Working Strategically

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the national regulator of Australia’s charities and its role is to assist charities to understand and meet their obligations.¹

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across New South Wales.²

The Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) is an independent, Indigenous led, not-for-profit organisation that is focused on developing resources and training to support Indigenous Australians’ self-determined governance.³

Developed and maintained by AIGI, the Indigenous Governance Toolkit is an extensive online resource aimed at supporting Indigenous groups, organisations and communities to understand, build and evaluate governance mechanisms.⁴ The Toolkit provides explanations, questions, examples, case studies, videos and templates relevant to governing and operating a women’s group, organisation or council. See also Setting Up a Women’s Group, Organisation or Council.

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is a director member organisation that aims to assist leaders in strengthening the governance of the organisation.⁵

The Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) is an independent government body responsible for the regulation of Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services.⁶

Business.gov.au is an Australian government website that provides information about operating businesses, including Indigenous, in Australia.⁷

Business Victoria is a state government resource that provides guidance and support for business start-up and operation.⁸

Community Door is a resource and information portal for Queensland’s community services sector and includes documentation and templates related to policy, governance and human rights.⁹

The National Indigenous Australian Agency (NIAA) was established in 2019 under an Executive Order by the Governor-General with the aim to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are empowered.¹⁰

The Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies (NADA) is New South Wales’ peak body for non-government alcohol and other drugs services with a focus on sector advocacy and support.¹¹ NADA has a variety of governance resources, including templates, that can be adapted to different contexts.

In 1980, the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council (NPY Women’s Council) began as an advocacy body to give Anangu women a voice about matters that concerned them.¹² Today the Council remains grounded in women’s law and cultural practice and delivers services to support women and children across 26 desert communities in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.¹³ The NPY Women’s Council is an example of what can be achieved with strong governance guided by culture.

The Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations (ORIC) is an independent statutory office that operates under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and is responsible for supporting and regulating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and corporations.¹⁴

The Prescribed Body Corporation (PBC) is an online resource managed by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and provides information and resources relevant to native title organisations, including the role of governance.¹⁵

Reconciliation Australia is the lead independent not for profit body focused on promoting and facilitating reconciliation across Australia.¹⁶

The Systems and plans section of the AIGI Indigenous Governance Toolkit outlines processes of Decision-making, including ways to make effective and informed decisions.

Reconciliation Australia and AIGI have developed a series of factsheets, including the Governing the Organisation which focuses on accountability and the importance of informed decision-making.²⁷

Culture protocols

The Your culture section of the AIGI Indigenous Governance Toolkit emphasises the importance of centering culture in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander decision-making and governance, and amongst other principles highlights two-way governance.²⁸ Further, Culture-smart governance includes the principle of governing power which recognises authority and capacity to control and make decisions over matters related to the group.^{29 30}

The Reconciliation Australia and AIGI Culture and Governance Fact Sheet provides an overview of centering culture, as well as tips for embedding culture in governance and the importance of two-way governance.³¹

Strategic plan

The Systems and plans section of the AIGI Indigenous Governance Toolkit introduces Strategic planning, including how to create, monitor and evaluate the plan.

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) outlines Strategic plan development, including its purpose, the role of the board and how to formulate a plan.³²

The NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) has developed a Strategic Planning overview that explains the purpose, benefits and principles, as well as lists some additional resources.³³

Action plan

An action plan sits underneath the organisation’s strategic plan and outlines the specific steps to be taken to achieve each strategic goal.³⁴

Business Victoria provides a one-page business action plan template that can be adapted to suit different organisational contexts.

Business.gov.au discusses how to Develop your sustainability action plan and provides a template that can be used and modified accordingly.

The Government of South Australia described How to create an effective action plan using the GOST model – goals, objective, strategies and tactics.³⁵

The Systems and plans section of the AIGI Indigenous Governance Toolkit discusses the importance of Meetings for collaborating, sharing information and making decisions.

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) explains the purpose of Directors’ Meetings³⁶, Board meeting agenda³⁷ and Board minutes³⁸ as important processes for communication, transparency and decision-making.

Annual General Meetings and General Meetings

It is important that members attend annual general meetings (AGMs) and general meetings to keep informed and strengthen the organisation’s capacity. The Meetings area of the AIGI Toolkit provides an overview of the purpose and what occurs at AGMs and Special General Meetings.

ORIC outlines how to Plan and hold your AGM. Annual General Meetings are attended by directors and members.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission has a Governance Hub and various Templates that can be adapted to suit different organisational purposes.

Community Door has a resource bank of generic Policies, procedures and templates that have been designed to help run community organisations and can be modified for other contexts.

Business Victoria provides a variety of tools and templates that can be adapted for different organisations.

Policy and procedures

The Systems and plans section of the AIGI Indigenous Governance Toolkit includes Polices and procedures and provides the Policy template that can be adapted for use.

