Jawoyn Association to reform after construction arm collapse

Change is coming to one of the Territory’s largest regional employers after some tough economic times. Read what’s planned.

Jawoyn Corporation board members have voted to restructure trading of Jawoyn Contracting

The Jawoyn Association will restructure its economic strategy, after the collapse of its construction division that saw 18 employees made redundant.

A statement from Jawoyn Corporation said board members voted to restructure trading of Jawoyn Contracting, highlighting the continued poor financial performance of its business activities.

Without detailing the nature of the changes, it said the closure of certain business activities was not related to the departure of Jawoyn Association chief executive John Berto, “even though they occurred in quick succession”.

Jawoyn Association acknowledged the impact the 18 redundancies had on individuals and families.

Jawoyn Contracting’s director John Berto (far left). SUPPLIED

It applauded Mr Berto’s achievements as chief executive in securing Jawoyn’s role as a key economic player in the region and said the new direction emphasised sustainable success across social, environmental and economic pillars.

Chairperson Lisa Mumbin said the organisational restructure would prepare and adapt the Jawoyn Association to compete in a changed market place.

“We are making financially responsible decisions so the organisation can remain being viable and stand on its own,” Ms Mumbin said.

“Twenty twenty-five sees our corporations’ 40th year anniversary and we want to focus on promoting and sharing all the good things we do and the real differences we make to Jawoyn people, those living on Jawoyn Country and the Big Rivers community,” Ms Mumbin said.

“We have exciting opportunities all around us and Jawoyn people will continue to play a crucial role in delivering outcomes across many industries.”

Jawoyn leader Lisa Mumbin.

The majority of Jawoyn Association’s 260 employees are Indigenous, with about 77 per cent of its income self-generated.

Its permanent rangers teams increased to more than 40 during The Dry, including a Women Rangers Program.

It has the struck a successful joint venture with Nyirrunggulung Rise to run CDP programs in Bulman, Barunga, Beswick, Manyallaluk and Binjari.

Ms Mumbin said the Association enterprises and other businesses continued to trade as normal, with Nitmiluk Tours running tourist operations at Nitmiluk Gorge as well as the award-winning Cicada Lodge, Leilyn and Cutta Cutta Caves.

It also owns the three-star Beagle Hotel in Katherine, which is in the early stages of development as a hospitality training base and delivers cultural and social services such as the Banatjarl Strongbala Wimun Grup through Jawoyn Social Services.

“All these enterprises are creating opportunities for our people,” Ms Mumbin said.

“This is what our Elders have always wanted – economic independence for Jawoyn.”

Originally published as Jawoyn Association to reform after construction arm collapse