Become a CASWA member

Join over 50 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations strengthening our collective voice and impact across Western Australia

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Membership Benefits

Connect with ACCO leaders across WA to share knowledge, collaborate and strengthen practice. Membership gives you a supportive community, not just a network.

Join CASWA

Collective advocacy

Join CASWA to add your voice to a strong, united ACCO movement influencing policy and reform. Together we drive change that centres Aboriginal leadership.

Peer networks

Connect with other ACCOs for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual support through events and forums.

Funding & partnership opportunities

Access pathways to funding, strategic partnerships and ACCO-led investment opportunities. CASWA helps members engage confidently with government, industry and philanthropy.

Resources & support

Receive practical tools, guidance and sector insights designed for ACCOs. CASWA supports stronger governance, workforce capability and culturally grounded service delivery.

Membership Eligibility

CASWA membership is open to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations operating in Western Australia

Your organisation must be Aboriginal community controlled, meaning:

  • Governed by an Aboriginal board or committee
  • Delivering services designed and led by Aboriginal people
  • Accountable to Aboriginal communities
  • Operating in accordance with Aboriginal cultural values and protocols

Your organisation must be:

  • Legally incorporated (Aboriginal corporation, incorporated association, registered charity, or company limited by guarantee)
  • Hold a current ABN
  • Operating with appropriate governance structures
  • Financially viable and meeting compliance obligations

Your organisation must:

  • Deliver services to Aboriginal communities in Western Australia
  • Operate or be based in WA (or have significant WA operations)
  • Demonstrate community connection and cultural grounding

Your organisation must be committed to:

  • Aboriginal self-determination
  • Community-led solutions
  • Cultural integrity and respect
  • Collaboration and collective strength
  • Ethical practice and accountability
Membership Eligibility
1

Review eligibility

We will help define and measure sector and system outcomes, holding ACCOs, governments and community services to account.

2

Complete application

Documents you will need:

  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Current ABN registration
  • Contact information for your organisation
  • Brief description of your services
  • Financial statements (optional but recommended)
3

Application review

We will review your application to ensure eligibility criteria are met. We may contact you if we need any clarification or additional information.

Processing time: 10 business days

Membership Benefits

CASWA operates a single membership tier, ensuring all Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations have equal voice, access, and opportunity. Whether your organisation is small and community-based or large with multiple programs, you receive the same membership benefits and representation.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) meeting core eligibility criteria and actively delivering services in WA. This membership is grounded in cultural authority and strengthens the collective voice of the sector.

  • Full voting rights and the ability to nominate representatives to CASWA's Board and committees.
  • Access to coordinated advocacy to ensure your priorities are heard at state and national policy tables.
  • Connection to a network of support, policy briefings, and sector development initiatives.
Apply

Open to majority Aboriginal-owned and controlled organisations that may not meet all full membership criteria but contribute to strengthening Aboriginal communities.

  • Participate in CASWA meetings and sector discussions to stay connected with peers.
  • Opportunities to collaborate on initiatives and share expertise to increase collective impact.
  • Be recognized as a valued partner with access to all CASWA communications and advocacy updates.
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FAQ

We've compiled the most important information to help you apply for CASWA membership easily.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal-controlled organisations operating in Western Australia can apply for membership. Eligibility depends on governance, Aboriginal control, community connection and service delivery, as outlined in the CASWA Membership Policy.

Full Membership is for ACCOs that meet all eligibility criteria and actively deliver services in WA, with voting rights and eligibility to nominate Board representatives. Associate Membership is for Aboriginal-controlled organisations that do not yet meet all Full Membership criteria but wish to engage with CASWA and contribute to sector development.

Applicants must provide their constitution or rule book, incorporation certificate, and endorsed Board minutes approving the application. CASWA may request additional information to verify eligibility.

CASWA verifies applications through ORIC, ACNC and ABN records and reviews governance arrangements to confirm Aboriginal control. Eligible applications are then considered by the CASWA Board in line with the Membership Policy.

Timeframes vary depending on the completeness of the application and Board meeting schedules. CASWA will contact applicants if further information is required and will notify organisations once a decision is made.

Membership fees are set by the CASWA Board. Where fees apply, they will be clearly communicated during the application process. CASWA has previously waived fees to reduce barriers to sector participation.

We understand that every ACCO has different capacity and resources. If you need support completing your application, have questions about the process, or want to discuss membership before applying, we're here to help.

Contact CASWA