Capability Statement
About GEAT
The Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust is a charitable trust that was established in 1969 by the Church Missionary Society for the benefit of all clans of the Warnindilyakwa people.
The missionaries were aware of the rich deposits of manganese on the island and had already pegged leases and engaged BHP a few years earlier to commence mining.
The missionaries believed the Warnindilyakwa people were the true owners of the land and that any royalties paid should be used to provide benefits for all clans for many generations, even after mining ceased.
Today the Trust is managed by GEAT Inc in accordance with its Trust Deed and in line with all current laws and regulations, for the future of the Warnindilyakwa people.
Vision, Mission, Values
Vision
Our vision is to deliver the best social outcomes for all clans of the Warnindilyakwa people and an independent and financially secure future.
Mission
To fund social programmes, protect and build Trust funds as we apply due diligence to everything we do.
Values
We are guided by our core values of Integrity, Honesty, Fairness and Teamwork and we strive for a stronger collaboration between the community and others, while creating a culturally safe environment for our people.
Management Committee
The Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust is a registered charity with Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).
GEAT Inc is an association incorporated under the NT Associations Act. GEAT Inc is the trustee of Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust.
GEAT Inc has a management committee that is comprised of 9 members, 6 community members and 3 independent members who work together to provide guidance and support.
Purpose
GEAT’s purpose is to provide charitable services and support to our beneficiaries in the community today and a financial safety net for generations to come when mining eventually stops.
CHARITABLE GRANT EXPENDITURE
- Health promotion events
- Yilyakwa Manga
- Psychology and social work services
- AEAC QLD Education Program
- Angurugu Preschool student essentials
- Angurugu Preschool and FaFT uniforms
- Rise Up 2 Lead
- School attendance incentives
- Ayakwa Projects
- Sports Hub Murals
- GEBIPCAC
- GEBIE CDP
- Milyakburra Community Mural
- Milyakburra School excursion
- Polly Farmer Foundation
- Individual sporting grants
- Women’s CPR and defibrillator training
- Youth first aid training
- Community church groups
*Figures relate to the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, totalling $7,184,287
- Aged care, sick and disabled grants
- ARAC funeral contributions
- Community Market garden
- Grants for community-led events
- Bickerton Bus Service
- Ataxia clinical workshops
- Replacement aircraft wheelchair lift
- Mundine Mindset
- Poverty grants
- Remote Laundries
- School Nutrition Programs
- Proposed basketball court scope
- Groote Ferry Service
- Groote Bus Service
- Learn Anindilyakwa
- Ceremony and cultural grants
- Strong Women’s Program
- Bush Medijina
Community engagement and operating expenses $584,562
Investment Strategy
Under its Deed GEAT is required to invest a minimum of 50% of its net income into a preservation fund. Investments in that fund are predominately allocated to equities and the management committee want to diversify this into real estate investment.
Currently GEAT’s commercial real estate assets include the Burns Philp Building, Angurugu Arcade and Raphael Road property. All properties are occupied by long term tenants.
Given our independent financial position, the diversification strategy is to secure further blue-chip properties that provide a steady alternate income with reliable long term, low risk tenancies in the commercial sector.
The following graph demonstrates the continuing and projected growth of the preservation fund.
*All funds are locked in perpetuity.
Corporate Relationships
We pride ourselves in building long lasting relationships.
