The Aboriginal Community Development Fund (ACDF) was established in 2006, originally by Rio Tinto in Singleton. Now, the MACH Energy Mount Pleasant Operation oversees the ACDF committee that provides funding to community initiatives in Singleton and the Upper Hunter.

The ACDF was among the community benefits identified back in 2005 as part of a Native Title Agreement with the Wonnarua People.

A starting fund of $500,000 was initially put into the ACDF Fund that is indexed against CPI each year. Since that initial $500,000, the Fund has invested more than $4 million into projects that target priority areas including health, economic development, cultural and community development and education.

The funds are administered by the ACDF Committee, made up of seven local Aboriginal representatives and one Independent Chairperson, Singleton’s Tony Jarrett.

Aunty Jean Hands, Fiona Murray, Glen Morris, Malcolm Franks, Melisa Powell, Uncle Laurie Perry and Renee MacDonald are the current members who meet quarterly to review submissions made for funding support and monitor the progress and benefits of existing partnerships.

MACH representatives form part of the committee as well to administer funds and help manage partnerships.

Renee has been on the committee for four years and said the money they administer allows for some wonderful things to be done in the community.

“It’s an important opportunity for the Singleton and Upper Hunter areas, we do some amazing things for our community, and they’re all based on our community priorities which are health, economic development, cultural and community development and education. Those priorities were identified right at the start of the ACDF as part of the Native Title Agreement and it’s what was important to the Wonnarua people and the Aboriginal people at that time.

“And, they remain relevant today, we’ve done some amazing short- and long-term projects in each of those areas.

“We’ve done some great stuff in the past, particularly a free dental service for Aboriginal adults. Another big event is the annual Cultural Spectacular, one of the largest activities we take part in.

“It’s an amazing day, it’s the coming together of Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people, just celebrating and coming together. It was an informative day for everyone, and we support a lot of local small businesses who help us put the event together.  

“It’s getting bigger and bigger, and more spectacular. We hold it every two years and spread it across Singleton and Muswellbrook.

“I think most areas in the Upper Hunter are underfunded so if we can help support an area to make a difference for our community that is an amazing thing to be a part of. I’m really proud to be a part of that. To see the things we’re doing in education, in small business, helping support programs at St Heliers Correctional Centre, we are making long lasting change not only for our organisations in our area, but also individuals.”

Ngaire Baker, the ACDF Executive Officer said the funding the committee can give to organisations makes an incredible difference.

“It makes a huge, life changing difference to so many Aboriginal people and organisations in the Upper Hunter.

“MACH Energy and the Mount Pleasant Operation is committed to supporting the ACDF in their work throughout the community.

“While funding is administered to the committee each year, if funds do remain at the end of the year, it goes into the ACDF Future Fund.”

Renee is very passionate about getting funding for education in the Upper Hunter, and ensuring our young people have access to appropriate training.

“Something I am quite passionate about is upskilling our community, we have supported many traineeships within different organisations. For someone to be able to complete their traineeship within a small Aboriginal corporation and then to go onto further employment is amazing. That can make such a difference to a whole family.

“The ACDF has supported many programs within schools, including yarning circles. One of the long supported programs at Singleton High School is the Ka-Wul Aboriginal Education & Cultural Resource Centre. The Centre provides specific support for students through tutoring programs, study and assignment help, dance, arts, craft and cultural exploration and expression.

“It’s a place where students can access that added support to mee their individual education needs.

“The ACDF support really does make long lasting change and I would really like to strongly encourage people to reach out and submit applications if they want to do something great within the local Aboriginal community but need help to make it happen.”

Ngaire added that they are also on the lookout for new committee members to commence in March 2025.

“We will be advertising throughout December and January, and I urge any Aboriginal people living in the Local Government Areas of Singleton, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter to apply.”

For more information on the MACH Energy Mount Pleasant Operation ACDF head to: https://machenergyaustralia.com.au/aboriginal-community-development-fund/