Gumala is YOUR organisation

At the AGM concerns were raised as to whether Gumala was representing the members and the problems with service delivery.

This is just a reminder that their are many changes happening at Gumala. The new board was just elected in November 2008, and all directors are indigenous Gumala members elected by Gumala members. The board directs the Executive Officer and the GAC administration, so no major decisions are made by staff without the consent of the Directors, who represent the members.

If you have any concerns or ideas your committee member would like to hear from you.

I have just applied for membership, when will I know if it is approved?

Membership applications need to be approved at the monthly Governing Committee Meetings. Depending on when you submit your application and when the next meeting will be, it could take up to 6 weeks before you are formally notified. You will receive a letter within 10 days of the Committee’s decision. 

To apply for benefits through Health and Wellbeing you need to be registered as a Gumala Traditional Owner before 31 December, 2008. GAC will receive Health and Wellbeing  applications for 2 weeks into 2009 to give latecomers an opportunity to apply for these benefits.

I belong to one of the three language groups, doesn’t that make me a Member of Gumala Aboriginal Corporation?

Not necessarily.  If you are over the age of 18 and you have direct links through a family member you can apply for Membership as a Registered Gumala Traditional Owner. Sometimes people think that because their Mother is a member or their Uncle is a member that they are automatically a member too. This is not the case. You must apply to be a member. Call GAC and ask for a Membership Application Form to be sent out to you. This will be put before the Governing Committee.