Gumala Aboriginal Corporation

10/09/2026

📢 Update: Beneficiary Approval Process
We've had a lot of questions lately about access to program funding — so we want to clear a few things up.

Earlier this year, GAC was directed to stop all joint committees with key Foundation stakeholders, including the committee that used to assess Beneficiary and Member applications together with GAC. This was decided without consultation with GAC and out of our control.

🔑 Membership vs Beneficiary status — what's the difference?
Gumala Membership (GAC) — lets you vote at the AGM and stand for the Board. GAC's Board decides these applications.

Beneficiary status — determines whether you can access Foundation program funding.

Being a GAC Member doesn't automatically mean you have Beneficiary status — they're assessed separately.

GAC still manages Membership applications, as always. But GAC is no longer involved in, or responsible for, Beneficiary approvals.

⚠️ Why this matters for you
No approved Beneficiary status means no access to program funding.
Haven't applied yet? GAC is happy to help you through the application process, but is not responsible for the approval decision.

We've spent the last 8 months working closely with key Foundation stakeholders to make sure this process stays fair, evidence-based, and true to strict eligibility guidelines, with the hope that foundation monies will continue to be distributed only to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.

For more information, visit

GAC has received a number of questions from members regarding access to FY2026/27 program funding.

08/09/2026

A Message to Our Members and Beneficiaries

In light of recent public discussion and ongoing community consultation, we felt it was important to provide an update on the audit processes Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) is currently engaged in.

GAC is currently undergoing two separate audits: an interim audit, which commenced on 12 June 2026, and a forensic audit, which commenced on 15 May 2026 and is being conducted in conjunction with KPMG.

It's worth noting that undertaking two concurrent audits is a significant undertaking for any organisation. Delivering a thorough, transparent, and appropriately resourced response to both processes takes considerable time and care, particularly alongside a recent restructure that has resulted in a reduced staff headcount.

It has been reported that GAC requested two extensions during this process. This is correct, and reflects the genuine operational demands outlined above — not a lack of cooperation.

To date, GAC has provided all requested information, met every request made of us, and engaged with the forensic audit process in an open and transparent manner. This process remains ongoing, and we will continue to respond fully as further information is requested.

GAC remains firmly committed to good governance and sound financial reporting, and to acting in the best interests of our members and beneficiaries. This is reflected in a strong track record of clean audit outcomes over recent years.

To be clear: GAC has met, and continues to meet, all requests made of it throughout this process in a clear, transparent, and open manner.

As Manager, GAC takes this responsibility seriously and remains committed to operating in the best interests of our Members and Beneficiaries, in a manner that is culturally appropriate and accountable.

We thank our Members and Beneficiaries for their continued patience and trust, and will keep you updated as these processes progress.

28/08/2026

It has come to GAC's attention that there is commentary circulating online about GAC's delivery of FY2025/26 Programs. Here are the key facts:

GAC’s Program Budget was approved for $15.4 million in June 2025.

While GAC’s program budget was approved in June 20-25 for $15.4 million, GAC couldn't access all of this for the first half of FY2025/26, as a Trust Deed mechanism (clause 8.11) hadn't been finalised. This meant that the Flexible Program and Funeral & Culture Program were unavailable until the position was resolved on 11 November 2025.

GAC only released $5.36 million of the Program Budget

$5.36 Million was released to eligible Beneficiaries via the standard application process. The remaining $2.8 million was available through the operating programs but wasn't applied for, as GAC (as the Manager) is only able to pay against applications.

$7.098 million was delivered in Hardship payments

These payments were delivered through the same Trust Deed mechanism, drawn from the allocated Program funding, while some Programs remained closed for the reasons above.

GAC remains fully committed to delivering key Programs in line with Member and Beneficiary consultation, their needs, and the objectives of the Gumala Foundation.

📄 Full explanation, including how Program Funding and the Trust Deed's proviso clause work: https://gumala.com.au/2025programfunding/

Gumala is committed to maintaining and respecting cultural protocol and acknowledges the use of Member images throughout the website. If at any time you become aware that an image exists on this website that should be removed for cultural purposes, please contact the office on (08) 9219 4500 as soon...

24/08/2026

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation would like to update Members regarding public communications currently circulating about the format of the FY26/27 AGM.

GAC wishes to clarify that at no point has it agreed to or committed to a 100% online format for the FY26/27 AGM, as has been suggested in some public communications. GAC has engaged in consultation with key stakeholders, during which a 100% online format was discussed as a possible future option, but this was not something GAC agreed to.

