About Us
Welcome to Yirigaa, where technology meets tradition. We’re an Aboriginal Australian-owned company committed to empowering communities and advancing IT with cultural integrity.
The Future of Technology
We harness technology to unlock new opportunities and deepen cultural connections. As a pioneering Aboriginal Australian-owned and managed tech company, we lead the integration of innovation with cultural respect within the industry.
Our commitment is vital to both advancing technology and enhancing cultural inclusion. Through our innovative solutions and educational initiatives, we strive to empower communities and bridge the gaps between modern technology and ancient traditions.
Yirigaa is more than just a technology provider. We create environments where innovation is informed by cultural understanding. With our comprehensive services and the Yirigaa Academy, we support career paths in IT for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth while providing culturally aware IT solutions to businesses and government agencies. We are dedicated to building a future where technology and tradition coexist and flourish together.
Our Story
“Yirigaa,” meaning “Morning Star” in the Wiradjuri language, symbolises the dawn of new beginnings and the promise of opportunities. This name embodies our commitment to pioneering new technological pathways while profoundly honouring the cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Founded in 2020 on Gadigal Country, Yirigaa was established with a clear vision: to address the underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the tech industry. We embarked on a mission to fuse advanced technology with rich cultural traditions, creating career pathways through education and innovative IT solutions.
Our efforts are centred around empowering communities and fostering a future where technology and tradition coexist and thrive together, reflecting our name’s guiding light—a morning star ushering in a new era for all Australians.
At Yirigaa, we are committed to creating a future where technology and cultural heritage thrive together. Here’s how we envision and enact our core principles:
Approach
Our approach is community-centric, developed in close consultation with First Nations communities to ensure cultural and practical relevance. We focus on education and building strong partnerships with institutions and industry leaders to maximise opportunities for our academy participants and business clients. By committing to continual innovation and adaptability, Yirigaa ensures that our services and programs remain cutting-edge and culturally respectful.
Vision
Our vision at Yirigaa is to be recognised as a leader in cultural tech innovation, where technology and Indigenous cultural heritage coexist and enhance one another. We aim to bridge diverse communities through technology, fostering understanding and collaboration, while inspiring sustainable change that prioritises the empowerment and advancement of First Nations Peoples.
Mission
Yirigaa is dedicated to empowering First Nations Peoples by enhancing their presence and success in the technology sector. We strive to drive technological advancement with innovative IT solutions tailored to the unique needs of our communities, while also promoting cultural inclusion by integrating rich First Nations traditions and knowledge into our educational programs and technological developments.
Our Values
Our values guide us in delivering exceptional service and technology solutions, ensuring that every interaction and initiative reflects our dedication to quality, innovation, and respect for both cultural heritage and our clients.
Empowerment
We empower Indigenous communities by enhancing access to IT education and career opportunities, and promoting personal and community advancement.
Cultural Integrity
We hold deep respect for First Nations cultural heritage, ensuring that all initiatives honour and integrate these rich traditions.
Innovation
We are committed to technological progress, continuously developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the community and industry.
Collaboration
We value strong partnerships, working collaboratively with communities, educational institutions, and industry leaders to enrich programs and extend impact.
Inclusivity
We prioritise inclusivity, making sure services and opportunities are accessible to all, and fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated.
Empowerment
We empower Indigenous communities by enhancing access to IT education and career opportunities, and promoting personal and community advancement.
Cultural Integrity
We hold deep respect for First Nations cultural heritage, ensuring that all initiatives honour and integrate these rich traditions.
Innovation
We are committed to technological progress, continuously developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the community and industry.
Collaboration
We value strong partnerships, working collaboratively with communities, educational institutions, and industry leaders to enrich programs and extend impact.
Inclusivity
We prioritise inclusivity, making sure services and opportunities are accessible to all, and fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated.
Empowerment
We empower Indigenous communities by enhancing access to IT education and career opportunities, and promoting personal and community advancement.
Cultural Integrity
We hold deep respect for First Nations cultural heritage, ensuring that all initiatives honour and integrate these rich traditions.
Innovation
We are committed to technological progress, continuously developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the community and industry.
Collaboration
We value strong partnerships, working collaboratively with communities, educational institutions, and industry leaders to enrich programs and extend impact.
Inclusivity
We prioritise inclusivity, making sure services and opportunities are accessible to all, and fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated.
