Micky Wunungmurra becomes new chairman of Arnhem Land Progress Corporation

The newly elected Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation leader hopes to further the legacy of creating self-sufficiency in Indigenous communities.

Micky Wunungmurra has been elected as the Chairperson of the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation. Picture: supplied

The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation has just elected a new chairman to its board of directors after health issues forced the previous chairman into retirement after 30 years of service to the corporation.

Micky Wunungmurra from Gapuwiyak in East Arnhem Land has replaced outgoing chairman Djiniyini Gondarra.

Mr Wunungmurra said he would continue to build on his predecessor’s vision and legacy, prioritising the health and wellbeing of First Nations people through education, employment and business enterprise.

Micky Wunungmurra has been elected the new chairman of the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation. Picture: supplied

He referenced the growth of the corporation, attributing it largely to Mr Gondarra’s three-decade contribution.

“He took over a very small organisation, when ALPA only operated eight stores, to where it is today, operating more than 25 stores,” Mr Wunungmurra said.

The Arnhem Land Progress Association aims to create economic independence and equal opportunity for Aboriginal people. Picture: supplied

The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation founded a retail arm in 1972 with a mission to create economic independence and equal opportunity for Aboriginal people.

Its vision to ensure there is “a reliable source of nutritious food in Arnhem Land” has seen the corporation purchase stores in remote regions, expanding all the way to Far North Queensland.

The ALPA’s five member stores in Galiwin‘ku (Elcho Island), Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella), Milingimbi (Yurriwi), Minjilang (Croker Island) and Ramingining are crucial to communities as they are the only supermarkets to exist in their respective locations.

The supermarkets offer a range of food and produce as well as employment opportunities for community locals.