One of Australia’s most effective yet least-known Indigenous organisations, Kalano Community
Association, is celebrating 50 years of service, pride and progress.

Kalano was established to meet the needs of Aboriginal communities in Katherine and surrounding communities.

It evolved into a leading organisation providing housing, health, employment, economic and social programs.

Kalano’s President Glenn Nuggin says: “Kalano Community Association’s achievements are a testament to
our unwavering commitment to empowering our community.

“Through dedicated service delivery, cultural preservation and collaborative efforts, we continue to foster growth and resilience among our people.”

And Chief Executive Alan Mole says: “Kalano’s achievements stand as a testament to innovation, resilience and excellence.

“Through dedication and strategic vision, we have not only set new benchmarks but also redefined what’s possible in our industry. This is just the beginning of a legacy built on success.”

Kalano serves more than 330 people across four communities: Katherine, Miali Brumby, Rockhole and Geyulkgan.

The association, which has a workforce of 193, is 100 percent Aboriginal-owned and operated, ensuring its programs are community-driven and culturally appropriate.

Kalano works closely with its members to advocate for their rights, addressing key issues such as housing, health and employment, while also ensuring cultural preservation and self-determination.

Despite its many achievements, Kalano faces challenges, particularly in housing availability and quality. Overcrowding and improving living conditions remain priorities, and KCA is developing a strategic Community Housing Plan to guide future investments and improve housing conditions.

Governance and leadership
Kalano is governed by 14 elected councillors, representing its four communities: Katherine, Miali Brumby, Rockhole and Geyulkgan. The leadership team, including Mr Mole and Deputy chief executive Susan Berto, ensures Kalano remains committed to empowerment, cultural integrity and self-determination. Its core values include empowerment, culture, collaboration, respect, participation, transparency, communication and opportunity, which guide every aspect of the organisation’s work.

Looking ahead: a vision for the future
As Kalano marks its 50th anniversary, the organisation is focused on expanding its impact and ensuring
a strong future for Aboriginal communities. Plans include developing homeownership and rental support programs, expanding short-term accommodation options for Aboriginal people visiting Katherine for medical or cultural reasons, and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders such as Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service, North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency and Jawoyn Association.

With a strong foundation built over five decades, Kalano continues to be a leader in housing, social services and economic empowerment.

As the organisation looks forward, it remains committed to strengthening self-determination, cultural pride and sustainable development for Aboriginal people in Katherine and beyond.

Recognition and accreditation
Kalano’s commitment to quality and excellence has been recognised through multiple accreditations and awards, including ISO9001:2015 quality management certification, Woolworths Community Group of the Year 2021 and NDIS Standards Accreditation. The organisation is also accredited by the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission and has received QIP accreditation for health and community services. These acknowledgments reflect Kalano’s high standards and dedication to community service.

Core services and programs
Kalano plays a vital role in providing housing and essential services to its communities, managing 83 dwellings and 73 tenancy houses across four communities. As a Homelands provider, funded by the Northern Territory Government, Kalano is responsible for delivering housing and critical infrastructure to Aboriginal homelands.

In recent years, the organisation has taken significant steps to improve living conditions. In 2024, Kalano successfully project-managed $6.5 million in renovations and upgrades to Rockhole, ensuring improved housing quality, infrastructure and services for residents. Similarly, in 2019, Kalano project managed $6.2 million upgrades to Miali Brumby community and
$6.5 million upgrades to the Rockhole community, enhancing facilities and living standards. The organisation continues to implement safety measures, such as six-foot-high fences in Miali Brumby, providing a safer and more secure environment for residents.

Youth and family services
Kalano has developed a range of programs to support children, families and youth, ensuring culturally appropriate services tailored to community needs. The Big Rivers Child and Family Centre offers holistic support for children and families, helping them navigate the service system while fostering community engagement through events and initiatives. The Connected Beginnings Program is dedicated to preparing First Nations children (0-5 years) for school, ensuring they begin their education healthy, happy and ready to learn. Additionally, the Child and Family Intensive Support Program provides early intervention and prevention support for children (0-18 years) and their families, aiming to improve long-term wellbeing and safety.

To address the needs of at-risk youth, Kalano operates a youth diversion program, which provides mentorship, skill-building and community engagement to help young people avoid interactions with the justice system. The Kinship Carer Program focuses on placing Aboriginal children in safe, culturally appropriate family environments, strengthening family ties and ensuring stability.

Keeping communities safe
Kalano enhances community safety through its Community Night Patrol and Katherine Youth Outreach
and Transport Service (KYOTS). Operating in Katherine, Binjari and Rockhole, the Indigenous-led patrol works with NT police and local organisations to address anti-social behaviour and domestic violence.

KYOTS focuses on at-risk Aboriginal youth, reuniting them with family and guiding them toward safer choices. Through patrols, transport and youth events, the service prevents crime and strengthens community ties.

Kalano also provides accessible and reliable transportation for all members of the community. The service helps residents access appointments, shopping centres, essential services, employment, healthcare facilities and social engagements.

