be involved in different ways, including:

Knowledge Holders / Elders

Camp support staff

If you’re interested in being part of the camp as a participant, Knowledge Holder, or support staff, please register your interest here:

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdE9NqlrlO…/viewform…

More information will be shared soon, but for now we encourage you to register your interest and be part of something really positive for Kokatha young people.

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATE

Esther Thorn — Mon, 04 May 2026 23:39:12 +0000

Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation would like to share an update about the Community Assistance Program (CAP).

CAP has been helping many Kokatha members and Common Law Holders this year, and we are proud of the support that has been provided across our community.

So far this year (July 2025 to April 2026):

932 Kokatha members received health and wellbeing support.

492 children were supported through education.

289 members have almost used all of their funding allocation.

This is what the funding has gone to:

$1.53 million for member health, including support for Kokatha Elders.

$440,000 for education.

$145,000 for funerals and memorials.

$151,000 for scholarships (with more still being processed).

This shows how strongly the program is being used across our community.

Because so many people have needed financial support this year, demand for CAP has been higher than expected. To make sure the program can continue into the future, we now need to slow it down for a short period of eight weeks.

From close of business on Friday, 8 May 2026:

New applications for health, scholarships and general support will be paused.

Funeral and memorial support will continue.

This is not a full closure. We’re focusing on supporting what is most important while we look after the program.

We know this may be hard for some families, and we thank you for your understanding and will provide an update before applications start up again on Monday, 6 July 2026.

APRIL EDITION OF THE KAC NEWSLETTER NOW ONLINE

Esther Thorn — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:31:24 +0000

Lots of great things have been happening at KAC, and we’re excited to share them with you!

The April edition of the KAC Newsletter is now out, filled with awesome stories about our community, including big achievements, fun events and all the latest news from Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation.

You can read it online by clicking the button below, or pop into the KAC office on Railway Terrace in Port Augusta to grab a copy.

Have a read and see all the great things happening in our Corporation!

KOKATHA PASTORAL UPDATE

Esther Thorn — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:49:17 +0000

It’s been a busy and exciting week out at the Kokatha Pastoral Stations, with some significant progress across the programs.

We’re pleased to welcome our new Station Overseer, Brian Boland (pictured), along with three new female rangers who have joined the team at Roxby Downs Station.

It’s fantastic to see the team continuing to grow and more Aboriginal women stepping into these roles on Country.

Pictured from l. to r. are: Sam Stuart (Rangers Coordinator), Shaqkodan ‘Shaq’ Warren, Graham ‘Bubbles’ O’Toole, Chantari Warren, Amelia McKenzie and Taelah Linton.

Sam is continuing interviews this week for the remaining ranger positions, and we’re hoping to have a full crew on deck by the end of the month.

We’ve also made good progress on the rangers’ accommodation, training and recreation space (also pictured).

There were a few delays due to weather impacting the deck construction, but things are now moving forward again.

It’s fantastic to see everything coming together out on Kokatha Country!