Tranby is one of Australia’s oldest independent Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
Established in 1957, Tranby has always been driven by the belief that First Nations communities across Australia can manage themselves best as co-operatives, making their own decisions and running their own self- supporting local economy. Tranby has transformed the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through education, founded on the premise that education creates opportunities for economic empowerment, which supports the journey towards self-determination for our people.
Throughout our history, we have learned and grown from the wisdom of Elders past and present. We draw from traditions of First Nations learning and sharing practiced for over 65,000 years. We embody and continue these practices in culturally sensitive ways, nurturing the sharing of wisdom for generations ahead.
Tranby is grounded in Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, and these are incorporated in everything that we do.
Our Purpose is making positive change happen for Mob.
Our Vision is to be a place where First Nations peoples gather to learn and to find their power.
Our Mission is to educate, achieve, empower.
Our Community is a national network of First Nations people who have connected with us since 1957 – alumni, supporters, trainers, teachers, students, mentors, friends and allies.
Our programs empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through education, leadership and community-led programs. From our women’s leadership and empowerment program, Yanalangami, to recording and safeguarding the stories of our Elders, we support community to create lasting positive change in their communities.
Following the legacy of Tranby’s first Aboriginal CEO, Kevin ‘Cookie’ Cook, our leadership has proudly remained Aboriginal since 1980. This commitment shapes how Tranby operates and drives positive change. Our CEO, Dr Belinda Russon, is a proud Yugambeh women. Our diverse team, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, is united by a shared passion for working with and for community.
Established on 24 June 1957, Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative is Australia’s oldest independent Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
Founded on the belief that education is key to economic empowerment and self-determination, Tranby has grown to become a driving force in community-led learning, social justice and systemic change.
At Tranby, we walk proudly in the footsteps of those who came before us. Their strength, vision and determination continue to guide our work as we make positive change happen.
Tranby continues to grow through strong partnerships and a commitment to First Nations learning, community empowerment and self-determination.
It is more important than ever that we develop the skills necessary for building, or rather, re-building, a self-determined First Nations economy. This work cannot happen without truth-telling, without listening to the stories that have shaped and continue to shape our communities.
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