HUNDREDS of people gathered at the Far West Aboriginal Sporting Complex for the first meeting of the Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation (FWCAC) last week.
Around 200 people attended, including representatives from each of the native title claimants including the Wirangu, Mirning and Kokatha people, and representatives from Yalata, Oak Valley and the Roberts family.
The formation of the new Aboriginal corporation was a result from the settlement of the Far West Native Title Claim, which was determined at the Federal Court hearing at Lake Pidinga, near Yalata on December 5.
The Consent Determination was the culmination of nearly 18 years of legal process.
In this first meeting the group officially brought a close to the old Far West Coast Traditional Lands Association, and beginning the corporation.
The corporation’s chairperson Basil Coleman said it was a good start for the corporation.
“This new corporation is run by the members, and we went to the members to vote on the resolutions put forward,” he said.
At this meeting the group also had to settle some requirements which were left over from the switchover to the new corporation.
Over the following three days policy and planning workshops were held, which helped to set policies for the organisation.
Mr Coleman said they were all looking forward to what would happen in the future.
“This is a new chapter,” he said.
“There’s a lot of potential where we can generate business, which can benefit all members.”
The corporation expects to hold more meetings before its annual general meeting in November.
http://www.westcoastsentinel.com.au/story/2083259/meeting-as-one/
