Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation has reached a major milestone - 25 years of delivering employment, enterprise, and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.
The anniversary was marked with a formal celebration on Larrakia Country in Darwin, recognising the organisation's history, achievements, and the people who have driven its success. Staff, Board members, community leaders, and partners gathered to acknowledge Ironbark's impact and its enduring commitment to Aboriginal-led development.
The evening was hosted by well-known Darwin identity Ben Graetz, a proud man of the Iwaidja and Malak Malak clans of the Northern Territory and Badu Island in the Torres Strait, who shared a strong personal connection with many in the room. As a former Ironbark Board member, it was an absolute honour to deliver a powerful Welcome to Country reflecting on my deep ties to both the organisation and the community it serves.
Ironbark was established in 2000 as Darwin Regional CDEP Incorporated; a response to a shared vision by Aboriginal leaders and the former ATSIC to create opportunity through Aboriginal-led solutions. That vision has grown into a thriving not-for-profit employing more than 100 people, delivering nationally recognised employment and community programs, and managing a growing suite of successful Indigenous businesses.
Board Chairperson Robyn Regattieri opened the evening by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land and reflecting on Ironbark's journey.
"Tonight, we come together not just to mark the passing of time, but to celebrate a journey of resilience, growth, and self-determination. For 25 years, Ironbark has stood strong as a pillar of support for our people; providing pathways to employment, supporting business development, and nurturing culture and community."
CEO Shaun Pearce, who has led the organisation for the past decade, shared highlights from Ironbark's evolution; from delivering Job Active and Indigenous Community Links to managing the Community Development Program (CDP) in Region 35, and launching commercial ventures such as Ironbark Services NT, RapidClean NT, and Darwin Precast Products and their renowned flagship social enterprise Aboriginal Bush Traders located in the Darwin CBD.
From 1 July this year, Ironbark also became the provider of the Workforce Australia contract in the Darwin–Palmerston region. In a landmark achievement, Ironbark is now the only Indigenous organisation in Australia to be awarded a Workforce Australia contract of this kind under the Generalist stream.
"Over the last 10 years, our teams have placed 2,560 jobseekers into employment; an average of 21.33 jobseekers per month. And that's a remarkable effort," Pearce said.
The event was also an opportunity to recognise the people behind the success. Pearce gave heartfelt thanks to the Board — especially long-serving members Regina Bennett and Robyn Regattieri, who have been with Ironbark since its founding year — as well as dedicated staff members.
"Your passion and dedication are the heartbeat of Ironbark. You've given your all, often in difficult and testing conditions, to deliver programs and services that matter.
On the tough days you show up, you care, and you always go that extra mile. Whether you're in the office, in community, out on Country, running programs, working in our business units or supporting our clients behind the scenes; you've made this place what it is today. We see you, we appreciate you, and tonight, we celebrate you."
While the evening was filled with nostalgia, gratitude and pride, the message from both the Chair and CEO was clear — the work is far from done.
"25 years is a beginning," said Pearce. "It is now a baseline; a small, but significant step in a very long journey into the future."
Chair Robyn Regattieri added: "There is still so much work to be done, and so many opportunities ahead; for our young people, for our culture, and for our land."
"Let's continue to walk together, guided by our shared values and the strength of our ancestors, toward an even stronger future," she said.