A grant of approximately $330,000 has been awarded to Dr George Mihaylov, Dr Ivan Obaydin, and Professor Ralf Zurbruegg by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) under their Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Capacity Building Program.
The project has been designed in collaboration with The Dieri Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (TDAC), a registered native title body representing the Dieri People.
Over a three-and-a-half-year period starting in 2025, the researchers will work closely with TDAC to deliver a tailored financial and investment education program for TDAC senior management.
The project also includes research focused on developing sustainable investment strategies and processes suitable for a wide range of not-for-profits, including Aboriginal Corporations.
Dr Mihaylov described the funding as a major milestone for the research team.
“We’re delighted to be a recipient of funding from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, whose support has been absolutely invaluable,” Dr Mihaylov said.
“Our team is looking forward to collaborating with TDAC to promote the sustainable economic development of Indigenous communities.”
Activities will take place across Adelaide, Port Augusta, and Broken Hill, enabling the research team to engage with rural and remote communities to promote sustainable economic development.
Professor Zurbruegg emphasised the significance of the project in supporting independence for Indigenous communities.
“The funding will provide a case study in developing bespoke investment literacy education for not-for-profits like TDAC, as well as supporting research into sustainable financial management processes within Indigenous communities,” he said.
“Many not-for-profit organisations, including native titleholder entities, rely on the goodwill and knowledge of their members to manage their operations.”
“Our aim is to provide a foundation for these organisations going forward, supporting them as they strive for continuous improvement in financial and investment decision-making.”