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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Carnarvon Common Ground strives to provide members and non members with information and resources related to our operations. View some Frequently Asked Questions here.

Got a question that isn’t answered here? Contact us here.

How was Carnarvon Common Ground established?

Carnarvon Common Ground was established through an extensive community-led process over more than two years.

This included community meetings, governance workshops, discussions with Elders and community members, working groups and multiple opportunities for community feedback before the organisation’s governance model was endorsed and the founding Board elected.

We deliver community-led initiatives that support:

 

  • Young people and families
  • Leadership development
  • Workforce and employment pathways
  • Social and emotional wellbeing
  • Healing and cultural connection
  • Justice and early intervention
  • Community-led research and planning

 

Our focus is on creating long-term, positive outcomes for the Carnarvon community.

View a full list of our Projects here.

The organisation is governed by a Board elected in accordance with its approved Rule Book.

The Rule Book was developed through extensive community consultation and endorsed by members before Board elections were held.

A Rule Book is a governing document that all Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are required to create under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 Cth. 

A Rule Book sets out the governance (legal) requirements of the organisation. 

A Rule Book forms a contract between: 

  • The Corporation and each member
  • The Corporation and each Director and/or secretary
  • Members

 

The main aspects a Rule Book covers are: 

  • The Corporation’s objectives and powers
  • Membership
  • Directors
  • Meetings
  • Finances
  • Records and accessing records
  • Succession planning for winding up operations
  • Changes to the Rule Book

 

You may also know a Rule Book as a Constitution or Guidelines

Endorsement of the Rule Book is a requirement of membership. 

As the Rule Book is a contract between members and the organisation, it is mandatory to be endorsed. 

If you have queries about the Rule Book, please contact us for further information.

You can complete a membership application digitally here,

Or alternatively request a paper-based application from our office on 13 Stuart Street, Carnarvon

Yes.

Community consultation occurred over an extended period and included community meetings, workshops, one-on-one conversations, smaller working groups and ongoing opportunities for feedback.

Community input was integral in shaping the organisation’s governance and future direction.

An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (or ACCO) is an organisation governed by majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Board and provides services that strengthen and empower Aboriginal communities and people. 

ACCOs are founded on the principle of self-determination, allowing communities to control the design, delivery and management of services that affect their lives.

All ACCOs are registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) and legislatively bound by the the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 Cth. 

The Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that acts as the state peak body for ACCO’s in Western Australia.  
It acts solely as an advocacy service for ACCOs in Western Australia and holds no regulatory powers. 

 
The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) and is the Federal Registrar (or Regulator) for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Australia wide.  


As a regulator, ORIC holds legal authority over operations over an ACCO including powers of: 
 

  • Ensuring regulatory compliance with the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 Cth 
  • Intervention powers when organisations aren’t in compliance with the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 Cth 
  • Enforcement powers to begin legal proceedings on an organisation that isn’t in compliance with the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 Cth 
  • Providing advice, support, education and training to ACCO’s to ensure compliance with the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 Cth 
  • Maintaining public records of ACCOs throughout Australia 

Our staff are employed to deliver programs and support the community.

While they are happy to provide general information, detailed governance enquiries are best directed to Carnarvon Common Ground through our official communication channels to ensure consistent and accurate responses.

Like any community organisation, people have different perspectives and experiences.

We respect that not everyone will always agree on every issue.

Our focus is on listening respectfully, providing factual information and continuing to work towards positive outcomes for the whole community.

We encourage everyone to check the facts before sharing information.

As with any organisation, rumours or misinformation can sometimes circulate in the community. The best way to get accurate information is to contact Carnarvon Common Ground directly or refer to our official website and social media channels.

By seeking information from trusted sources, we can all help create respectful conversations and keep the focus on the positive work being delivered for our community.

Carnarvon Common Ground was established to create positive, long-term outcomes for Aboriginal people, families and future generations.

Like any community organisation, we welcome respectful questions, feedback and different perspectives. Open conversations help us learn, improve and grow.

However, misinformation, rumours and personal attacks can have unintended consequences. They can create division within the community, undermine trust, discourage participation in programs and partnerships, and divert valuable time and resources away from the work that matters most – supporting our young people, strengthening families and creating opportunities for the community.

YAC stands for Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation.

YAC is the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) that represents the Yinggarda people, including the Traditional Owners of the Carnarvon area.

YAC are allowed to directly appoint two directors to the Board of Carnarvon Common Ground to ensure our programs and services meet the needs of Yinggarda Country and its’ people by being directly involved in decision making processes.

It is important to note, that:

  • YAC Appointed Directors can only be appointed if they satisfy the same criterion as outlined in Schedule 4 – Mandatory Director Selection Criteria of the Rule Book.
  • YAC Appointed Directors have the same rights, responsibilities and duties as other Directors
  • A YAC Appointed Director is not a delegate of YAC – any decisions made in this role must be unbiased and made in the best interest of Carnarvon Common Ground. As a Director of the Carnarvon Common Ground, you are a representative the Yinggarda people, and not the Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation and its core business functions.
  • Nothing in Clause 7.3 limits the ability for members to remove a YAC appointed Director via special resolution under Clause 7.14 – Removal of Directors of the Rule Book.
Theonie McKenna and Devinia Wainwright holding up a piece of art that reflects the Carnarvon Common Ground Project

Our Artists

Respected member of Carnarvon Common Ground, Devinia Wainwright collaborated and mentored Theonie McKenna to create the artwork for the Project. This piece tells the story of our community walking together toward a shared future. It represents the Common Ground as a place where services and community unite to provide support, guidance, connection, and healing for our youth and families.

The river meeting the sea – a landmark of Carnarvon -symbolises peace, grounding, and our deep connection to spirit and ancestors who walk with us every day. Our lands and ocean sustain us with traditional foods like mullet, kangaroo, and turtle, keeping us strong and healthy while preserving our culture for generations to come.