Timeline
1995
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commercial Development Corporation establishes a joint venture with the Tasmanian Investment Corporation and a group of eight Aboriginal organisations to purchase Gordon River Cruises. Gordon River Cruises is one of Tasmania’s premier tourist attractions, drawing approximately 70,000 tourists a year.
1996
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commercial Development Corporation acquires 19.93 per cent equity in the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. In 2004 Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is named Australia’s Best Tourist Attraction in the Australian Tourism Export Council Excellence Awards.
2001
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Act 1989 is amended to change the name of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commercial Development Corporation to Indigenous Business Australia.
IBA, the Ngarda Ngarli Yarndu Foundation and contracting firm Henry Walker Eltin (now HWE Mining) form a joint venture: Ngarda Civil & Mining Pty Ltd (Ngarda). In 2003 Ngarda wins the large business category in the prestigious Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships.
2002
In partnership with the Yadgalah Aboriginal Corporation, IBA acquires 50 per cent interest in the Monkey Mia Dolphin resort, an internationally renowned eco-tourism destination in Western Australia.
2005
Following the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, IBA’s role is expanded to include management of the Home Ownership Program and Business Development and Assistance Program.
The Home Ownership on Indigenous Land Program is developed to facilitate Indigenous home ownership on community-titled land.
2006
IBA hosts the First Nations Economic Opportunities Conference in Sydney to promote Indigenous economic development and to facilitate an understanding of the challenges facing Indigenous businesses. More than 500 people attend the conference, including delegations from New Zealand and Canada.
2007
IBA and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations jointly develop an Indigenous small business development model which funds the placement of an economic development officer, paired with a local Indigenous officer, to work in remote communities in the Northern Territory.
2008
The first Home Ownership on Indigenous Land Program loan is approved, enabling an Indigenous family to start construction of their new home on Melville Island in the Northern Territory.
IBA and National Australia Bank jointly develop the Indigenous Entrepreneur Microenterprise Program to deliver small business loans (microfinance) and associated business support to eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs.
IBA publishes a research report titled the Perceptions of Home Ownership among IBA Home Loan Clients. The study highlights several key economic benefits of home ownership for Indigenous Australians.
2009
More than 14,000 Indigenous families have been assisted to participate in their own home ownership experience since the Home Ownership Program started.
Welcome Dr Dawn Casey as the new Chair of IBA.
The IBA Scholarship Fund was launched, providing mature-aged Indigenous Australians with an opportunity to study towards qualifications that can contribute to the economic development of their community.
2010
IBA celebrated 20 years of assisting Indigenous Australians on their pathway to economic independence and continuing to contribute to Indigenous economic development, year after year.
2011
Welcomed Chris Fry as the new IBA Chief Executive Officer.