Kalano Community Association Inc. (KCAI) is an Aboriginal-owned and controlled organisation that delivers social services, economic development opportunities, and housing to its members in Katherine and the surrounding communities.
Established on April 9th, 1975, Kalano was initially formed to provide affordable and appropriate housing for local Aboriginal community members.
In the early 1980s, the Association expanded its services to include the establishment of Wurli Wurlinjang, an Aboriginal Medical Service, followed by the development of an alcohol rehabilitation program initially based in Rockhole community.
This program later transitioned to the Venndale Rehabilitation Facility, which was established in the early 2000s. These developments were driven by community-identified needs for culturally safe medical and rehabilitation services, as existing mainstream programs were not meeting the needs or comfort levels of many individuals.
Over the past 50+ years, Kalano Community Association Inc. has continued to grow and adapt in response to the evolving social, health, and economic needs of its members and communities. Its current programs reflect these needs alongside shifting government funding structures.
On July 1st, 2018, Kalano Community Association Aboriginal Corporation (KCAAC) was registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) in response to an Australian Federal Government mandated requirement for all Indigenous government funded programs.
Kalano Community Association Inc. is the owner and sole shareholder of Kalano Community Association Aboriginal Corporation.
The rograms and services are divided between the two entities as per Australian Government requirements
