KRED’s CEO takes leave of absence to consult with Traditional Owners for Rio

Wayne Bergmann. Photo by Daniel Linnet.

After ten years at the helm of KRED Enterprises, one of the most successful Aboriginal business foundations in the Kimberley, Wayne Bergmann is taking a leave of absence to work with Rio Tinto on establishing an Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG).

Mr Bergmann will consult with Traditional Owners and other Indigenous leaders on the IAG proposal, with the group’s formation aiming to ensure the company better incorporates Traditional Owners’ views and concerns into its operations.

Mr Bergmann’s strong cultural values and ability to navigate within a western economic framework, sets him in good stead for success in the role.

KRED’s chairperson, Peter Murray, says although the appointment is only short-term, Mr Bergmann will still be missed.

‘Wayne is a mentor; he’s a good listener and he supports and looks after his team—no matter what age group. Once he invests in you, it doesn’t stop ... I’ve found him really supportive in my role, particularly in helping grow me as a leader. A lot of his explanations about issues are scenario-based, from things that have happened, or will happened. So, he helps you understand those high-level politics. He’s also a strong cultural man, who practised law and culture at a young age, and never let it go.’

Mr Murray says he’ll bring this cultural understanding into his new work with Rio Tinto, and that the job is a good opportunity for Mr Bergmann to build on his capacity and skills. Likewise, Mr Murray is looking forward to the challenge for KRED and for the board.

‘All of the staff will be working together and multi-tasking to deliver different parts of what Wayne normally does. It’s a good challenge and test for us, on how to keep KRED moving forward in a positive direction. We’re well-prepared to cover things during Wayne’s leave of absence.’

Over the last ten years, Mr Bergmann has made a huge contribution to the local Kimberley community and economy. Under his leadership, $9.5 million has flowed into the local economy through pro bono work and $4.6 million has been made in direct payments to Traditional Owners for their work.

Mr Bergmann has overseen the negotiation of several best practice agreements, including the Browns Range Project Co-existence Agreement between Northern Minerals and Jaru Traditional Owners, and the Ungani Project Co-existence Agreement. Both agreements balance adequate compensation and scope for Indigenous economic development, with comprehensive environmental and cultural heritage protection.

He’s also been the driving force behind the development of the Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company, an Aboriginal-owned cattle venture consisting of four key pastoral properties.

KRED’s board and staff would like to thank Wayne for his commitment to improving the economic well- being of Kimberley Traditional Owners and to wish him the best for this new challenge.

For further queries please contact KRED’s chairperson, Peter Murray, on 0418 961 951, or KRED’s acting CEO, Jodie Pincini, on 0438 122 759 or jodie@kred.org.au.

NINGALI LAWFORD-WOLF — TRIBUTE

Statement by Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company and KRED Enterprise Charitable Trust.

On behalf of our members, directors and staff we would like to pay tribute to Ningali Lawford-Wolf.

There are few people you meet in life that move beyond being a role model or a leader and become a person of inspiration.  A person with the attributes and character that you would be proud to have your son or daughter display.

Ningali Lawford-Wolf is one of those rare people.

A strong woman, strong in her culture and strong in herself, standing for justice for her people.

And funny.

She was an actor, entertainer, mother, grandmother, sister, wife, daughter, mentor, spokesperson and business woman who broke down barriers and represented Aboriginal people as smart, creative people that can rise to the challenges that life presents.

She was also serious and smart.

Born at Christmas Creek, Ningali grew up not speaking English but she understood her country.  She was a strong believer in working to bring all Aboriginal people together with a common purpose, for the good of us all. She understood that to make changes for the better we all need to contribute, and that we cannot rely on government to solve our problems - we must address these ourselves.

Through her acting and through her relationships around the world she raised the profile of Aboriginal people.  In the Kimberley she dedicated herself to improving the lives of this generation and those that will follow. 

She wanted to honour her brother’s vision for Bohemia Downs, to return Aboriginal people to the centre of the pastoral industry, to re-establish jobs, training and dignity. 

Ningali was also a realist. 

She knew one person could not achieve the outcomes required and that we all need to do some heavy lifting.  She knew it would not be an easy task and it would take a long term commitment, a commitment she readily made.   She also recognised that one station was not enough in the modern pastoral world. 

As a Director of KAPCO she pursued her dream of seeing Aboriginal Pastoral workers on Aboriginal Pastoral Stations become the backbone of the regional economy.  She began to realise the dream of developing her traditional land on Bohemia station, as part of KAPCO Group of properties, seeing young people getting jobs, being trained and gaining a stronger connection to their country.

Ningali took up the challenge of being a “black fella” and became an inspiration to a generation.  Never faltering in her commitment - from the day she led the protest to bring attention to her people being locked out of their country by the station owner until the day she died, on foreign soil, educating the world about our story. 

She believed we need to create hope and opportunity, and take responsibility ourselves for making this difference.

We stand proud.  We will strive to create hope in her honour and will continue to miss Ningali dearly.

Job opportunity: Legal Accounts Coordinator

Location is flexible: Broome or Sydney

Arma Legal and KRED Enterprises are seeking an efficient, thorough and industrious individual to work as a full-time Legal Accounts Coordinator.

The ideal candidate will be able to coordinate the month end billing process, have a clear and direct communication style and be able to work to strict deadlines. They will provide high level customer service to external clients and efficient legal secretarial support to our team of lawyers.

How to apply: The full job description is available upon request from Hema Hariharan at hema@armalegal.com.au. A CV should be sent in the first instance to Hema. Shortlisted applicants will be required to address selection criteria.

Salary: $60K - $70K, plus district allowance, salary packaging.

Job opportunity: Media and Communications Officer

KRED Enteprises and the Ambooriny Burru Foundation are seeking a part-time media and communications officer. The role is to provide support to the Chief Executive Officer and Ambooriny Burru Foundation Group. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the implementation of key marketing initiatives, including production and delivery of collateral, online and media projects.

DUTIES:
Under the general direction of the CEO or their delegated authority:

Design & Production

• Generate the Annual Report for KRED and present to the CEO

• Maintain and monitor the KRED’s website as required

• Maintain and monitor websites of Arma Legal, Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation, the Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company and Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation

• Design marketing materials e.g. business cards, brochures, newsletters and t-shirts

• Develop presentations and information materials for current and prospective clients

Media

• Speeches & Presentation notes

• Coordinate media experience and message including key lines etc.

• Develop communications and media strategy

• Update social media i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram

• Draft press release and act as the media contact for KRED

• Copywriting for website / social media /events

• Assist in preparation of Government submission and lobby material from a sound policy and member-driven perspective

• Represent KRED at relevant stakeholder meetings and other forums

Other

• Provide admin support to the CEO, chairperson as required

• Draft correspondence as required for the CEO & chairperson

• Liaise with relevant companies and act as the first point of contact for any enquiries

• Provide general support as required to the KRED team

• Provide strategic advice to the CEO regarding various matters as required

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Proven experience drafting media releases, blog articles OR news articles for publication.
2. Proven graphic design experience (preferably using InDesign).
3. Experience updating websites (preferably using Squarespace).
4. Highly motivated, ability to meet tight deadlines and ability to work independently.
5. Holds a current driver’s licence.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. An undergraduate degree or higher in any of the following fields: law, journalism, communications, graphic design.
2. An understanding of native title and Kimberley native title groups.
3. Skills in software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, iMovie and Adobe Spark.
4. Contacts within local, state and national media.

Please send a cover letter, resume and statement addressing the relevant criteria to: madelaine@kred.org.au.