Kokatha

https://kokatha.com.au Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:53:21 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://kokatha.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-Kokatha-logo-hi-res-32x32.png Kokatha https://kokatha.com.au 32 32 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:

https://kokatha.com.au/member-services-community…/

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!

]]> CONGRATS TO OUR KMS CREW AT AURIZON https://kokatha.com.au/congrats-to-our-kms-crew-at-aurizon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=congrats-to-our-kms-crew-at-aurizon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:50:14 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19037

A huge congratulations to Kokatha Mining Services (KMS) workers Alex Denny and Kirsty Sultan, who have successfully obtained their Reach Stacker Licences.

A reach stacker is a specialised, heavy-duty vehicle used to lift, move and stack large containers in ports, rail yards and storage terminals. Operating one requires specialised knowledge and training, so this is certainly not your basic licence or ticket!

Alex and Kirsty are two of four Kokatha people recently recruited to KMS and contracted to work with Aurizon as part of a new labour hire arrangement. Initially, the team was employed to drive water tankers and carry out dust suppression work, but their roles have continued to grow and expand.

With their new Reach Stacker Licences, Alex and Kirsty now have the skills to help load and unload the trains coming into the Pimba Intermodal Terminal, supporting operations at BHP’s Copper SA sites.

This is a great example of what can happen when opportunities are created for Kokatha people to build their knowledge, skills and experience.

A big thank you to the team at Aurizon for organising the training and covering the cost of the licensing.

KMS workers Byron Taylor and Geordie Amos will complete their Reach Stacker Licences in the next round of training. All four team members are Kokatha people, and this is another exciting step forward for the group.

We look forward to continuing to build strong relationships and working together to create opportunities that support our people.

Pictured – Alex Denny and Kirsty Sultan with the Reach Stackers at the Aurizon Intermodal Terminal at Pimba

]]> EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – TWO DAY ON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE https://kokatha.com.au/expressions-of-interest-two-day-on-country-experience/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=expressions-of-interest-two-day-on-country-experience Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:57:48 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19017

Kokatha community – you’re invited to take part in a special two-day On Country experience on 19 and 20 September.

The trip includes two events:

☀️ Saturday, 19 September – Arid Recovery Open Day

Enjoy a day at the Arid Recovery Reserve, with activities kicking off at 10am.

🌿 Sunday, 20 September – BHP Family Day & Official Naming of Ankata (Oak Dam)

🚌 Transport and overnight accommodation will be provided, with buses departing from Port Augusta and returning the following day.

BHP will provide water, snacks and fruit on the buses and there will be a toilet stop along the way.

Travel details include:

📅 Saturday, 19 September

◾ Bus departs Port Augusta at 7.00am

◾Arrives at Arid Recovery Reserve at approximately 9.30am

◾Activities begin at 10.00am

◾Bus 1 departs Arid Recovery Reserve for Oak Dam Village at 3.00pm for the overnight stay, arriving at 4.30pm.

◾Bus 2 departs Arid Recovery Reserve for Port Augusta at 4.00pm (for people who only want to take part in the first day).

🏕️ Overnight stay at Oak Dam Village.

📅 Sunday, 20 September

◾Enjoy the BHP Family Day and official naming of Ankata (Oak Dam)

◾Bus departs Oak Dam for Port Augusta at 1.30pm

Want to come along? Please click on the button below to complete the Expression of Interest form ASAP.

⚠️ Important: Make sure you include your full name and contact details on the form. If we don’t have your contact information, we won’t be able to get in touch with you about the trip.

We look forward to seeing you there!

]]> CONGRATULATIONS TARI WARREN https://kokatha.com.au/congratulations-tari-warren/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=congratulations-tari-warren Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:01:42 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19012

Kokatha Ranger Chantari Warren, has been chosen to take part in the Indigenous Desert Alliance’s (IDA) 2026 Desert Women’s Leadership Trip to Boorloo (Perth) this October.

Tari will join 11 other women rangers from across the desert regions of South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, for a week of learning, sharing and connection.

The program will focus on building confidence, developing workshop planning and facilitation skills, and creating connections between women rangers who are working on Country and sharing their experiences.

Since joining the Kokatha Ranger Program, Tari has embraced every opportunity to learn and build her skills.

Growing up camping and hunting on Country with her Dad, grandfather and uncles, Tari, who is a proud Kokatha woman, has always had a strong connection to Country.

Now, as a mum to four boys, she is proud to be passing that knowledge and connection on to the next generation.

We’re looking forward to seeing Tari represent Kokatha, connect with other women rangers and bring new knowledge and experiences back to our Ranger Program.

Well done Tari!

]]> INTRODUCING KAC’S INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR KRISTA DUNSTAN https://kokatha.com.au/introducing-kacs-independent-director-krista-dunstan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=introducing-kacs-independent-director-krista-dunstan Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:38:44 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=19002

When Krista Dunstan saw the Independent Director position at Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) advertised, she felt it was a strong fit for her experience and values.