Yirigaa Academy: Bridging Futures Through Education
The Yirigaa Academy was established to address a critical need: the underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the technology sector. By providing tailored educational programs that merge IT training with cultural insights, the Academy aims to cultivate a new generation of tech professionals who are not only skilled in modern technology but also deeply rooted in their cultural heritage.
Purpose and Vision of the Yirigaa Academy:
- Empowering Youth: The Academy opens doors for Indigenous youth, offering them the tools and knowledge to succeed in high-demand tech careers, thus fostering economic independence and community development.
- Cultural Leadership: Through its curriculum, the Academy emphasises the importance of cultural leadership, preparing students to be ambassadors of their heritage within the tech industry.
- Innovative Learning: By integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technological education, the Academy ensures that students receive a holistic learning experience that respects their cultural background while being relevant to the global tech landscape.
The Yirigaa Academy is more than an educational institution; it is a transformative space where technology and tradition meet, creating pathways for employment and meaningful, culturally enriched careers in the tech industry.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
At Yirigaa, community engagement and partnerships are at the core of our strategy to ensure that technology is a tool for empowerment and inclusion. Our initiatives are deeply embedded within our communities, guided by continuous dialogue and collaboration with Aboriginal leaders and community members.
Engagement Strategies:
Regular community consultations and cultural workshops allow us to understand and meet the specific needs of Aboriginal communities. This ensures our projects and services are culturally appropriate and beneficial. These consultations influence everything from the curriculum of the Yirigaa Academy to the development of our IT solutions, ensuring they are culturally attuned and aligned with community values.
Influence of Community Input:
Community input is crucial in tailoring the Yirigaa Academy’s educational programs to be culturally sensitive while aligning with the community’s aspirations. This same input helps customise our IT solutions, making them more effective and respectful of cultural practices.
Impactful Partnerships:
Our collaborations with government agencies and leading tech companies aim to bridge the digital divide, bringing advanced technological resources and opportunities to Aboriginal communities. These partnerships not only enhance accessibility to technology and support job creation and professional development, fostering economic growth and cultural preservation within Aboriginal territories.
Through these strategies and partnerships, Yirigaa uses technology to enhance community well-being, uphold cultural values, and encourage economic development, embodying our commitment to empowerment through innovation and collaboration.
Our Impact
At Yirigaa, our impact is felt through integrating innovative technology with deep cultural respect, significantly advancing the tech industry and the communities we serve. We create lasting changes beyond technology solutions by focusing on empowerment, education, and engagement.
- Industry Influence: Yirigaa has pioneered integrating cultural understanding with cutting-edge technology solutions, making significant strides in enhancing the representation of First Nations people within the tech industry. Our collaborative projects with various sectors have improved technological implementations and fostered an environment where cultural insights are considered integral to technological development.
- Academy Achievements: The Yirigaa Academy is at the heart of our mission, dedicated to providing education that bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern technology skills. Through our academy, we nurture future leaders who are both tech-savvy and culturally aware, equipped to bring a unique perspective to the tech industry.
- Community Contributions: Our commitment to community engagement ensures that we work alongside Aboriginal communities to develop culturally informed solutions that support their needs. Through these partnerships, we strengthen community ties and enhance access to technology, ensuring that our initiatives benefit and respect the traditions and values of the communities we serve.
Yirigaa’s impact is more than just numbers; it’s about the profound and positive change we bring to individuals and communities, promoting a future where technology and tradition coexist harmoniously.
Meet Our Team
Our leadership team, management group, and advisory board bring a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to integrating technology with cultural heritage. These key figures guide our mission and shape our strategic direction.
Our Leadership
Executive Team
Advisory Board
Our Leadership
Julang (Jay) Mundine
Director & CFO
Jeff Whitton, FAICD, CDPSE
Director & CCO
Dr (Aunty) Lynette Riley AO
Chair of the Yirigaa Board
Yawun Mundine
CEO
Stephen Elbourn
Director & CTO
Executive Team
Julang (Jay) Mundine
CFO & Director
Jeff Whitton, FAICD, CDPSE
CCO & Director
Yawun Mundine
CEO
Stephen Elbourn
CTO & Director
Michael Megally
GM – National Sales
Advisory Board
David Mallet
Executive Director, Yanun Project Services
Kelly Humphrey
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Dr Amit Chaubey
Chair – NSW, Australian Information Security Association (ASIA)
Professor Michael Sheng
Distinguished Professor & Head – School of Computing, Macquarie University
Professor Aaron Quigley
Adjunct Professor – School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of NSW (UNSW)
Gavin Whyte
Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Public Sector Network & Honorary Associate, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Our Artwork
“Meetings in the Mountains” is a piece of artwork specially commissioned to encapsulate the Yirigaa story and values.
Created by Rebecca Diane Beetson, a renowned Wiradjuri (Dubbo) and Kamilaroi (Moree) Aboriginal artist from Yaingayaingarra, meaning “to help,” this artwork symbolises the essence of our mission. It depicts two groups coming together, guided by the yirigaa, or “morning star,” prominently featured in white, illustrating the convergence of tradition and modernity.
Commissioned specifically for Yirigaa, this artwork is a visual representation of our journey, emphasising the importance of cultural integrity and collaboration in our pursuit to bridge diverse communities through technology and shared cultural heritage.
Why Partner with Yirigaa?
Innovative Technology Solutions
Empowerment & Social Impact
Cultural Integrity & Expertise
Customised Services
Strong Community & Industry Connections
Innovative Technology Solutions
Innovative
Technology Solutions
Partner with us to access cutting-edge technological solutions that blend the latest IT advancements with cultural sensitivity, ensuring your projects are both technologically robust and culturally informed.
Empowerment & Social Impact
Empowerment
& Social Impact
Engage with a company that drives real social change. Our initiatives aim to uplift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, providing both technology and opportunities for growth and empowerment.
Cultural Integrity & Expertise
Cultural Integrity
& Expertise
Benefit from our deep understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultures, which can enhance your organisation’s cultural competency and ethical standing in diverse markets.
Customised Services
Customised
Services
Experience services tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you’re looking for comprehensive cyber security, customised software development, or effective IT management, all designed to fit seamlessly with your operations.
Strong Community & Industry Connections
Strong Community
& Industry Connections
Leverage our established relationships within Aboriginal communities and across the tech industry for broader engagement and enhanced project outcomes.
Innovative Technology Solutions
Empowerment & Social Impact
Cultural Integrity & Expertise
Customised Services
Strong Community & Industry Connections
Innovative Technology Solutions
Innovative
Technology Solutions
Partner with us to access cutting-edge technological solutions that blend the latest IT advancements with cultural sensitivity, ensuring your projects are both technologically robust and culturally informed.
Empowerment & Social Impact
Empowerment
& Social Impact
Engage with a company that drives real social change. Our initiatives aim to uplift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, providing both technology and opportunities for growth and empowerment.
Cultural Integrity & Expertise
Cultural Integrity
& Expertise
Benefit from our deep understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultures, which can enhance your organisation’s cultural competency and ethical standing in diverse markets.
Customised Services
Customised
Services
Experience services tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you’re looking for comprehensive cyber security, customised software development, or effective IT management, all designed to fit seamlessly with your operations.
Strong Community & Industry Connections
Strong Community
& Industry Connections
Leverage our established relationships within Aboriginal communities and across the tech industry for broader engagement and enhanced project outcomes.
What Our Partners Say
Discover the impact and success of Yirigaa through the voices of those who have partnered with us and those who have grown with us.
A commitment to improving First Nations educational outcomes is a key part of our University Strategy, and partnering with Yirigaa has helped us take positive steps towards realising this goal.
Dr Jason HowarthCourse Director
School of Computing, Mathematics & Engineering Charles Sturt University
I envision a future where the information technology sector provides sustainable opportunities for First Nations people. There’s untapped potential in this industry, one that can lead to personal growth and economic development for our community.
Dr (Aunty) Lynette Riley AO
Yirigaa Academy was acknowledged for contributing to Telstra’s RAP deliverable to establish and maintain two-way partnerships with First Nations communities or organisations in the delivery of their programs and sponsorships.
TelstraReconciliation Action Plan –
July 2023 Update
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Get Involved with Yirigaa
Join us on our mission to bridge technology with tradition and make a positive impact on communities. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills through the Yirigaa Academy, explore partnership opportunities, or participate in empowering community initiatives, there’s a place for you at Yirigaa.
Sign Up for a Program: Ready to advance your career with cutting-edge IT training that respects cultural heritage? Explore our Academy programs.
Partner with Us: Enhance your organisation’s impact by collaborating with Yirigaa on innovative, culturally informed technology solutions.
Join Our Community Initiatives: Help us drive meaningful change in Indigenous communities by getting involved in our various projects and events.
