We support Aboriginal businesses to succeed, but we can’t do that without the help of people like Kerry-Ann Plant who has recently offered time, knowledge, and services free of charge. Kerry-Ann has been working for Gunamu Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) based in the remote Northern Territory town of Timber Creek and run by Traditional Owners of the region.
GAC own a tourism park in the popular tourism town of Timber Creek (just inside the NT border from WA) which is in the throes of a much needed upgrade. Recently GAC was awarded government funding to renovate the old shop into a café and through a relationship set up by AIG, Kerry-Ann, the Manager for Operations and Member Services for the Thoracic Society of Australia of Australia and New Zealand and based in Sydney, has been helping with planning and design of the café. Normally GAC could never afford someone of her calibre, but in an act of kindness and charity, Kerry-Ann has been working with GAC’s project management team to design a café that will attract customers and make money.
This style of skills charity or pro-bono knowledge sharing makes a huge difference to the potential of remote based businesses in the NT. In addition, it offers skilled people the opportunity to participate in tangible positive change for Aboriginal Australians, something that many people want to do, but don’t know how to get involved. When done properly it is a win win for both parties and something that AIG would like to nurture in the future.
“I really enjoyed working with the team using my previous experience to help provide a design that hopefully will be functional and enable the GAG to have a café that will support the local community as well as providing a service for visitors to the town. Once the venue is up and running, I hope I will get the chance to visit at some point and meet the team in person.”
AIG CEO Liz Morgan-Brett has a background in the Australian corporate sector and believes there is huge potential for relationship building with the right type of people in the future. “Kerry-Ann is the perfect example of the type of person we need.
“She is a Harvard Graduate and has an Executive MBA from UNSW and a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. She’s been a director for not-for-profit organisation boards including Crossing the Line Sport and volunteers at Greyhound Rescue. Her last role before joining TSANZ was as the COO of ActivateUTS.
“Many many thanks Kerry-Ann for your hard work, skills, and generosity of spirit. From all at AIG and GAC, you are greatly appreciated”.
If you’re interested in talking to AIG more about skills charity, email Liz on Elizabeth.morganbrett@aiggroup.org.au
