Kalwun Development Corporation marked a significant milestone in July, celebrating 30 years of “courage, commitment, and excellence” at a Gala Anniversary Dinner on the Gold Coast.

More than 430 people attended the Gala Dinner at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, enjoying a range of cultural performances including Birren, a talented Gudjinburra artist; the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dance Group; Kutaw Zoeru, a cultural song and dance group from Boigu Island in the Torres Strait; and The Jacks Band from the Northern Rivers.

The evening also featured stirring speeches from Master of Ceremonies Anita-Lee Summers, Chief Executive Officer Kieran Chilcott, Board Director Vanessa Summers, and Chairperson William Oui.

Reflecting on Kalwun’s remarkable journey, Mr Chilcott expressed immense pride in how far the organisation had come.

“From our humble beginnings, look at us today — nearly 200 staff across nine locations,” he said.

“Forty years ago, we had nothing. Fifty years ago, we were among the most marginalised, subject to restrictive government policies. Sixty years ago, we didn’t even have the right to vote.

“Yet, here we stand, resilient and proud.”

Over the past 30 years, Mr Chilcott said people had often mistaken Kalwun Development Corporation as a building company, due to its name.

“We used to laugh about this misconception. However, what I have come to realise and deeply appreciate is that our founders were indeed right in their name selection,” he said.

“Kalwun Development Corporation is a builder. We have and continue to build remarkable services and programs delivered across south-east Queensland.

“We build strong partnerships and relationships that reach across the nation.

“We build state-of-the-art offices, centres and medical facilities so that our people have access to the best support and care close to home.

“But most importantly, we build strong, safe and happy First Nations children, families and communities.”

Background

Kalwun Development Corporation’s journey began in the 1980s with the establishment of the Gold Coast Aboriginal and Islander Housing Cooperative Society or Co-Op. It was formed by Founding Members Aunty Joyce Summers, Aunty Rachael Noter, Aunty Edith McAndrew, Aunty Josephine Appo, Aunty Norma Appo and Dorothy Dart.

The Co-Op was incorporated as Kalwun Development Corporation on 18 July 1994. The Founding Board members are Uncle Tom Williams, Aunty Denise Lewis, Uncle William Oui, Uncle Lindsay Blow, Uncle Ron Summers, Aunty Marilyn Dillon, Aunty Marley Thomson, Uncle Robert Pascoe, Aunty Dulcie Ricks and Aunty Samantha Campbell. Uncle Graham Dillon served as Kalwun’s inaugural Administrator.

Today, Kalwun has four key business areas: health and wellbeing services; senior services; child, youth and family support services and the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which offers tours of Burleigh Headland, cultural services, dance performances and artworks.

Visit www.kalwun.com.au