Social Program

The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation Social Program is a fundamental part of the underlying corporate mission and is tied closely to the RAC Rule Book (constitution).  

The primary objective for RAC is “… the charitable purposes of relieving the poverty, destitution, misfortune, disadvantage, distress, dispossession and suffering and to promote the health, education, housing, employment and welfare of the Members …”

The Rirratjingu Social Program supports members by helping them fulfil their responsibilities, maintain cultural practices, and access assistance for education, sports, and training. It also helps members find employment, maintain their homes, manage personal transport and communication, care for traditional lands. Additionally, the program provides financial support to relieve disadvantage and support charitable purposes.

Rirratjingu’s Social Program Details

Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation receives mining royalties on behalf of the Traditional Owners and a portion of these are directed to foster community development and social programs. 

The Social Program initiatives are clearly defined within the Social Program Policy and are managed through RAC’s Community Services Division.

The Community Services Division plays a key role in the delivery of services to members and achieving outcomes defined in the RAC Strategic and Operational Plan. Priority 8 – Investing in Our People specifies support for a number of member assistance initiatives, including:  

  • The RAC Social Program
  • The RAC Funeral Fund
  • The RAC Football Program
  • The RAC Education Program
  • The RAC Music Program
  • The RAC Family Violence Initiative
  • The RAC Health Initiative
  • The RAC Welcoming Ceremony Program
  • The RAC Alleviating Poverty through individual Charitable Payments

What can you expect from the program?

The RAC Social Program has an annual budget that is set aside for Rirratjingu families and the community. Expenditure of these funds are guided by the Social Program policy.

The purpose of the Social Program Policy is to provide members, staff and external stakeholders with background information on what RAC is aiming to do with the Social Program and guidelines on managing the Program.

The Program provides support across a range of areas including:

  • Supporting individuals undergoing medical treatment
  • Whitegoods for the sick and elderly
  • Culture and ceremonies
  • Supporting family to visit terminally ill relatives
  • High level sporting participation
  • Miscellaneous whole of community needs
  • Incarceration release return to country
  • Advancement of religious activities

Additional Member Support

While the Social Program offers various supports for members, RAC also runs additional community service initiatives to provide further assistance to members and the community.

Funeral Fund
Established as a core part of community services is the RAC charitable support initiative titled the Funeral Fund.   This Funeral Fund is consistent with RAC’s corporate objectives, and in particular: “… assisting members of the Aboriginal Community in relation to their social and cultural interests, including in relation to funerals and other ceremonies.”

The Funeral Fund is guided by the Funeral Fund policy and managed by the RAC Funeral Fund Committee.

RAC Charitable Payments Program
The RAC Charitable Payments Program is a major investment by the corporation in providing support to disadvantaged members throughout the year.  Full Members receive fortnightly payments to support themselves and their families.

To be eligible, a person must be a full member of RAC, as defined within the Corporation’s Rule Book and be at least 25 years old. Members aged 18 to 25 are also eligible if they are employed or in education.  These criteria encourage young members to build their careers through work or study.

Christmas Family Assistance Package
The purpose of this Fund is to provide support to disadvantaged members during the Christmas period.  It is acknowledged that the Christmas period is a time of special need and that the usual support for members from RAC operational staff is limited.   

Other Charitable Programs
The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation also use mining royalties and other funds to provide a number of other social and cultural supports to members and the community.  

The RAC Infrastructure Fund is designed to improve community living standards through the construction of priority infrastructure projects. 

RAC has also provided specific support in relation to member transport needs.  This initiative provided special support to each Rirratjingu family.

The Barawun Centre, designed to meet the employment, education and training needs of the community, is commonwealth government funded but RAC has invested substantially in establishing the Centre and in the remarkable outcomes that are being achieved.

Connect with Us

For more information or to speak to someone at Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation about our Social Program, please contact us.

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