Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC) is the Native title body that represents the interest of the Eastern Guruma people, over traditional lands that cover around 6,500 square kilometres around Tom Price and Karijini National Park in the Eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation
Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC) is the Native title body that represents the interest of the Eastern Guruma people, over traditional lands that cover around 6,500 square kilometres around Tom Price and Karijini National Park in the Eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Significant mining activity in Eastern Guruma country has resulted in the disruption and destruction of many cultural significant heritage sites.
There are currently seven operating iron-ore mines on Eastern Guruma country. Unfortunately the community only receives royalties on four of these mines.
Up until 2014, entities other than WGAC conducted WGAC business (heritage administration, native title negotiations etc) on behalf of the Community. The Corporation also had no business arm that could generate profit from commercial enterprise and pay dividends that could go back into developing the community.
The community understandably became frustrated seeing other companies and individuals benefiting and developing capability from activities occurring on their traditional land.
With a change in the composition of the WGAC Board in 2012, there has been a change in approach. The Eastern Guruma people, through the Corporation, are now actively focused on becoming a viable, active, autonomous Aboriginal Corporation that will deliver benefits to all of the traditional owners.
The administration of native title and heritage matters are now occurring directly from WGAC accounts.
Wintawari Guruma Enterprises Pty Ltd
The WGAC Board in May 2014 established a commercial arm – Wintawari Guruma Enterprises Pty Ltd (WGEPL). The shares in this company are 100% owned by WGAC.
WGEPL conducts a labour hire and plant hire business, as well as having interests in a number of joint venture companies.
Plant on long term hire contract includes a Cat 140M Grader, 30,000L Prime Mover & Water Tanker, Cat 966H Loader, Service and Maintenance Trucks a large Komatsu WD900-3 Wheel Dozer and light vehicles.
Muntulgura Guruma Pty Ltd
Muntulgura Guruma Pty Ltd (MGPL) is a 100% Indigenous owned company providing civil and mining services within the Pilbara area. It offers a unique contracting service with the ability to provide a high degree of local Indigenous content.
The company is an incorporated joint venture between WGEPL and HHF Pty Ltd.
MG’s goal is to become a reliable partner to FMG and Rio Tinto in the delivery of its projects.
The objectives of the WGAC include the direct relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, misfortune, destitution or helplessness among Aboriginal people, especially the common law holders. WGAC is also charged with the protection, preservation and advancement of traditional laws, languages, culture and customs.