Mas National proud to support GMYPPBC at national awards

Mas National* is thrilled to announce its client, Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation (GMYPPBC), has been named a top three finalist for Australia’s best Small Employer at the esteemed Australian Training Awards this December.

GMYPPBC is a charity and not-for-profit organisation based in Yarrabah, Australia’s largest discrete Aboriginal community.

As a standalone corporation, they have been managing land on behalf of the Gunggandji and Mandingalbay Yidinji native title holders land since 2013.

In the last seven years, they’ve grown from a single part-time employee to a committed team of 15. After winning both North Queensland’s and Queensland’s Small Employer of the Year Awards, they’re now headed to Canberra for the national awards.

GMYPPBC’s impact on the local community is immense, particularly through their First Nation ranger program. This program focuses on conserving the Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji peoples traditional country located in the World Heritage Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef and promoting positive and empowering employment and training opportunities.

Mas National’s collaboration with GMYPPBC since 2021 has seen remarkable success, placing trainees who have gained hands-on experience in diving, habitat restoration, and environmental evaluation and monitoring, all while contributing to their community’s wellbeing.

Trainees like Chasten Hunter, a Tropical North Queensland Training Award finalist, have gained vital skills and become role models in their community. Chasten completed a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management and was employed as a trainee by GMYPPBC with support from Mas National, signing him up to the traineeship.

Ruth Hundertmark, CEO of Mas National, expressed her enthusiasm and support for GMYPPBC’s nomination: “We are thrilled to see GMYPPBC’s dedication and hard work recognised at the national level. Its commitment to empowering the community through education and training is truly inspiring. We are honoured to be their partners in this journey and look forward to continuing our collaboration to create more opportunities for the people of Yarrabah.”

Helen Tait, Executive Officer of GMYPPBC, shared her excitement about GMYPPBC being a top three finalist: “We are eagerly anticipating our trip to Canberra for the Ambassador Event and Training Awards Gala Event in December. Regardless of the outcome, the Training Awards have been a very positive and enriching experience for our team. We are grateful for the recognition and all the support we have received from our partners in delivering our training outcomes and empowering our ranger team.”

Mas National is dedicated to supporting organisations like GMYPPBC that strive to make a positive impact on their communities. We look forward to celebrating our achievements at the Australian Training Awards and continuing our partnership to create more opportunities for growth and development.

*Mas National is part of the IntoWork Group.