Mimili Maku: A Story of Success
Mimili is a community on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in remote South Australia. Located 645 km south of Alice Springs, it is home to around 200 of the Anangu people.
Mimili Maku Store Aboriginal Corporation approached Outback Stores in 2009 because many years of prior mismanagement had left the store in significant debt. Soon the store started turning a profit, with money flowing back into local projects through its Community Benefit Account (CBA).
Rex Tjami, chairperson of the corporation, explains that the community saw immediate positive outcomes. “Lots of changes happened straight away – the store looked better, there was healthy food, better fruit and vegetables and cheaper products.”
At first Rex says there were reservations in the community about the role of Outback Stores, until they realised that “Outback Stores are working for us, and it’s the corporation that owns and runs the store,” he explains.
Rex Tjami, chairperson of Mimili Maku Store Aboriginal Corporation
It’s easy and understandable working with Outback Stores.
– Rex Tjami, chairperson of Mimili Maku Store Aboriginal Corporation
• 24-hour fuel pump
• New generator
• Store refurbishment
• New point-of-sale register system
• 12-seater church bus for the ladies
• 12-seater bus for ladies softball team
• Various other community initiatives eg. football carnivals, sports teams, funerals
Photos
Top: Mimili Maku Store exterior
Bottom: Shelves fully stocked inside Mimii Maku Store
Mimili is a real success story.
– Nelson Tavares, Operations Manager at Outback Stores