‘I just thought this would be a position where my skills could really make a difference and it seemed like there was a lot of alignment between what KAC was doing and what we’d been doing over here in Western Australia,’ she says.

A proud Noongar woman, who grew up in Esperance, before moving to Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar in Boorloo (Perth), Krista is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Port Hedland Industries Council. She is also Chair of Blak & Bright, which is Australia’s leading organisation dedicated to showcasing and elevating First Nations literary voices. Recently Krista was also appointed to the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).

Krista has held senior roles in both government and the corporate sector, including working as Western Australia’s Investment and Trade Commissioner to ASEAN.

‘That role really impressed upon me the cultural similarities between South East Asia and Aboriginal Australia,’ she says. ‘It got me interested in looking at international investment opportunities for Aboriginal communities, especially in South East Asia because there’s a lot of alignment.’

Earlier in her career, Krista worked as a lawyer specialising in the resources and construction industries. She brings with her a wealth of experience in governance, leadership and ‘building bridges’ between government, industry and Aboriginal communities.

‘I’m passionate about creating opportunities for Aboriginal people to have a genuine say in the decisions that affect them, and to share in the economic opportunities that come from development on our land,’ she says.

Krista believes strong governance and long-term planning are the keys to creating lasting benefits for Aboriginal people into the future, which is also what attracted her to the position on the KAC Board.

‘I think the Strategic Plan puts KAC in a really good position by setting a very clear road map about where the Corporation is headed,’ she says. ‘It’s a really exciting time to be involved in helping to bring the plan to life and see it have a real impact.’

Since joining the KAC Board, Krista has also been enjoying bringing her negotiation and strategic skills to the table, as KAC works towards a new Olympic Dam Agreement.

‘I really like supporting the Directors in building opportunities that will benefit all Kokatha people for generations to come,’ she says.

Many Kokatha community members met Krista for the first time at the recent Common Law Holders’ Meeting.

‘Everyone was so lovely,’ she says. ‘They were such a welcoming and passionate group.’

Krista was particularly impressed with how well the community members engaged with the stakeholders’ presentations and how ready everyone was to seek clarity and ask questions.

‘It was so great that people stepped in and asked questions, and I just want to see us continue to make those opportunities available,’ she says.

Krista was also heartened by the number of Kokatha children in attendance at the meeting and how well KAC catered for them with activities that made them feel welcomed and included.

‘The intergenerational learning that comes from these meetings is something that we don’t think about enough,’ she says. ‘It’s just so important because these kids are our future leaders.’

KAC Chairperson Nyani Thomas says Krista has an impressive level of experience across government, business and industry. ‘We’re very grateful to have that breadth of knowledge and commercial insight around the KAC Board Table,’ he says. ‘Krista brings experience in big picture outcomes, which is really aligned to where we are right now. It complements the knowledge and experience of our Directors really well and strengthens our ability to make informed decisions that will benefit Kokatha people for generations to come.’

With the next KAC AGM and CLHM scheduled for November, Krista is already looking forward to coming back to South Australia and continuing to get to know the Kokatha community.

‘I’m really enjoying working with the KAC Board and the Kokatha community to build long-term opportunities and I can’t wait for the next time that I get to see everyone in person again,’ she says.

Please join us in welcoming Krista Dunstan to the KAC Board, and don’t hesitate to say hello when you see her in November.

]]> AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM KAC CHAIRPERSON NYANI THOMAS https://kokatha.com.au/an-important-message-from-kac-chairperson-nyani-thomas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=an-important-message-from-kac-chairperson-nyani-thomas Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:45:38 +0000 https://kokatha.com.au/?p=18996

On behalf of the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation Board, I would like to advise our community, stakeholders and friends that Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation and Chief Executive Officer Jason Davison have mutually agreed to part ways.

This has not been taken lightly, but it is a considered and forward-looking decision that both the Board and Jason have agreed is in the best interests of the Corporation and its future direction.

Jason joined KAC earlier this year, and we thank him for his contribution and the time and knowledge he invested in our Corporation and our people. We wish Jason every success in his future endeavours.

KAC is continuing to move forward at a rapid pace, with strong strategic direction and significant opportunities ahead. We remain focussed on delivering for our members and Common Law Holders, strengthening our operations and building a strong and sustainable future.

In the interim KAC will be led by our highly capable General Managers, Matt Cimarosti and Ubaid Rahman, who will continue to work closely with the Board, our staff and our broader networks to ensure continuity and maintain our momentum.

There is a great deal of important work happening across KAC, and we remain firmly focused on the future and realising the targets set out in our Strategic Plan.

Thank you to our community, stakeholders and staff for your ongoing support, while we continue this important work together.

Yours sincerely,

Nyani Thomas

KAC Chairperson

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