FDIO Newsletter July 2016

An important note from Adam Levin, FDIO Chair and Founder

Dear FDIO members

Thank you to the FDIO network of supporters and subscribers for helping to make the FY 15/16 such a great year. There were many highlights, one was the holding of our first event in the Pilbara, one was supporting the process of pre qualification and induction for new directors and most importantly, in February 2016, we welcomed Tahnee Davies, our Executive Officer. For the last 5 months she has helped prepare FDIO for the next phase of its development.

I first floated the idea for FDIO in 2009 and formed the first steering committee and secured the first sponsors in 2012 . FDIO was formalised into a registered charitable trust in August 2014 and the steering committee gave way to the Trustee’s first board of directors. However, from the very start, my team at Jackson McDonald and I were always clear that we would nurture and support FDIO in its early stages to allow it time to grow and be recognised by the Aboriginal corporate community as a tool to support their governance growth and then let FDIO seek a more permanent home and purpose.

Now in July 2016, I’m thrilled to announce that FY16/17 is the year of transformation for FDIO with a group of new motivated and passionate directors, an office at the new FLUX co-working space, sponsors on board and some new thinking based on your feedback on how to best support the sector. Its an exciting time to be in the governance space of Aboriginal business and community based organisations and I urge you to continue to support FDIO to support you on your journeys..

Regards
Adam Levin

Message from Tahnee Davies, FDIO Executive Officer

Welcome everyone to the July edition of the FDIO Newsletter, Transparent.

I am delighted to announce the appointment of three new directors to our Board, who collectively bring a wealth of knowledge, commitment and drive to FDIO.
A big welcome to:
Gordon Cole (Noongar Chamber of Commerce)

,
Chantal Harris (CODESWITCH, formerly The Cultural Connection Code)

and Emma Chinnery (Jackson McDonald)

three well-respected professionals with strong connections to their communities. FDIO is thrilled to have their support and guidance.

In contrast, could the start of this Financial Year have been any more shocking? From the surprise BREXIT results leading to a change in leadership in Britain and imminent withdrawal from the European Union, to the Australian Federal government paralysis due to marginal election results. It was already a difficult year for many companies out there: the global and domestic confusion and inertia lends itself to some tough times ahead.

But times of difficulty are also times of opportunity. I'm paraphrasing Michelle Obama here - she noted that the adversity and challenges you have faced and overcome are actually your greatest advantage. She was speaking from an individual's point of view but the same could be said of organisations, too.

Now is the time to get your organisation in order, focus on strong governance. There are lots of great people out there looking for work opportunities. Its a good occasion to look at your Board composition, identify its knowledge and skill gaps and bring in some new talent. FDIO has done just that!

Look at new business opportunities too. FDIO is hosting a two part series on Aboriginal procurement, focusing on practical strategies for winning contracts and learning from the experiences of other Aboriginal organisations. From the perspective of "the Buyers" and "the Suppliers". I hope you can join us for an excellent discussion leading to some innovative ideas to help move your organisation forward.

This seminar provided the opportunity for an engaging exchange of ideas and was the starting point for what we intend to be an on-going conversation about how to foster a commitment to succession planning in all Aboriginal organisations (and, indeed, every other type of organisation, as well).

Thank you to our hosts, Nexia, who provided a wonderful venue and refreshments and to our two presenters, Tom and Alex, for their candid contribution to this important conversation we need to have.

TOP TIPS and a summary of the Discussion can be found here.

FDIO Governance Forums are topical discussion articles, designed to prompt conversation and debate and provide some practical solutions to common governance issues. We welcome your comments!

FDIO circulated two governance forum topics in June 2016.

One was entitled Manage your Money and Don't get Ripped Off, a response to the ABC Four Corners program which identified a number of mostly WA Aboriginal Communities that had lost significant sums of money through fraud, mismanagement and theft.
The article can been found here

The second article was entitled Aboriginal Procurement - Fact or Fantasy? Deliberately provocative, the article suggested that despite widespread support in Australia of Aboriginal procurement initiatives in both the public and private sector, the outcomes don't always reflect the intent. It looked at ways that Aboriginal procurement opportunities could be turned into real contracts.
The article can be found here

CodeSwitch (formerly The Cultural Connection Code) are hosting the
Entrepreneurs for Innovation & Change Summit
in a 2-day event on 8-9 September 2016 in Perth.

Australian entrepreneur, innovator and keynote speaker, Creel Price, joins many other brilliant business minds, innovators, educators, thought leaders and members of the entrepreneurial, business and Aboriginal community, offering the best cutting-edge business ideas and global community-driven practical solutions.

It was NAIDOC WEEK last week. We hope you've all enjoyed the celebrations.

Congratulations to all the NAIDOC Award Winners:

Manymak Energy Efficiency Project (NT) – Caring for Country Award winner
Elijah Douglas (QLD) – Youth of the Year
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (NT) – Artist of the Year
Layneisha Sgro (WA) – Scholar of the Year
Montana Ah-Won (WA) – Apprentice of the Year
Jade North (NSW) – Sportsperson of the Year
Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik (NT) – Female Elder of the Year
Dr Robert Francis Isaacs (WA) – Male Elder of the Year
Professor Chris Sarra (QLD) – Person of the Year
Stephen Page (QLD) – Lifetime Achievement Award winner

BOARD VACANCIES
for
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

This is a free service and will spread the word out to our network of nearly 400 Indigenous-owned businesses, corporations, trusts and their corporate partners.
Please note, FDIO does not have any contact with or endorse any candidates who respond to these advertisements.

To advertise a vacancy, email: info@fdio.com.au

If your organisation would like a more comprehensive service, including pre-qualification vetting of applicants, contact Tahnee Davies of FDIO on (08) 9426 6689 or 0466 726 909 to discuss your requirements further.

FDIO is grateful to receive sponsorship from the following corporate partners:

FDIO is a not-for-profit organisation
which relies on sponsorship to achieve its objectives.

Please contact FDIO Executive Officer, Tahnee Davies on (08) 9426 6689 or tahnee.davies@fdio.com.au if you are interested in supporting FDIO in 2016.

TRANSPARENT
FDIO Newsletter
July 2016

FDIO EVENTS - COMING UP

FDIO is hosting a two part panel discussion series on
Aboriginal procurement.

Thursday, 28 JULY 2016, 5-7pm

EVENTS - What's been happening

Seminar Discussion - Succession Planning

GOVERNANCE FORUMS

OTHER EVENTS - FDIO Recommends!

TRANSPARENT FDIO Newsletter July 2016