Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation

What Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation does

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) is an Aboriginal community-controlled non-profit corporation registered under Australian Corporations (Aboriginal) Act 2006 (ICN 426), founded in 1984 and headquartered on the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia. It serves approximately 1,000 residents across Djarindjin, Ardyaloon, and Beagle Bay, providing a wraparound portfolio of community services alongside three commercial business units. The commercial operations are Djarindjin Airport (helicopter hot-refuelling for Shell and INPEX serving the Browse Basin, the only civil hot-refuelling service in the Southern Hemisphere, operated via wholly-owned subsidiary Djarindjin Airport Pty Ltd / DAPL since February 2022); Djarindjin Store and Roadhouse (24-hour self-serve fuel, takeaway food, groceries and 18-room motel, run as a social enterprise); and Djarindjin Campground (37 powered + 10 unpowered sites hosting cultural tour operators). Community programs include the Safehouse women's refuge, the Commonwealth Home Support Program (aged care) in three communities, Municipal Services (rubbish collection, roads, firebreaks), Goolboo Jawal Financial Wellbeing Hub, Choosing Your Way adult training, Binimal Aambooriny health strategy, Community Resource Centre, and Family Empowerment (youth, men's shed, cultural programs).

DAC's revenue model is hybrid: commercial revenue (transaction-based) from airport services, fuel/retail and accommodation, and campground; program/managed-services revenue from state and Commonwealth government contracts for aged care, municipal services, and financial counselling; plus in-kind DAC contributions (e.g., $500K+ per annum to municipal services). Customers split between two enterprise oil and gas clients (Shell, INPEX) for the airport business, small consumer transactions at the store/roadhouse/campground/tourism, and government funders for community services. Go-to-market is predominantly direct to community for programs and direct/field sales for the airport enterprise contracts.

The technology platform is limited but distinctive: DAPL with Aero Ascent is developing what is described as the only helicopter turnaround software application in the world, with a potential joint venture to license it globally. Marketed differentiators include the 100% Indigenous workforce on the airport, the registered IP and Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) policy, and the DAC Data Sovereignty Framework. The organization is community-owned and governed by a Board chaired by Brian Lee, with CEO Nathan McIvor (since 2019, 2024 Business Person of the Year) and COO Desarae Sibosado (since 2025), and is executing a 20-year strategic plan unveiled in 2026.

Name

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation

Legal name

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation

Website

https://djarindjin.org.au

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation is a community-controlled Aboriginal non-profit on Western Australia's Dampier Peninsula, operating a portfolio of commercial ventures (helicopter hot-refuelling for oil and gas, roadhouse, campground) and community services (aged care, safehouse, financial counselling, municipal services) for approximately 1,000 residents across three communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous Community Services

NAICS

American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments (921150), American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments (92115), Other Similar Organizations (except Business, Professional, Labor, and Political Organizations) (813990)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Minority, Indigenous & Disability Rights (BPADAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tribal/Indigenous Public Health Authorities (HLAJAAAD), Emergency Shelter, Camp Coordination & Camp Management (CCCM) (BPADADAB), Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

Keywords

• Indigenous community services
• Helicopter hot-refuelling
• Remote community retail
• Aged care services
• Cultural tourism operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Broome

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Store and Roadhouse Operations: Social enterprise retail store and roadhouse providing takeaway food, groceries, fuel, and accommodations. Operated as social enterprise not expected to make profit, providing essential services to remote community. Revenue from fuel sales, retail goods, food service, and 18 motel rooms.
2. Campground and Tourism: 37 powered caravan/campsites plus 10 unpowered sites, cultural tours operated by local traditional owners (Brian Lee Tagalong Tours, Bundy's Cultural Tours, Trevor's Traditional Tours)
3. Airport Hot-Refuelling Services: Hot-refuelling helicopters for Shell and INPEX oil and gas operations in the Browse Basin, 200nm off the coast. 100% Indigenous workforce, the only civil hot-refuelling service in the Southern Hemisphere.
4. Airport Software Licensing: Potential joint venture with Aero Ascent to license helicopter turnaround software to other airports worldwide
5. Municipal Services Funding: Partly state government funded municipal services including rubbish collection, parks and gardens, roads, firebreaks and waste facility management. DAC contributes $500,000 plus per annum.
6. Commonwealth Home Support Program (Aged Care): Government-funded aged care service delivery in Djarindjin, Beagle Bay, and One Arm Point. Provides nutritious meals, activities, and excursions for senior citizens.
7. Financial Counselling Services: Free and confidential financial counselling, information and advocacy services for community members, delivered through Goolboo Jawal Financial Wellbeing Hub
8. Youth and Family Programs: School holiday programs, junior basketball tournaments, men's shed activities, early childhood education (Garra Joon Bawa Playgroup), delivered in partnership with Fair Game, Funergy, Garnduwa

