The Name

GANBINA is a word from the Yorta Yorta language meaning to awake or arise.

The Logo

Designed by Paul Custance, the GANBINA logo utilises earth colours and handprints to identify with the indigenous community. The layout of the hands and more specifically the positions of the fingers represent the rungs of a ladder – Ladders to Success.

History

GANBINA was established, as Koori Economic Employment & Training Agency Inc (KEETA), in 1997 following indigenous community consultation and a regionally funded feasibility study. Its role is to act in the capacity of peak indigenous representative body in the Goulburn Valley for economic employment and training issues. GANBINA performs this role either as a consultation organisation for the local indigenous community or as a direct service provision agency.

In 1999 it initiated a project involving two large surveys, one of 200 Koori working-age people, and the second of regional mainstream (non-indigenous) firms and agencies that combined account for 54% of regional employment. The result was the publication of ‘Shepparton Regional Indigenous Community Employment & Development Strategies’ in November 2002.

With funding provided by DEWRSB and support from Worktrainers Ltd, a 9-month demonstration program was established in 2000 to provide indigenous workers and jobseekers with a facility to enable them to secure employment (the ‘breakthrough project’) and on-going support (‘mentoring program’).

This led, in late 2001 to establishment of GANBINA’s three-year Ladders to Success program.

In 2003 GANBINA obtained endorsement as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Gifts to GANBINA of $2 or more can be claimed as income tax deductions by Australian taxpayers.

The current name was adopted in 2004 to provide a unique local identity.

Also in 2004 it conducted a driving skills program to improve safe access to employment for koori youth and established the Ganbina achievement awards to acknowledge the achievements of young role models in the community.

2005 saw the establishment of the “Jobs 4 U 2” program providing career counselling to indigenous students in years 8 – 10.

Organisation

GANBINA is an incorporated association (A0035292U) managed by an honorary Board of seven with operations managed by a full-time Executive Officer.

BOARD

Neville Atkinson Chairman	Chairman - Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd Representative Member Yorta Yorta Land Claim Member of Coalition Of Australian Governments (Shepparton)
Kevin Collie Deputy Chairman	Proprietor – Lakes Drive Garden Centre
Shane O'Brien Secretary	Executive Officer of the North East Victoria Area Consultative Committee
Julie Fiegert Treasurer	Principal – Monarch Personnel
Justin Mohamed Public Officer	Director – Academy of Sport Health & Education, University of Melbourne
Sue Williams Board member	Regional Aboriginal Planning Officer with the Department of Human Services
Karen Mohamed Board member	Member – Goulburn Valley Koori Womens’ Group Board member – Koori Resource & Information Centre
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Adrian Appo	Partner – Litehouse Business Solutions Williamson Leadership Fellow Goulburn Valley Fairley Leadership Fellow Centenary Medallist Director – Goulburn Valley Community Trust Fund Member of Coalition of Australian Governments (Shepparton)