Ngakwurrilangwa Wurriamamalya
Our family. Our future.
About Arirrki Aboriginal Corporation.
Arirrki Aboriginal Corporation was registered with the Office of Registration Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) in 2005. It was formed when part of the Lalara family clan decided to separate from a larger corporation to focus on supporting themselves. The corporation represents five families from the Lalara Clan of Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island, recognised as traditional owners by the Anindilyakwa Land Council. The Board of Directors is made up of family elders and a community liaison officer.
Business Operations
Arirrki operates as a management unit, employing a CEO to oversee its three businesses: Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises on the Adelaide River near Darwin, Groote Eylandt Car Rentals in Alyangula, and a rental unit in Larrakeyah, Darwin. These businesses contribute management fees to the corporation, which uses the income to support the Lalara family.
Community Contributions
Arirrki invests around $100,000 annually back into the community, funding travel, education, medical support, and other general needs for its members. The corporation has also expanded its efforts by working with government departments to provide youth diversion and education programs for the Anindilyakwa people.
Transforming Arirrki Aboriginal Corporation
Over the past few years, Arirrki Aboriginal Corporation has undergone significant changes. In 2018, under the Chair of Phillip Kennel, the Board of Directors requested new management to open up Arirrki to its members. The goal was to ensure family members could see how their business was being managed and to involve them in decision-making. Under the leadership of Neniyuwangkwa (Abel Lalara), the corporation was completely rewritten, with the support of Dynamic Financial Management and Treeti Business Consultants. The focus has shifted from solely the bank balance to prioritising the well-being of the family, captured by the phrase “Family first,” often echoed by the Board and management.
Supporting Members
The Arirrki website reflects this transformation and serves as a tool for both the community and the corporation. It proudly showcases who Arirrki is while providing valuable resources for its members. Members can access Board minutes and financial records, as well as make support requests, vehicle rental requests, and seek gardening or emergency assistance. Over time, additional services will be offered, setting a benchmark for transparency and member support.
Looking Ahead
Arirrki Aboriginal Corporation has made great progress and continues to strive for more. Future projects are centred on creating local employment opportunities, building businesses to support the people of Groote Eylandt, and proudly showcasing the Anindilyakwa culture to the world.
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“Our focus has moved from squarely on our bank balance to looking after our family, which is why you’ll frequently here the phrase “Family first” uttered by the Board and management to justify our decisions.”
— Wes Field, CEO
Leadership and Governance Structure
Arirrki Board of Directors
The Arirrki Board of Directors consists of the senior elders approved by the family members of the five families within the Lalara Clan. Each Director is formally approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The Community Liaison Officer, a separate position from the Board, is held by the Clan Leader. This role is not elected but is based on cultural respect and hierarchy. While the Community Liaison Officer’s opinion is highly valued, they do not hold voting rights on the Board.
Mr Hamilton Lalara
Hamilton is a former chairman and has the long term vision to see Arirrki establish plans for future generations of Lalara.
Mr Russell Lalara
Russell has been involved with the Arirrki Board Board since its start. He brings a great wealth of knowledge to the board based on that history.
Mr Wesley Field
Arirrki CEO, Group Marketing & Business Development
With a background in retail and service industry management, Wes stepped up to the role as CEO by invitation of the Board of Directors as a temporary role, following the departure of the previous General Manager. Previously employed as the Operation Manager of Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises, he has gained acceptance by the family and aims to follow the clan principal of putting family first and making decisions fairly for the benefit of all.