Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Acting Chair Bob Blair was pleased to open the Bawrunga Aboriginal Medical Service (BAMS) at a ceremony held today at the new centre in Nambucca Heads.
BAMS is a not-for-profit organisation whose primary objective is to serve the medical and health needs of the Indigenous and broader community.
IBA provided business support assistance to compile a business plan and finance to purchase and renovate the building in Nambucca Heads which will also house the BAMS head office.
“BAMS provides a much needed and appreciated service to Indigenous and broader
communities in need,” Mr Blair said.
“They’ve managed to become self-sustaining and grow and will go on to do bigger and better things with the new centre opening in Nambucca Heads.
BAMS offers a range of vital medical and health based services some of which include skin cancer programs, diabetes prevention programs, heart disease prevention programs and paediatric services.
Over the next 3 years BAMS will concentrate on developing the commercial aspect of their business until solid financial foundations have been established in order for them to deliver their wider social objectives.
At present BAMS operates four general practice medical clinics located at Nambucca Heads, Macksville, Gilgandra and Gulargambone.
The organisation is governed by a Board of Directors that reports to the CEO. Current directors are Rhoda Reid and Patricia Gordon, Chairperson – Sue Fuller, Treasurer – Margaret Edwards and Secretary & CEO – Leavina Reid.
“It has been a long journey and after 10 years we have finally achieved what we wanted to, to
develop our own infrastructure that is sustainable and not reliant on government funding,” Mrs
Reid said.
IBA plays an important role in assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community organisations to build assets and wealth.
IBA provides assistance through initial business support, business loans and ongoing business mentoring services.
“One of IBA’s roles is to assist Indigenous clients to establish, acquire and grow successful
businesses,” said Mr Blair.
In 2007/08 financial year, (as of March 30), IBA has approved 16 business loans worth $2.1 along with 71 business support applications approved to the value $360,673 in the Coffs Coast region.