The Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) works in partnership with Volunteering SA & NT (VSA&NT) to advance volunteering in Aboriginal and wider Australian communities.  

Formed in February 2004, the ARG provides policy advice to VSA&NT and the volunteer sector and is recognised by government as a key advisory body on Aboriginal volunteering.

Members are committed to volunteering as a way to strengthen individuals, families and communities; resource Aboriginal community organisations; link community members to mainstream opportunities; and build inclusiveness with business and government.

The ARG actively supports the development of professional volunteer programs in Aboriginal organisations; community leadership and governance training in rural communities; mentor training for Aboriginal volunteers; inclusion of young people in volunteering programs and the celebration of Aboriginal volunteering. The Group contributed to the formulation of VSA&NT's Strategic Plan 2012-2015, supported Volunteering Australia with the development of inclusive policies and protocols and is working in partnership with Australian Volunteers International promoting Aboriginal volunteering within Australia and overseas.

Applications are now open for the 2016 Oodnadatta Aboriginal Volunteer program. Click here for more information.

The ARG welcomes contact from Aboriginal people wanting to learn more about volunteering or from organisations seeking support to engage with Aboriginal communities.

Mr Bruce Hammond, Chair of the ARG, believes that VSA&NT's partnership approach is the key to moving forward, with volunteering offering Aboriginal people a pathway to employment, skills development and an opportunity to explore new worlds.

To contact the Aboriginal Reference Group contact VSA & NT on (08) 8221 7177(08) 8221 7177 or email

Terms Of Reference

Bruce Hammond - Chairperson
Advisor Indigenous Land Management
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Lenore Chantrelle
Regional Manager
Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Health Team
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network

Maxine Turner
Senior Policy Officer
Cultural Inclusion & Partnerships
Stratey, Policy & Aboriginal Outcomes Directorate, Housing SA

Herb Mack
Manager
Aboriginal Employment Strategy
Country Health South Australia

Ken Liddle
SA Works Aboriginal Participation Broker
Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology

Fiona Stanley
Community Development Officer
North and Far West Regional Office
Australian Red Cross 

Anna Caponi
Chief Executive Officer
Pika Wiya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation in Port Augusta, South Australia

Liz Hurrell