Enterprise and Job Creation

Total funding to date: $7,528,870*

*Not all projects have been recorded on the website.

Programs that promote employment and local business establishment and development to create a diverse local economy and sustainable job opportunities.

2023

$76,000 to Many Rivers Microfinance

Microenterprise Development Support to Borroloola and surrounding areas

Assisting local businesses and entrepreneurs with business development support and mentoring through Many Rivers.

2022

$26,200 to Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation

Broke n' Spanners

Establishment of a mechanic workshop in Borroloola that provides opportunities for young people to learn basic mechanic skills.

2021

$140,000 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Robinson River Community Training, Meeting and Conference Centre

Funding to support the upgrade of facilities to provide a space for the community to undertake online training and participate in online education programs, as well as provide a facility to accommodate community meetings.

$5,000 to Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation

Let's be Seated

Funding to support the fit out of the MAWA office with furniture and other equipment so they are able to host community meetings and other events.

2018

$1,400,000 to Roper Gulf Regional Council

Rocky Creek Bridge Upgrade

A project initiated by the MRM Community Benefits Trust and jointly funded project between the Northern Territory Government, Roper Gulf Regional Council and the MRM Community Benefits Trust, this project raised the height of the Rocky Creek Bridge to make Borroloola more accessible during times of flooding.

For more information refer to Case Studies.

2017

$76,897 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Robinson River Fuel Upgrade

Upgrade existing fuel system to allow for fuel to continue to be available in the community.

2015

$966,319 to Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Centre

Wanula Creche

Contribution towards a new creche building providing a safer environment and allowing more parents to take up job opportunities.

$18,982 to NT Industry Training Board

Youthworx Careers Expo

Facilitation of a Careers Expo held in Borroloola in October 2015 which was open to school students and the public.

$194,891 to Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Centre

Sea Ranger Vessel

Purchase of a custom built vessel for the Sea Ranger unit to support their economic development and tourism activities.

For more information refer to Case Studies

2014

$59,480 for Gudanji Traditional Owners

Gudanji Rangers

MRM partnered with Traditional Owners to scope the establishment of a Gudanji Rangers Group. The purpose of the study was to explore the feasibility of building a sustainable, commercial enterprise based around the Gudanji peoples' commitment to protect, preserve and nurture their country.

$148,420 to McArthur River Mine

Pathways to Employment Program

Development of a two-phase employment program for the Region to include the mine and also extending to all employment opportunities in the community as a whole.

$150,000 to Malandari Properties

Malandari Aboriginal Staff Accommodation Project

This grant assisted in providing housing for Aboriginal staff of Malandari Store.

2013

$134,718 to Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Centre

Turtle Camp

This project provides an additional two years of funding to Turtle Camp with the aim of establishing a viable ecotourism enterprise on country. The ecotourism event will provide an educational platform for visitors and the eco camp proposal is responsive to stated Yanyuwa aspirations for achieving some degree of financial independence and management autonomy through the provision of environmental services and sustainable tourism development.

For more information refer to Case Studies.

$227,000 to Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Centre

Barni-Wardimantha Awara

Over these two years, the fledgling business models and developments already in place were expanded on, enhanced and consolidated to the point where the wider Yanyuwa is being implemented.

2012

$143,478 to Mabunji and Li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit

West Island Turtle Camp

Support for two eco-tourism trials at Maabayny (North Beach) on West Island. Trials of a new turtle camp were conducted 25-27 September 2012 and 30 September to 2 October 2012, providing visitors the opportunity to participate in turtle research undertaken by the Rangers and Yanyuwa families.

For more information refer to Case Studies

$113,850 Mabunji and Li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit

Barni-Wadimantha Awara

Second grant to support the engagement of a consultant to help action a Plan of Management for the Yanyuwa country as an Indigenous Protected Area including researching and trailing ecotourism opportunities and infrastructure development planning.

For more information refer to Case Studies

2011

$539,268 to McArthur River Mine

Indigenous Training and Employment Strategy

Employment of two operator trainers to provide on-the-job training for Indigenous trainees and employees, support the intake of another 15-20 trainees in entry level positions, provide ongoing mentoring and support and buy a new bus to transport local employees from the mine to Borroloola.

2010

$40,000 to Waanyi Nation Aboriginal Corporation

Machine Hire

Support to engage a consultancy to develop a viable business plan for the growth of a new enterprise to provide contract machinery operation.

$544,624 to McArthur River Mine

Indigenous Training and Employment Strategy

Deliver an effective and culturally appropriate framework for Indigenous recruitment, training and retention at MRM which encourages and supports applicants from within the local community.

2009

$543,000 to Malandari Properties

Purchase of Store

This grant assisted in the construction of the new Malandari Store with the relocation of the Post Office, construction of the annexe and upgrade of security systems.

$541,743 to McArthur River Mine

Employment and Training

Deliver an effective and culturally appropriate framework for Indigenous recruitment, training and retention at MRM which encourages and supports applicants within the local community.

2008

$50,000 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Civil Equipment Purchase

Support the development of a self sufficient civil contracting business in Robinson River through the purchase of a CAT Grader.

$170,000 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Civil Equipment Purchase

Support the development of a self sufficient civil contracting business in Robinson River through the purchase of a Self-Propelled Smooth Drum Roller.

$10,000 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Breeding Bulls

Purchase 2 bulls and 10 cows for the Wandigulla Outstation to support the extension of their breeding and export business.

$551,295 to McArthur River Mine

Employment and Training

Deliver an effective and culturally appropriate framework for Indigenous recruitment, training and retention at MRM which encourages and supports applicants within the local community.

$64,000 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Further Civil Equipment Purchase

Further support the development of a self sufficient civil contracting business in Robinson River through the purchase of a Low Loader.

$76,162 to the National Trust

National Trust Welfare Building Refurbishment

Conduct repairs to the museum’s ablution facilities to promote tourism.

2007

$145,960 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Community Store Materials

Support towards developing the community store to replace the ageing existing shop which has poor refrigeration capabilities and lacks space for growth.

$70,000 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Concrete Batch Plant

Expand the potential business opportunities serviced by the Civil Construction Team.

$20,000 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Goat Herd Fencing

Build a fence to contain a herd of around 200 goats and protect them from dingo attack.

$69,462 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Visitor Accommodation

Add a visitor accommodation and kitchen facility to a planned Government Business and Accommodation Centre and expand its potential uses.

$90,000 to Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation

Concrete Agitator

Build a sustainable local operation that will give the community the resources it needs to conduct maintenance and construction activities.

$36,120 to Greenlip Enterprises

Airbourne Solutions Training

Provide a local Indigenous resident with the necessary training to gain his license and secure employment as a commercial helicopter pilot at Airborne Solutions.

Funding Priority Areas