Meet the Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation (WCC)
WCC represents the Wiradjuri people of Condobolin, NSW.
As a result of a Native Title Agreement between Barrick Gold and the Wiradjuri Native Title Party, WCC was formed in 2003. Their mission is to create wealth, training and employment, through the development of sustainable businesses and enterprises within the local region. It achieves this through a Business Hub, which operates a range of services, including learning, compressed bricks, furniture and cleaning services. Through a subsidiary, the Galari Agricultural Company (GAC), WCC owns and runs “West Lea”, a 660-hectare mixed farming operation located about 30km north of West Wyalong.
Community Aspirations
Vicky Swadling, Manager at WCC explains, “WCC is about engaging Wiradjuri culture; improving outcomes so that everyone can have a better life.”
Economic Development Journey
Key business development stages that WCC went through include:
- 2003: WCC was established
- 2012: WCC Study Centre opens and undergoes restructuring with new Managing Director and CEO, after a period of mismanagement
- 2018: WCC entered into long term lease agreement with Evolution Mining, enabling WWC to expand their agriculture operations onto 2800 hectares of land
- 2020: Joined the CED Program and seeks assistance from Many Rivers with feasibility and planning of developing both “West Lea” and Cowell Lease.
Upon joining Many Rivers Community Economic Development (CED) program in 2020, WCC wanted to pursue more funding opportunities to further develop Galari Agriculture Company. They wanted to develop more early intervention programs such as youth programs, mental health services, drug and alcohol intervention, family and friends interventions.
Through the Many Rivers journey, by 2024 key achievements for WCC included:
- 2021 – Secured $30,000 to develop 5- Year Farm Plan for the Galari Agricultural Company and $73,000 to undertake business planning for the remainder of WCC and related entities.
- 2022 – Development of a detailed 5-year Farm plan and 5-year Business Plan for WWC with assistance from Many Rivers.
- 2023 – The Galari Agricultural Company officially launches, with six trainees and a formal training process.
- Four trainees of GAC officially achieve Cert III in agriculture.
Outcomes
Today, WCC through the Galari Agricultural Company, operate a successful commercial agriculture business, provide training, employment and cultural activities for members and the wider Community, and engage three trainees each year through the Youth Program.
The future for WCC
Through the Galari Agricultural Company, operate the commercial agriculture business, provide training, employment and cultural activities for members and the wider Community, and engage 3 trainees each year through the Youth Program.
For additional information
Website: https://wiradjuricc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiradjuricondoblincorporation/
