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.

Bruce Hammond - Chairperson
Caring for Our Country Facilitator
Australian Government Land and Coasts
Indigenous Land Management - South Australia
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Herb Mack
Aboriginal Health Division
Department of Health

Ken Liddle
Aboriginal Employment Initiatives
DEFEEST

Lenore Chantrelle
Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Health Team

Maxine Turner
Cultural Inclusion and Partnerships, Strategy, Policy and Aboriginal Outcomes
Housing SA

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
Drug & Alcohol Services South Australia