Island & Cape

Island & Cape was founded in 2003 and was acquired by The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation, a benevolent Indigenous Corporation established in 1972. ALPA provides benefits to its members from the successful operation of community retail stores. Is Island & Cape Government Funded? No. Island & Cape is financially independent, and is not r... eliant on external funding or subsidies. This allows the company to determine its own direction and development. Is Island & Cape A Religious Organisation? No but originally ALPA was set up by the Uniting Church, who assisted with accounting and administrative services until 1982. Since then ALPA has been responsible for its own operations and development. Why Aren't There More local Managers? Island and Cape have 2 current local managers in the Islands, and 3 other Indigenous managers in in other locations. Although Island & Cape can teach the required skills, we are not able to provide the necessary cultural authority, and coupled with cultural and family obligations this creates enormous pressure for our Indigenous managers, making it difficult for them to choose store management as a career. The ALPA & Island & Cape boards have decided that until these cultural barriers can be overcome, the company would continue to seek managers from outside its cultural base when necessary. Island & Cape and ALPA are committed to an evolving Indigenous management program. Why Is Senior Management Predominantly white/Caucasian? Chairman Dr Djiniyini Gondarra has explained this in the past as such "'We employ Caucasian management because we need their skills and experience. They work for us. They answer to us. They share our commitment and our vision for a successful Indigenous enterprise. We don't see this as a 'black and white' issue.Read More