ALPA was founded in 1972 as a co-operative of community stores in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. 

We've come a long way since then – from small, counter sales stores in tin sheds, to delivering a dynamic range of services to remote communities right across the NT and Far North Queensland. 

1972: The year it all started

Prior to 1972, the Yolŋu people of Arnhem Land were under the supervision of the Methodist Overseas Mission Commission (MOM). The community stores (explain – they supplied essential food items and groceries) were owned and operated by the church.

MOM established the Arnhem Land Civic and Economic Development Council Inc (CEDAR) for Yolŋu economic development, foreseeing the possibility that government funding structures would change under the Whitlam government. The Arnhem Land Progress Association Incorporated was formed as an activity of CEDAR.

ALPA's journey to financial independence

ALPA’s initial members were seven community stores: Ajurumu (Goulburn Island), Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella), Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island), Milingimbi, Minjilang (Croker Island), Ramingining and Yirrkala.

ALPA borrowed almost $1m to upgrade plant and equipment, and the early successful operation of the stores enabled the loan to be repaid within three years. Since that time ALPA has been financially independent, with no operational or financial connection to the church.

When the Commonwealth and Westpac Banks withdrew services from communities in the early 1990s, ALPA initiated and largely financed the establishment of the Traditional Credit Union, to provide banking facilities for members in remote communities across the Top End. An intense two-year community education program preceded the establishment.

Building skills and opportunities

In the 1970s ALPA began to realise the importance of training and development for its staff and began a program of in-house training with support from the Queensland Retail Training Institute. The Training School at Galiwin’ku was built to support this.

The construction of the training centre in itself was a training program with Yolŋu trainees doing the bulk of the work. We standardised policies, systems and procedures to benefit Yolŋu staff, who could then to be trained in all store operational duties. We continue to focus on education, training and development as an integral part of our activities.

We also started our Benevolent Programs, using the modest surplus funds generated from store operations to benefit the community. Financial assistance for ceremonies, education, medical escorts and community events can be obtained through these programs.

A look at ALPA today

ALPA has grown exponentially over our 53-year journey. From our humble beginnings in small tin-shed community stores to a dynamic, multi-sector organisation, our commitment to improving the quality of life for First Nations people remains as strong as ever.

Today, we proudly operate in 26 locations across the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland with a team 1400 across the group - 80% of which are First Nations employees.

Our work will continue to drive real outcomes, foster economic independence and create equal opportunities for First Nations communities.