The Policy Toolkit from the Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies (NADA) includes a variety of policy templates and supporting documents that can be adapted to suit different organisational contexts.

Meeting documentation

The Systems and plans section of the AIGI Toolkit provides templates for Meetings, including Meeting agenda and Progress report on actions.

ORIC has a selection of Free templates related to meetings, including giving notices, taking minutes and appointing a proxy.

The Victorian Government has a Join a public board portal that includes Guidance and templates for your board with templates for meeting agendas and minutes.³⁹

ACNC provides the following meeting templates:

• Annual general meeting
• Meeting agenda
• Meeting minutes

List of potential sources

Business.gov.au has a Grants and programs finder tool that can be used to locate government funding and grant opportunities.

Grant Connect is the Australian government’s portal for government grant opportunities.⁴⁰

The National Indigenous Australian Agency funds projects to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, including the Indigenous Advancement Scheme (IAS) which offers funding opportunities across specific areas such as employment, education and research.

PBC lists relevant opportunities for Funding and Grants across jurisdictions.

State Government Opportunities:

• ACT Government – ACT Government Grants
• Government of Western Australia – Grants and subsidies
  • Aboriginal funding
• NSW Government – Grants and funding
  • Aboriginal Affairs – Grants
• Northern Territory Government – Grants directory
• Queensland Government – Queensland Government Grants Finder
• South Australia – Grants to apply for now in SA
• State Government of Victoria – Grants & programs
• Tasmanian Government – Funding and support

Philanthropy Australia provides information on How to seek funding for charities and not-for-profit organisations.⁴¹

Writing applications

PBC describes the importance of Funding applications, including links to writing tips, guides and templates. A guide to the grant writing process has also been developed to provide an overall understanding of grant writing and to get people started.

Business.gov.au provides a series of steps to follow to Check if you’re ready to apply for a grant.

The Community Grants Hub highlights the importance of Strong Evidence when writing grant applications.⁴²

Community Door provides information about Fundraising and philanthropy, including how to write a submission.

The Queensland Government provides useful steps and guidance for Writing a grant application.⁴³

Wellbeing SA (Government of South Australia) provides links to Resources for writing grants, including Grant Resources at The Grants Hub.⁴⁴

The Victorian Government provides tips for organisations and community groups on How to write a grant application.⁴⁵

Business.gov.au provides a section on Marketing that includes identifying and researching your market, developing your marketing plan and advertising.

Business Victoria includes Marketing & sales information, including how to write a content marketing plan to increase business / engagement.

Business Queensland offers a variety of guides, videos and templates in Marketing, advertising and promotion.⁴⁶

The Small Business Development Corporation has a section on Marketing that includes steps to marketing, marketing strategies and marketing research.⁴⁷

Media release

Oxfam Australia provides some useful tips for Writing a press release.⁴⁸

The Commons Social Change Library shares the article Writing a Media Release by Dinah Arndt.⁴⁹

YWCA Australia offers some tips on How to Write a Press Release.⁵⁰

Using social media platforms

Business.gov.au discusses Social media for business, including benefits, disadvantages and types of social media.

Business Victoria outlines how a strong Social media presence can build relationships and promote your organisation.

Business Queensland provides information and guides for social media and digital marketing.⁵¹

Website development

Business.gov.au outlines steps to Set up a business website.

Business Queensland provides information and guides for website development and selling online.⁵²

The Small Business Development Corporation includes information on Digital marketing which includes website creation and links to relevant resources.⁵³

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW. “About.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.ahmrc.org.au/about/.

ACT Government: Cabinet and the Assembly. “Governance Principles – Appointments, Boards and Committees.” Accessed December 2, 2023. https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1045989/Better-Practice-Toolkit-Terms-of-Reference.pdf.

Ardnt, Dinah. Writing a Media Release. Victoria: The Commons Social Change Library, 2015.

ASICConnect, “Registering a Business Name,” YouTube, September 30, 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgbqtT6jP7I&t=25s.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. “Home.” Accessed December 3 2023, https://www.acnc.gov.au/.

Australian Government. “Welcome to Grants Connect.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://help.grants.gov.au/.

Australian Indigenous Governance Institute. “About Us.” Accessed November 21, 2023, https://aigi.org.au/about-us.

Australian Indigenous Governance Institute. “Policies and Procedures.” Accessed December 2, 2023. https://aigi.org.au/toolkit/policies-and-procedures.

Australian Indigenous Governance Institute. “Strategic Planning.” Accessed December 4, 2023, https://aigi.org.au/toolkit/strategic-planning.

Australian Indigenous Governance Institute. “Welcome to the Indigenous Governance Toolkit.” Accessed November 21, 2023, https://aigi.org.au/toolkit.

Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). “About AICD.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.aicd.com.au/about-aicd.html.

Australian Institute of Company Directors. “Advisory Boards.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.aicd.com.au/board-of-directors/advisory/committee/advisory-boards.html.

Australian Institute of Company Directors. “Board Meeting Agenda.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.aicd.com.au/board-of-directors/meeting/agenda/board-meeting-agenda.html.

Australian Institute of Company Directors. “Board Minutes.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.aicd.com.au/board-of-directors/meeting/minutes/board-minutes.html.

Australian Institute of Company Directors. “Company Constitutions.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.aicd.com.au/good-governance/company-constitution/example/company-constitutions.html.

Australian Institute of Company Directors. “Directors’ Meetings.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.aicd.com.au/board-of-directors/meeting/agenda/directors-meetings.html.

Australian Institute of Company Directors. “Strategic Plan Development.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.aicd.com.au/good-governance/organisational-strategy/long-term-strategic-plan/strategic-plan-development.html.

Australian Public Service Commission. “Develop a Terms of Reference.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.apsc.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/workforce-information/taskforce-toolkit/scope/develop-terms-reference.

Australian Securities & Investments Commission. “About ASIC.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/.

Bellchambers, Kate. Governing Country:A Literature Review of Indigenous Governance Principles in Indigenous Ranger Groups and Indigenous Protected Areas. Canberra: Australian National University, 2023.

Business.gov.au. “About Us.” Accessed November 29, 2023. https://business.gov.au/about-us.

Business Queensland,“Marketing, Advertising and Promotion.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/marketing-sales/marketing.

Business Queensland. “Websites, Social Media and Digital Marketing.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/marketing-sales/marketing/websites-social-media.

Business SA. “Training Courses.” Accessed December 6, 2023. https://business-sa.com/services/training-courses.

Business Victoria. “Support for Victorian Businesses.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://business.vic.gov.au/.

Community Door. “News, Resources and Information for Queensland’s Community Services Sector.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://communitydoor.org.au/.

Community Grants Hub. “Strong Evidence.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/information/information-applicants/strong-evidence,

Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions. “Aboriginal Ranger Program.” Accessed December 2, 2023. https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/management/aboriginal-engagement/aboriginal-ranger-program.

Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. “WA Aboriginal Sports Council (WAASC).” Accessed December 2, 2023. https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/sport-and-recreation/participation/aboriginal-programs/wa-aboriginal-sports-council-(waasc)-terms-of-reference.

Danila Dilba Biluru Butji Binnilutlum Health Service. “Constitution & Governance.” Accessed December 1, 2023, https://ddhs.org.au/about-us/constitution-governance.

Government of South Australia. “How to Create an Effective Action Plan.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.healthyworkplaces.sa.gov.au/step-by-step-guide/step-4-plan-for-action/how-to-create-an-effective-action-plan.

NACCHO. “Governance.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.naccho.org.au/governance/.

National Indigenous Australian Agency. “Who We Are.” Accessed December 11, 2023. https://www.niaa.gov.au/.

Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies (NADA). “About Us.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://nada.org.au/about/about-us/nada/.

Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council. “About.” Accessed November 23, 2023. https://www.npywc.org.au/about/.

Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. “About Us.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.oric.gov.au/about-us.

Oxfam Australia. “Writing a Press Release.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.oxfam.org.au/get-involved/campaign-with-us/writing-a-press-release.

Philanthropy Australia. ‘How to Seek Funding.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.philanthropy.org.au/seeking-funding/how-to-seek-funding/.

Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC). “Home.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://nativetitle.org.au/.

Queensland Government. “Writing a Grant Application.” Accessed December 4, 2023, https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/prepare-write-application/writing.

Reconciliation Australia. “Home.” Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.reconciliation.org.au/.

Reconciliation Australia. “Indigenous Governance Resources.” Accessed November 29, 2023. https://indigenousgovernance.org.au/resources/.

NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS). “Strategic Planning.” Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.ncoss.org.au/sector-hub/sector-resources/information-sheet-strategic-planning/.

Small Business Development Corporation. “Digital Marketing.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/marketing/digital-marketing.

Small Business Development Corporation. “Marketing.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/marketing.

South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council.” “SWALSC Rules.” Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.noongar.org.au/rules.

Victorian Government. “Guidance and Templates for Your Board.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.boards.vic.gov.au/guidance-and-templates-help-your-board-operate.

Victorian Government. “How to Write a Grant Application.” Accessed December 4. 2023. https://www.vic.gov.au/how-write-good-grant-application.

Wellbeing SA. “Resources for Writing Grants.” Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.wellbeingsa.sa.gov.au/engage-with-us/grants-funding/grant-writing-resources.

YWCA Australia. “How to Write a Press Release. “ Accessed December 4, 2023. https://www.ywca.org.au/news/how-to-write-a-press-release/.