Future Fund
The Future Fund exists to ensure the Banjima, Nyiyaparli and Yinhawangka peoples continue to be supported long after mining at Yandicoogina comes to an end. Guided by the intent of 134 Elders under the Trust Deed, it is one of the most important responsibilities of the Gumala Trust.
The Foundation’s income comes from three main sources:
- Rio Tinto – Payments made under the Yandi Land Use Agreement.
- Investments and property – Income earned from the Trust’s investment portfolio and property assets.
- Commercial income – Revenue generated by the Gumala Enterprises Trust.
After the Foundations’ operational overheads are covered, the remaining income is divided according to the Trust Deed:
- 60% goes to Beneficiaries for today – This supports programs, services and approved distributions.
- 40% goes to the Future Fund for tomorrow – This portion is invested, helping ensure long-term financial security long after the Yandi mine closes.
This structure is designed to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability, so the Foundation can continue supporting families for generations.
What is the Future Fund?
The Future Fund is the Foundation’s long-term savings account. It is the pool of money that must be protected and grown so the Banjima, Nyiyaparli and Yinhawangka peoples continue to be supported when income from the Yandicoogina mine stops.
The Future Fund is made up of:
- Cash and investments – Money invested so it can grow over time.
- Property assets – Buildings and land owned by the Foundation.
- The historic underpayment – Funds paid to the Foundation under the historic underpayment.
Under the Trust Deed, the Future Fund must last until at least 2077. This is called the perpetuity date. It means the Trustee is legally required to make decisions that protect the Fund and ensure it lasts until at least 2077.
Why do we have a Future Fund?
We have a Future Fund because income from the Yandi mine will not last forever. As mining activity changes over time, payments under the Yandi Land Use Agreement will reduce. Mining at Yandicoogina is expected to stop within the next 10 or so years, which means payments from Rio Tinto will stop. The Future Fund is the financial safety net that ensures the Foundation can continue supporting the Banjima, Nyiyaparli and Yinhawangka peoples when this happens.
The Fund also exists to support future generations. It is designed to benefit today’s Beneficiaries as well as their children and grandchildren, so the support created by the Yandi Land Use Agreement is shared fairly over time. Growing the Fund now helps prevent it from running out too quickly, which keeps support stable for everyone.
The Future Fund also strengthens the Foundation’s independence. With a well-managed long-term fund, the Foundation can plan confidently and make decisions that put Beneficiaries first, without relying on unpredictable mining cycles. Because mining income can rise and fall from year to year, a strong Future Fund provides the stable base needed to keep the Foundation steady even in low‑revenue years.
“Survey results show that over 80% of Gumala Beneficiaries consider the Future Fund essential for supporting future generations.”
How is the Future Fund managed?
The Future Fund is managed by the Gumala Trust in a strict and disciplined way because the Trust Deed requires the Trustee to protect these funds for the long term. Every decision must follow the Trust Deed, and the Gumala Trust is legally responsible for ensuring the Fund lasts until at least 2077. To meet this obligation, the Trust works with Shaw and Partners, a professional investment manager specialising in long-term, diversified portfolios. Together, they invest the Fund in a way that aims to grow steadily over time.
The Gumala Trust monitors the Fund’s performance throughout the year, manages financial risk carefully, and follows strict investment policies. The Trust also reports openly to Beneficiaries so everyone can see how the Fund is performing and how decisions are being made.
How the Future Fund supports Beneficiaries
The Future Fund is not used for day-to-day programs or direct cash payments. Its purpose is to make sure the Foundation can continue supporting the Banjima, Nyiyaparli and Yinhawangka peoples long after income from the Yandi Land Use Agreement stops. It provides long‑term financial security for the Foundation, protects the community during low-revenue years, and ensures there is a stable base of funding available for future distributions.
The programs and services delivered today depend on mining income. The Future Fund ensures they can continue, even after mining income stops.