Mystery surrounds the future of an Indigenous construction firm in the Northern Territory after it abruptly ceased trading, and the chief executive quit.
It's understood Jawoyn Contracting, owned by Katherine's Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation sent an email to staff two weeks ago informing them of the closure.
It was initially thought 30 employees were made redundant, however the Jawoyn Association released a statement on Tuesday saying 16 staff were let go.
Jawoyn Association, which started trading in 2018, did acknowledge the impact the redundancies had on individuals and families.
The release from the company said board members had voted to "restructure trading" of Jawoyn Contracting due to poor financial performance of business activities, however at no stage has Jawoyn Association said the business had gone under.
It also claims the "closure of certain business activities" had nothing to do with Jawoyn Association chief executive John Berto's sudden departure.
"The board of directors extends its gratitude for John Berto's significant contribution to the corporation," the statement said.
"The board is leading a new era in the Jawoyn story which aligns with the strategic vision.
"The restructure of Jawoyn Contracting is part of a refocus on the core vision of the Jawoyn Elders to ensure that initiatives align closely with the cultural and economic aspirations originally laid down for Jawoyn people."
Jawoyn Contracting did not respond to multiple enquiries from National Indigenous Times regarding the businesses' future.
Its chairperson Lisa Mumbin said in the statement the board were no strangers to facing up to challenges and adapting to changing markets.
"We are making financially responsible decisions so the organisation can remain viable and stand on it's own," she said.
"2025 sees our corporations' 40th year anniversary and we want to focus on promoting and sharing all the good things we do and the real difference we make to Jawoyn people, those living on Jawoyn Country and the Big Rivers communities. "We are one of the largest single employers in the region.
"We have exciting opportunities all around us and Jawoyn people will continue to play a crucial role in delivering outcomes across many industries."
Jawoyn Association, which employs around 260 people, said its enterprises and other business services are running as normal, including the Nitmiluk Tours, the Cicada Lodge and the Beagle Hotel in Katherine.
"All these enterprises are creating opportunities for our people," Ms Mumbin said.
"This is what our Elders have always wanted – economic independence for Jawoyn."
The 100 per cent Indigenous-owned company, roughly 300 kilometres south of Darwin had previously completed works for the Northern Territory government, the Department of Defence and the Katherine Town Council.