Alcohol and Other Drug Services
Kalano is committed to addressing alcohol and substance misuse through its Venndale Rehabilitation Centre, a 24-hour residential rehabilitation program that provides culturally appropriate support to individuals struggling with alcohol and other drug dependencies. The program offers holistic case management, including one-on-one sessions, group activities and wellbeing programs tailored to community needs. In 2023, Kalano took over the management of the Sobering-Up Shelter from Mission Australia, an 18-bed facility that provides overnight accommodation for individuals under the influence of alcohol, offering harm reduction support and access to counselling, rehabilitation and community resources. By providing both immediate assistance and long-term recovery pathways, Kalano plays a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles within its communities.

Aged care services
Kalano is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and independence
of Elders in the Katherine region. A major milestone was the official opening of the Kalano Flexible Aged Care Facility on November 2, 2023, marking the successful transition of the service from the Australian Red Cross back to Kalano. This significant event restored local control over aged-care services, ensuring they are designed and delivered by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people. The opening was attended
by key stakeholders, community leaders, Elders and government representatives, celebrating the return of culturally appropriate aged care to the hands of the local community.

The facility now operates as a fully Indigenous-led service, ensuring Elders receive care that respects their language, traditions and cultural needs. Alongside this, the Commonwealth Home Support Program provides domestic help, transport, meals and personal care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50+ and non-Indigenous people aged 65+. These initiatives enable Elders to remain connected to their communities while receiving essential support tailored to their cultural needs.

NDIS provider
In 2017, Kalano became a registered NDIS provider, offering support coordination, community access
and supported independent living services. These services were crucial for the First Nations community to ensure that culturally competent supported independent living was available for our most vulnerable demographic. NDIS services are for individuals with disabilities who require resources and assistance to enhance their quality of life.

Employment and economic development
Kalano plays an active role in workforce development and training, creating local employment opportunities and upskilling community members. The Community Development Program focuses on job training, development and skill-building, empowering participants to gain meaningful employment.

The Kalano mechanical workshop provides affordable vehicle maintenance services, offering employment opportunities and skills training for local workers.

Sports and recreation
In 2023, responding to community needs, Kalano launched a self-funded Sports and Recreation Program to engage youth, families and the broader community through positive and inclusive activities. The program has successfully hosted numerous sporting events, fostering community connection, youth engagement and healthy lifestyles.

A highlight of Kalano’s community events is the annual NAIDOC Family Fun Day, which continues to grow each year, attracting hundreds of people who come together to celebrate culture, family and community. This much-loved event strengthens pride, identity and belonging, reinforcing Kalano’s commitment to bringing people together through sport, recreation and cultural celebrations.

Kalano’s core values underpin everything it does
Empowerment: every Aboriginal community should control its own service delivery to ensure the best services and outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Culture: programs should be culturally reliable and incorporate the appropriate traditional beliefs and customs.

Collaboration: Kalano will encourage and foster a two-way learning service delivery model, which blends a mix of Aboriginal and contemporary concepts.

Respect: promote mutual respect between Kalano staff and its community members, their families and representatives.

Participation: Kalano believes in and encourages all members and staff to take part to their full potential.

Transparency: Kalano’s business to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Communication: Kalano is committed to meaningful communication between members and the association’s programs; such communications will respect the confidentiality of each member’s rights to make their own decisions.

Opportunity. Kalano seeks to attract programs that will promote opportunities leading to skills development and employment.

Long-standing members of Kalano are proud of the community association’s achievements.
Deputy chief executive Suzi Berto first worked for the organisation in 1985 – when Indigenous people were living in tin shacks in what was known as Silvertown on the edge of Katherine.

“Kalano was founded because of the housing crisis,” she says. “I have seen our people go from living in tin shacks to living in decent houses. That’s quite an achievement.”

She also remembers how Elders marched into Katherine demanding a proper health clinic.

“They wanted a clinic run by Aboriginal people.”

Ms Berto says the achievements of Kalano have been extraordinary.

“It’s one of the oldest and largest Aboriginal organisations in Australia. We should be proud of that.”

Noel McDonald remembers how many Indigenous people lived in a riverside camp before Kalano Community Association started.

“There was nothing in those days,” he says. “I remember the old days when we had a pickup truck and we’d go to collect people who had drunk too much and take them home for their own safety.

“Now we’ve got a lot of good things – housing, social services, a night patrol, aged care, childcare centre, rehab centre, and sports and rec.

“Kalano was like a baby that was growing up. And it’s still growing today.”

Heather Mundul, the proud grandmother of 12, remembers the days when Indigenous people lived in shacks and tents at High Level.

“It used to be a big problem,” she says. “Now there’s proper housing everywhere.”

She says Kalano has done a “really, really good job”.

Albert O’Connor has lived in Kalano for more than 20 years.

“I’ve seen lots of buildings go up,” he says. “Things have got much better.” Sally Mumbin remembers living in a tent when she was young.

“There have been lots of changes since then,” she says. “There never used to be any houses. And the road out was dirt. Now it’s bitumen.” TQ