Chairman's Report
2009-2010 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
This last year has been a successful trading year for ALPA. As Chairman, I thank my Board of Directors and the entire team that continue to work collaboratively under difficult and complex circumstances. I thank the General Managers for their work with the Board in continually translating the long held vision of ALPA into greater customer service, real jobs and opportunities for our members. ALPA is well place strategically, for a solid future so my thanks also go to the external members of the Investment Committee Alan Williams and Brendon Buckley for their valued participation.
Early in the year the Board supported the secondment of Alastair King, ALPA’s General Manager to Outback Stores with the Group Operations Manager, Steve Moore filling the position is his absence. This gesture, not made lightly, is recognition by our Board of the rare window of opportunity that structures like ALPA and Outback Stores offer to the localities that struggle for many reasons, to retain a stable and viable retail outlet.
I find it pleasing to go into our supermarkets and see an expanded range of goods in air-conditioned premises, increased numbers of Yolŋu employees, evidence of our increased fruit and vegetable range and the healthy choice in the takeaways. The decision of the Board to increase freight subsidies has translated in an expansion of lower prices in dairy and fruit and vegetables.
However I am also empathetic to the increasing demands being placed on workers and managers alike to be competitive, to trade longer hours, to gain extra skills and to maintain standards regardless of the cultural and family needs. I encourage a nurturing, and respectful approach, to negotiate difficulties and to remind each other of the purpose, value and vision of our efforts. A job well done by those who are the daily face of ALPA.
After a period of negotiation through the Northern Land Council, ALPA has secured a 40 year land use agreement with the traditional owners of Milingimbi, Ramingining, Galiwin’ku and Gapuwiyak. This offers the opportunity for ALPA to grow its business with a view of meeting the retail needs of future generations. However, the implications of these land use agreements are far reaching.
Recognition of indigenous land tenure is at the heart of indigenous, identity, autonomy, enterprise, employment and wellbeing. The 40 year ALPA land use agreements provide a template that will enable partnered economic growth and the equity for other enterprise and employment opportunities. Communities have for some years explored and are establishing business structures including mentoring and partnerships that solidify future opportunities. There has been a lot of discussion about “Aborigines in Business” however this valuable economic contributor will continue to struggle without the equity gained through land tenure. Failure to do so sets indigenous society adrift as refugees in their own nation. ALPA is a model of what success and potential flow on is possible.
The Northern Territory National Emergency Response or the “Intervention” made many claims and promises, few of which have been substantiated or fulfilled, despite significant expenditure. It was an event that happened to indigenous Territorians without meaningful engagement. It has left Yolŋu bewildered, confused and disempowered. I strongly encourage we all learn from the lack of outcomes delivered by this approach. It is logical to consider that people most affected by any difficulties, are those most likely to own the solutions to the same issues.
In ALPA we reap the rewards of ongoing dialogue overcoming difficulty, but our entire community holds out that infinitely more is possible in an environment of mutual respect and meaningful engagement. Indigenous economic empowerment is the foundation of a harmonious Australia. This is our aspiration.
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM
Chairman. Board of Directors
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