Elly Patira resigns as CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT

The head of Aboriginal Investment NT is stepping down, a week after the organisation officially launched its half a billion dollar grants program.

The head of Aboriginal Investment NT has resigned, a week after the organisation officially launched its half a billion dollar grants program.

Aboriginal Investment NT opened applications for a new chief executive on Wednesday following Elly Patira’s announcement she was stepping down after 16 months in the role.

Ms Patira will remain on in an advisory capacity to help deliver the organisation’s strategic plan to drive Aboriginal-led investment in the NT.

Elly Patira has resigned as Chief Executive of Aboriginal Investment NT. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Last week Aboriginal Investment NT launched its inaugural five year plan to invest $655m of Aboriginal money previously controlled by Canberra.

The plan involved using the newly unlocked capital to back Aboriginal organisations, businesses and small and large-scale investment opportunities in the NT, focusing on income generating assets so local Aboriginal communities can meet their own social, economic and cultural aspirations.

Ms Patira will remain as chief executive until November, supporting the Board to appoint her replacement.

Chair Barbara Shaw speaks at the launch of Aboriginal Investment NT’s Strategic Plan last week. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

“Elly’s dedication and vision have been invaluable to Aboriginal Investment NT. Her contributions have set us up to deploy capital and invest in projects that will build the wealth and wellbeing of Aboriginal Territorians for generations to come,” chairwoman Barbara Shaw said.

“The Board is committed to maintaining momentum during this transition, with a strong focus on continuing the organisation’s mission of empowering Aboriginal communities in the NT.”

Ms Patira said she felt “incredibly proud” of what had been accomplished and looked forward to supporting Aboriginal Investment NT into the future.

“It has been a privilege to work with such an engaged and motivated Board to deliver a Strategic Investment Plan that prioritises Aboriginal self-determination and positions Aboriginal Territorians as key economic players in the Territory. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and look forward to supporting the organisation into the future,” she said.

Originally published as Elly Patira resigns as CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT