Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust
The Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT) is an Australian nonprofit organisation and one of the country's largest Aboriginal-led social enterprises. Established to relieve economic and social disadvantage in Indigenous communities, GREAT focuses on fostering economic empowerment through business development, grants, and direct community support[1][2][5].

Structure and governance

GREAT operates as a charitable company limited by guarantee, transitioning from the Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust (ADBT) to meet Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) requirements while retaining its original mission[5]. The organisation is governed by a board that prioritizes sustainable economic growth and community well-being[1][5].

Mission and activities

The trust's core mission involves creating an "enterprise culture" to break cycles of generational disadvantage. Key initiatives include:

• Business support: Loans, mentorship, and infrastructure for Indigenous-owned businesses across industries such as earthmoving, transport, and retail[1][3].
• Community grants: Funding for youth sports, education, and leadership programs to strengthen social capital[1][5].
• Asset development: Ownership and operation of essential community enterprises including roadhouses, supermarkets, and art galleries to generate revenue and provide services[1][5].

Key enterprises

GREAT manages multiple self-funded enterprises:

• Doomadgee Roadhouse: Provides fuel and groceries to a remote community of 1,500[1].
• Normanton Foodworks: Largest supermarket in the lower Gulf region, operated in partnership with BYNOE social enterprise[1].
• Ancient Journeys: Aboriginal art gallery and cultural tourism venture promoting Indigenous craftsmanship[5].
  These enterprises contribute to GREAT's $30 million asset base, maintained debt-free[1].

Service area

GREAT primarily serves Native Title Groups in Queensland's Gulf Country, including the Waanyi, Mingginda, and Gkuthaarn-Kukatj Peoples. Its operations extend across the local government areas of Burke, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, and Mornington Island[5].

Funding model

The trust sustains operations through profits from its enterprises rather than relying solely on grants or donations. This self-funding approach enables reinvestment into business loans, community programs, and infrastructure[1][5].

Recognition

As a pioneering Indigenous social enterprise, GREAT demonstrates how asset ownership and business mentorship can address systemic disadvantage while preserving cultural values[1][2]. Its model has been cited as a blueprint for economic self-determination in remote communities[1][5].

[1] https://www.greatrust.com.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6bc82fbe-f62b-ec11-b6e6-000d3acbace0/profile [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6bc82fbe-f62b-ec11-b6e6-000d3acbace0/documents/aec62fe6-0c23-ef11-840a-6045bdc380e8 [4] https://abr.business.gov.au/ABN/View/68756776456 [5] https://www.ancientjourneys.com.au/about-great/