Tribal Warrior Association Inc.

A non-profit community organisation initiated and directed by Aboriginal people with Aboriginal Elders.

The Tribal Warrior Association was established by concerned Aboriginal people with a view to spread and vitalise Aboriginal culture, and to provide economic and social stability.

The Association provides quality training for employment skills, and extends everyday practical assistance by distributing food and groceries to struggling families.

The Management Committee of the Association includes grassroots Aboriginal people from various areas, and respected Elders.

		The Tribal Warrior Association uses the gaff-rigged ketch Tribal Warrior and the Deerubbun to train Aboriginal people to attain their Master Class V commercial maritime certificate and other qualifications including Radar certificate, and Marine Engineer certificate. On all public occasions and celebrations, the Tribal Warrior flies the Koori Flag and the jib sail painted with the words "It's a Koori harbour" and the Black Duck totem. Wherever the boat goes or where Aboriginal people have seen it, it has been intimately their boat. This has been the spirit and goal from the beginning.
Tribal Warrior returning to Sydney on 9 June 2003 after circumnavigating Australia.

We exist to empower disadvantaged Aboriginal and non-indigenous people - encouraging them to become self-sufficient by providing specialised training programs leading to employment opportunities in the maritime industries.

Endorsed as a deductible gift recipient by the Australian Taxation Office, and authorised to fundraise for charitable purposes by the Office of Charities, Department of Gaming & Racing NSW, the Tribal Warrior Association relies on the community for both financial and practical support.

Management Committee Our respected Elders participate on the Management Committee and have power of veto over decisions of the Association. Shane Phillips, Chairman & CEO Mark Spinks, Secretary Anthony Cook, Treasurer Daniel Ariel, Public Officer Uncle Max Eulo, Member Michael Mundine, Member Dallas Clayton, Member Troy Russell, Member		Shane Phillips, Chairman & CEO

Founding Members Daniel Ariel Uncle Lionel Mongta, Elder of Walbunja community Uncle Bruce Stewart, Elder of La Perouse community Uncle Max Eulo, Elder of Redfern community Uncle Allen Madden, Elder of Redfern community Uncle Solomon Bellear, Elder of Redfern community

Our Objectives

1. To promote and support the establishment of a maritime education facility with a hands-on learning program, aboard a suitable maritime vessel.
   a) Targeting Aboriginal people, especially those of low income and/or limited formal education.
   b) Non-indigenous Australians, Torres Strait Islanders and foreign students may also be accommodated in the program for the furtherance of reconciliation and understanding between cultures.
   c) The immediate goal will be to equip the students with various commercial maritime licences for their potential employment in maritime vocations.
   d) To gain government accreditation to provide approved courses for maritime education.
   
2. To promote a consciousness for maritime vocations among Aboriginal people.
   
3. To facilitate social and cultural exchange between Aboriginal tribes, especially those of the interior, with those of the East Coast.
   
4. To promote the awareness of the value of the continuance of Aboriginal community life, and the family.
   
5. To explore and utilise approaches to achieve social, economic, and cultural development in Aboriginal communities and individuals.
   
6. To provide food and other basic living essentials for low-income persons, particularly among indigenous but also including non-indigenous Australians.
   
7. To provide drug counselling and rehabilitation programs.
   
8. To provide recreational and Aboriginal cultural learning programs for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
   
9. To form a committee to be called "Aboriginal People for Constructive Reconciliation" to arrange Aboriginal participation in programs and events in the spirit of reconciliation, reconciliation from the Aboriginal perspective.
   
10. To seek community support for the above objectives.
    
11. To apply for status as a charity. (Accomplished).

Our Aspirations

Our vision is one of social and cultural exchange between Aboriginal tribes. We hope to present a creative and ongoing vision for Aboriginal youth by generating self-employment, economic stability and cultural affirmation.

With your help we aim to promote an awareness of values of continuance of Aboriginal community life and family; to represent an Aboriginal perspective in reconciliation programs and events.

We appreciate any community support or involvement that would assist us in achieving these goals.