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation is a community-controlled not-for-profit organisation that delivers social-enterprise commercial services (helicopter hot-refuelling, retail store, roadhouse, campground and tourism) and government-funded community services (safehouse, aged care, financial counselling, training, municipal services, youth and family programs) to residents of the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia. It operates as a portfolio of semi-autonomous business units and service programs under a single Indigenous-governed structure.

Product overview

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation is a multi-service Indigenous community organization operating on the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia. The organization operates as a portfolio of distinct business units and community service programs rather than a unified tech platform. Commercial ventures include Djarindjin Airport (helicopter hot refuelling), Djarindjin Store and Roadhouse, and Djarindjin Campground. Community services encompass Safehouse (women's refuge), Community Resource Center, Municipal Services, Goolboo Jawal Financial Wellbeing Hub, Choosing Your Way (training), Binimal Aambooriny (health strategy), Community Home Support Program (aged care), and Family Empowerment programs. These operate as semi-autonomous service areas under DAC's unified governance structure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Djarindjin Airport: Airport operations providing hot refuelling services for helicopters serving offshore oil and gas operations (Shell and INPEX). The only civil hot-refuelling service in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Djarindjin Roadhouse
• Djarindjin Campground
• Goolboo Jawal Financial Wellbeing Hub
• Djarindjin Safehouse
• Binimal Aambooriny
• Djarindjin Community Resource Center (CRC)

