Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG)
ARG Members from left: Bruce Hammond, Liz Hurrell and Herb Mack with VSA&NT Manager, Sector Support & Development Kaye Mahomet at the 2009 VSA&NT AGM.
The Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG), formed in February 2004, works in partnership with Volunteering SA & NT (VSA&NT) to advance volunteering in Aboriginal and wider Australian communities.
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 2008-2011, supported Volunteering Australia with the development of inclusive policies and protocols and is working in partnership with Australian Volunteers International promoting Aboriginal volunteering overseas.
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, skill development and an opportunity to explore new worlds.
To contact the Aboriginal Reference Group contact VSA & NT on (08) 8221 7177 or email
 Terms Of Reference.
Aboriginal Reference Group Members
Bruce Hammond - Chairperson
Indigenous Land Management Facilitator - SA
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Herb Mack
Aboriginal Health Division
Department of Health
Ken Liddle
Aboriginal Employment Programs - Riverland
Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology
Lenore Chantrelle
Kanggawodli
Department of Health
Maxine Turner
Office for the Ageing
Department for Families and Communities
Anna Caponi
Aboriginal Family Birthing Program
Country Health SA
Fiona Stanley
Northern Country Region
Australian Red Cross
Liz Hurrell
Aboriginal Health Division
Department of Health
Jessica Koolmatrie
Aboriginal Employment Programs
Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology
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