It is Gumala's position that a hybrid format, combining on-Country presence with suitable online options, is the most appropriate way to conduct AGM business, in keeping with our commitment to open, transparent and culturally respectful engagement with all Members.

Gumala is not opposed to moving to a fully online format in future. However, we believe any such change should happen as a considered transition, giving all Members and Beneficiaries time to adjust, rather than being implemented as an immediate direction.

Furthermore, whilst GAC supports the on-country community consultations that have been proposed through independent communications online, GAC sees these as very separate and independent of the AGM and AGM process.

The GAC Board and leadership team continue to engage with key stakeholders to reach an outcome that works for all Members, and we will keep you updated as this progresses.

Further information can be found here:

Published 24th August 2026.

14/08/2026

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) wants to let members know that we have received direction to pause all gift card purchases and distributions (including Prezzee, food and fuel cards).

This is a precautionary step relating to compliance requirements connected to the ongoing forensic audit. GAC would like to reiterate its commitment to robust governance and compliance, as evidenced through multiple clean audits throughout recent years, whilst the use of gift cards has been in place.

We know gift cards have been an important support for many members, and we understand this news may be frustrating.

We will keep members/ updated as soon as we have more information.

https://bit.ly/4xJ5rH1 ‎

GAC advises members that, effective immediately, it has paused the purchase and distribution of gift cards (including Prezzee, food and fuel cards).

05/08/2026

Passionate about kids? 🌱 We're looking for a 3a Learning Assistant to support our youngest learners and their families.

With no experience needed, full training provided, and the option to bring your children along while you work, this is an excellent opportunity to build a career supporting early learning right here in the community.

We currently have openings in the Wakathuni and Tom Price locations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Scan the QR code to apply or email [email protected]

15/07/2026

Keeping you informed: FY26/27 Program Funding

As part of our commitment to transparency, we’ve put together a breakdown of how GAC’s 26/27 program funding is distributed across our various Member support programs.

We know members have had questions about program changes this year, and we want to make sure everyone has clear visibility on where funding is going and why.

For a full funding breakdown and explanation, please visit our website: https://bit.ly/453Ubsg

If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or (08) 9219 4500.

06/07/2026

GAC is committed to making sure the benefits available to members continue to support our community in the most meaningful way possible. Each year, careful consideration goes into how available funding can best meet the needs of our members; not just today, but for future generations.

This year's program reflects that commitment, introducing and strengthening dedicated support in areas members have told us matter most. You may notice this year's Flexi Program looks a little different from last year. The biggest change isn't the total funding - it's how that funding has been shared out, to provide support at different times of year for those who need it most.

Last Financial Year, members received:
✅ Two Hardship distributions totaling $4,000 through the Flexi Program
✅ Underpayment funds on top of Flexi, in $3,000 and $4,000 payments
❌ No dedicated Over 55s Program
❌ Culture/Funeral support of $800 (less than this year's allocation)
❌ No dedicated support during times of hardship, e.g. Christmas, Easter, Economic downturns etc.

This Financial Year, the Board has invested in dedicated programs providing targeted support across our community:
✅ Over 55s Program - $1,000 for eligible members, recognising and supporting our Elders
✅ Culture/Funeral Program – increased from $800 to $1,000, acknowledging the importance of supporting members with cultural and family responsibilities
✅ Families Support Program – a brand-new dedicated payment, budgeted at approximately $1,300 per eligible Member, to become available mid-December

If these dedicated programs were combined back into the Flexi Program, the available Flexi funding would sit at around $4,000 - in line with last year's budget.

We understand change can raise questions, and we're committed to keeping our community informed. Over the coming weeks, we'll share more detail on each program and the thinking behind these decisions.

For further information, visit https://bit.ly/4iJ27FD ‎

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue working together to build a strong, sustainable future for our members and community.

01/07/2026

The 2026-27 Member Program Guidelines booklet is here

The Guidelines provide important information about our programs, services, eligibility requirements, and application processes. We encourage all Members to take a few minutes to review them before submitting an application this financial year.

📖 View the Guidelines here: https://bit.ly/434NqTC

We'd also like to remind our Members that our portal will reopen on 1st of July and our phone lines will reopen on 9th of July for 2026-27 applications.

Our offices will remain open to assist Members.

15/06/2026

📣 Applications Close on Monday 23 June 📣
You have 8 more days to use your 2026-27 Program funds; make sure you submit your application by Wednesday 24 June.

This is the final deadline to ensure your application is processed before the financial year ends.

💻 The best way to check your balance and submit applications is through the Member Portal https://portal.gumala.com.au/login

✅ Need help? You can contact our team by emailing [email protected] or calling (08) 9219 4500