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Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd commenced operation in June 1992 with a charter to provide work for unemployed indigenous persons in community managed activities, to assist individuals in acquiring skills that benefit the community and develop business enterprises. All profit derived from goods and services are reinvested back into community development.
Underpinning the cooperatives achievements has been a Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) that was administered on behalf of the now defunct Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Commission. CDEP was terminated in 2007 nonetheless Worn Gundidj continues with the following business activities.
TOWER HILL
In 2002 Worn Gundidj entered into a Commercial Services Agreement with Parks Victoria to provide visitation experiences, tourist information and saleable items at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. To ensure community engagement we have alliances with Warrnambool City Council, Moyne Shire Council, Koroit Traders & Tourism Association, Shipwreck Coast Tourism, Friends of Tower Hill, Deakin University and South West TAFE.
Worn Gundidj volunteers its technical expertise and horticulture resources to schools that are actively engaged in Tower Hill revegetation programs. Worn Gundidj also facilitated a Natural Heritage Trust program that resulted in around ten thousand units being planted and guarded at Tower Hill. On the tourism front we are product partners of the Great Southern Touring Route offering fun-filled and informative activities ranging from Kids Games to Aboriginal history and Environmental Science.
TEXTILES
Since 1992 Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative LTD has been turning local Indigenous artwork into quality fabric merchandise. We are members of the Australian Made Campaign therefore all locally manufactured products carry a Certificate of Authenticity. The development of this activity has built the cultural capacity of the mainly female workforce. In October 2007 we linked with the Australian Trade Commission, Destination Down Under, the Australian Wine Club and Catherine Manuell Design to display/promote Australian products in Stockholm, Sweden.
ENVIROMENTAL
Across Western Victoria we provide a sensible link between our wholesale nursery and revegetation projects. Worn Gundidj has for many years been the principal contractor and supplier of conservation services to local government, numerous retailers, CMA’s and industrial developers. We have achieved a significant client base and excellent reputation for the provision of quality products and reliable services to all sectors including the farming community and land-care groups.
ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT
For 17 years we have facilitated employment outcomes across Australia. We provided a job preparedness and employment service where Aboriginal apprentices and trainees are placed into private sector jobs across various trades. Working with AFL Game Development we were the only Aboriginal group to run a successful Indigenous employment program to place non-sporting people into jobs within AFL clubs.aA
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