Products and services

• Djarindjin Airport Hot-Refuelling Services 100% Indigenous-operated helicopter hot-refuelling services for offshore oil and gas operators (Shell, INPEX) serving Browse Basin platforms approximately 200nm offshore. Operated by wholly-owned subsidiary Djarindjin Airport Pty Ltd (DAPL); the only civil helicopter hot-refuelling service in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Djarindjin Store and Roadhouse Social-enterprise retail store and 24-hour self-serve fuel station providing takeaway food, groceries, ice, bait, auto accessories, gas bottle refills and 18 ensuite motel rooms with double beds, TV, and microwaves. Operated daily 8:00AM-7:30PM during the Dry Season with reduced wet-season hours.
• Djarindjin Campground Campground on Cape Leveque Road offering 37 powered caravan/campsites and 10 unpowered sites, with gas BBQs, sheltered outdoor areas, camp kitchen, hot showers, and laundry; accessible by 2WD vehicles. Hosts on-country cultural tour operators including Brian Lee Tagalong Tours, Bundy's Cultural Tours, and Trevor's Traditional Tours.
• Djarindjin Safehouse
• Community Resource Center (CRC)
• Municipal Services
• Goolboo Jawal Financial Wellbeing Hub
• Choosing Your Way Adult education and training program delivering language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills to adults in remote Western Australia, including support for aviation qualifications, coxswain qualifications, and learner's permits.
• Binimal Aambooriny (Strong People, Healthy Living)
• Community Home Support Program (CHSP)
• Family Empowerment Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Indigenous Governance Award 2024 - recognising outstanding governance and role as model of self-determination and economic sustainability
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Djarindjin Airport Pty Ltd (DAPL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Wholly-owned subsidiary created by DAC Board and Members in 2012 to operate Djarindjin Airport. DAC took over direct operation and management in February 2022. Provides hot-refuelling services to Shell and INPEX. 100% Indigenous workforce drawn from Dampier Peninsula communities.
• Regional Airport Management Services (RAMS)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContracted by DAC to provide expertise in airport operations when decision was made to operate independently. RAMS, DAPL and DAC work together to provide world-class service to oil and gas companies.
• Aero AscentcoreTechnology or IntegrationSoftware developer working with DAC to create custom helicopter turnaround software application. Likely to move into joint venture to sell product to other airports around the world - the only software application based on helicopter turnarounds globally.
• Fair GameminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth program collaborator delivering programs to Djarindjin community children throughout the year as part of school holiday activities.
• FunergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth program collaborator delivering programs to Djarindjin community children throughout the year.
• GarnduwacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers programs to community kids throughout the year; supports annual Junior Basketball Tournament for Dampier Peninsula youth.
• KAMS (Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWellbeing and Suicide Prevention Manager William Hunter assists with organisation of men's 3-day walk and camp events promoting wellbeing and cultural connection.
• Broome CircleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSenior Financial Counsellor Veronica Johnson previously worked with Broome Circle in outreach capacity before joining DAC.
• Water CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided funding for nursery refurbishments at Djarindjin. Lewis Upton from Water Corporation serves as project lead on this and other projects in Djarindjin.
• Argosee Greenhouse TechnologyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDesigned and constructed nursery refurbishment project for Djarindjin community nursery.
• Tourism WAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommissioned mural project for roadhouse fuel tank by local Djarindjin artists; provided backend support for Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries funded project completed July 2022.
• Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (Western Australia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided funding for roadhouse mural project through Tourism WA; also supports municipal services funding.
• Ngaarda MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConducted interview with CEO Nathan McIvor on Indigenous empowerment model; provides media coverage and interview platform for Djarindjin stories.
• ABC NewsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConducted interview with CEO Nathan McIvor on essential food price-caps and healthy eating at Kimberley Breakfast March 2025.
• Kimberley Population Health UnitminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks with Safehouse/Refuge staff to facilitate educational programs for women around fitness, health and nutrition; involved with CHSP team and others.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Torres Strait Regional Authority: Statutory authority representing Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal residents of the Torres Strait, delivering economic, cultural and community development programs. Strong governance and self-determination parallel to DAC's Aboriginal corporation mandate.
• Outback Stores: Government-funded retail operator (Commonwealth-owned) managing community stores in remote Indigenous communities across Australia. Directly comparable to DAC's Store and Roadhouse offering takeaway food, groceries, fuel and accommodation in Djarindjin.
• NPY Women's Council: Indigenous women's council providing domestic violence, safehouse, and family wellbeing services across remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands. Direct analog to DAC's Djarindjin Safehouse operations servicing three Dampier Peninsula communities.
• Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation: Alice Springs-based Aboriginal community-controlled organisation delivering municipal, aged care, family, and youth services to Indigenous residents. Strongly comparable to DAC's wraparound municipal and social services portfolio serving remote communities.
• Regional Airport Management Services (RAMS): Australian airport operations specialist contracted by DAC to run Djarindjin Airport. Direct peer in regional/heliport management to resource-sector clients, making it the closest operating peer for DAPL.
• Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA): ALPA is one of Australia's largest Aboriginal corporations, operating retail stores, fuel outlets, and community services across remote Northern Territory communities. Direct functional parallel to DAC's Store and Roadhouse social enterprise model and member-controlled governance structure.

Regional players

• Mawarnkarra Aboriginal Health Service: Aboriginal community-controlled health service operating in the West Pilbara (Roebourne area). Comparable in scale and service mix to DAC's CHSP aged care and Binimal Aambooriny health framework.
• Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation (KRCI): Kimberley-based Indigenous corporation providing CDEP/employment, training, and community services. Direct regional peer to DAC's Choosing Your Way adult training program and municipal services function.
• Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS): Regional Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation coordinating primary health care across the Kimberley. Already a DAC partner and direct peer in Indigenous health/wellbeing strategy and CHSP-style aged care delivery on the Dampier Peninsula.

Broad incumbents

• Airservices Australia: Federal statutory authority managing Australia's civil airspace and major airports. Provides broad institutional parallel to DAPL's niche helicopter hot-refuelling and turnaround management at Djarindjin Airport.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/djarindjin-aboriginal-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation