Special Announcements March 2026 – FAQs

Historic Underpayment

What is the Historic Underpayment?

The historic underpayment refers to money that should have been paid to the Foundation under the Yandi Land Use Agreement but was not paid at the correct time. After a long process of review and negotiation, Rio Tinto paid the outstanding amount, including interest, into the Foundation.

What is the balance of the underpayment, including interest?

The total amount, including interest, is currently $59 million.

How can the underpayment be used?

The Gumala Trust Board has approved a structured distribution from the historic underpayment so that Beneficiaries can receive meaningful support in key areas of need, while ensuring the Foundation remains fully compliant with the Trust Deed.

Eligible Beneficiaries will be able to access support across several categories, including:

• Housing – Mortgage, deposit, rent or property repairs
• Superannuation – Contributions to strengthen long‑term financial security
• Hardship Relief – Immediate relief for unusual hardship or distress
• Rental & Utility Assistance – Support to cover bills
• Purchasing Card – For flexible everyday purchases

This approach ensures the underpayment is used responsibly and in a way that benefits both current and future generations, consistent with the Elders’ original vision for the Foundation. The Gumala Trust Board is working closely with GAC, as the Manager, to ensure the distribution is delivered in full compliance with the Trust Deed.

How much will each Beneficiary receive?  

Eligible Beneficiaries aged 18 and over (on the Traditional Owner Register as of 3 December 2025) will be able to access up to $28,000 from the historic underpayment distribution.

If you accessed the $3,000 hardship payment in December 2025 or the $4,000 hardship payment in April 2026, the remaining amount available to you will be reduced accordingly.

• If you received both hardship payments ($7,000 total), you will have $21,000 remaining.
• If you received only one hardship payment, your remaining amount will be either $25,000 or $24,000, depending on which payment you accessed.
• If you did not access either hardship payment, the full $28,000 will be available.

Eligible Beneficiaries will be able to access support across several categories, including:

• Housing – mortgage assistance, deposits, rent or essential property repairs – up to $28,000
• Superannuation – contributions to strengthen long‑term financial security – up to $28,000
• Rental & Utility Assistance – support to help cover essential bills – up to $28,000
• Purchasing Card – for flexible everyday purchases – up to $10,000

Both hardship payments come out of your total underpayment amount.

Will Beneficiaries receive direct payments from the underpayment?

Yes, but only within the structured categories approved by the Gumala Trust Board and in a way that complies with the Trust Deed. The Trust Deed does not allow unrestricted large cash payments to individuals. However, the Board has approved a distribution model that allows Beneficiaries to access support for housing, superannuation, rental and utility assistance, and everyday purchases through a Purchasing Card. This ensures the underpayment is used in a way that strengthens long‑term wellbeing and remains aligned with the purpose of the Foundation.

How long has the underpayment been in the Gumala Trust’s account?  

Funds have been safely held with the Gumala Trust since 2022. For more information about the historic underpayment, watch this video.

Why can’t Beneficiaries receive cash payments?  

The Gumala Trust Deed does not allow significant cash payments, as the Trust must operate for charitable purposes. However, the Gumala Trust is investigating the introduction of a Direct Benefits Trust in 2026, which may provide more flexibility in the future.

How long will it take for the Gumala Trust to implement a Direct Benefits Trust? 

The Gumala Trust has listened to Beneficiaries’ requests, and with over 80% agreeing or strongly agreeing that you want us to investigate a DBT, we will. This process requires careful consideration, legal advice and a vote from Beneficiaries at a General Meeting. We expect this process to take 12 months or more.

Is there another underpayment coming from Rio Tinto?

Yes. A second underpayment is expected. The Gumala Trust is encouraging the GAC to finalise negotiations with Rio Tinto as soon as possible so the funds can be secured for Beneficiaries.

When will the rest of the underpayment be paid?  

The Gumala Trust is encouraging GAC to finalise negotiations with Rio Tinto for the second underpayment. We understand this process is close to completion and will provide an update as soon as possible.

Why are Beneficiaries who joined after 2022 included in this distribution?  

During the consultation, Beneficiaries were asked how they wanted the funds distributed. Over 70% of Beneficiaries said they wanted equal distributions for all current Beneficiaries.

 

 

Purchasing Cards

When will Purchasing Cards be available?

Applications for Purchasing Cards will open in May 2026, and the program will begin on 1 July 2026, as previously communicated. This staged rollout ensures the system is secure, reliable and ready for all Beneficiaries who wish to use it.

Do I need to choose between a digital or physical card?

Yes. As part of the rollout, Beneficiaries are asked to indicate whether they prefer a digital card (via your mobile phone) or a physical card. You can let us know your preference by completing the short survey by 7 April 2026: Tell us your Purchasing Card preference.

Digital cards are generally faster, more secure and easier to manage, so we encourage Beneficiaries to consider choosing the digital option where possible.

What can I use the Purchasing Card for?

Purchasing Cards must comply with the Trust Deed, which means there will be limits on what can be purchased and where items can be bought. The cards will automatically block spending on:

• Alcohol
• Gambling
• Adult products
• Smoking
• Other gift cards

These safeguards ensure funds are used only for approved charitable purposes. As with hardship payments, there will also be limits on the amount that can be spent using a Purchasing Card.

Are there any fees for using a Purchasing Card?

Yes. The card includes a small standard fee of $2 per month, which is the responsibility of each cardholder. If your card is ever lost and you need a replacement, a one‑time fee of $15 will apply for a new card. There are no other fees charged by the card provider.

Do I have to use a Purchasing Card?

No. Using a Purchasing Card is optional. If you choose not to use one, other support options will continue to be available to you. Purchasing Cards will simply provide an additional, secure and convenient way to access approved supports.

Will Purchasing Cards be used for the historic underpayment distribution?

Yes. Purchasing Cards will be one of the approved methods for accessing support under the historic underpayment distribution. This ensures Beneficiaries have a simple, safe and reliable way to use funds for eligible purposes.

Why isn’t all of the funding going into Purchasing Cards?

There are legal, Trust Deed requirements, and practical limits on how much can be transferred to Purchasing Cards. Other options – such as housing, superannuation and rental assistance – provide long-term benefits and ensure the Foundation remains fully compliant with the Trust Deed.

If Purchasing Cards are introduced, will this affect Beneficiaries’ Centrelink payments?

No. A Purchasing Card will not affect a Beneficiary’s Centrelink payments, as the support provided remains for charitable purposes.

 

Advisory Group of Traditional Owners

What is the Advisory Group of Traditional Owners (AGTO)?

The AGTO is a new group being established by the Gumala Trust Board, as the Trustee of the General Gumala Foundation, to strengthen the voice of Traditional Owners in decisions that affect the Foundation. The group will provide cultural advice to ensure decisions are informed by community expectations and cultural knowledge.

What will the AGTO do?

The AGTO will offer cultural guidance to the Trustee when Beneficiary applications are being considered. This includes advice on cultural obligations, kinship and family connections, genealogical links and broader community context. The Trustee will continue to make all final decisions, but the AGTO will help ensure those decisions are culturally informed and respectful.

Who will be on the AGTO?

The AGTO will include up to five respected Traditional Owners from each of the Banjima, Nyiyaparli and Yinhawangka language groups (up to 15 members in total). Members will be appointed by the Trustee based on:

• Strong cultural authority and community knowledge
• Representation across a wide range of family groups (avoiding close family relationships where possible)
• Connection to the Yandi land use agreement signatories

How often will the AGTO meet?

The group will meet up to three times a year. Meetings may be held in Perth, in the Pilbara, or online, depending on what is most practical and accessible for members.

Will AGTO members be paid?

Yes. Sitting fees will be provided for AGTO members, and reasonable travel arrangements will be made at the discretion of the Gumala Trust.

How can I nominate to join the AGTO?

If you are interested in joining, please complete a Nomination Form and send it to governance@gumalatrust.com.

Nominations close on Monday 6 April 2026, and must be received by 5pm to be considered.

If you need help completing or submitting your form, please contact the Gumala Trust office on 0448 880 786.

What happens after I submit my nomination?

The Trustee will review all nominations and appoint members who meet the criteria for cultural authority, community knowledge and broad family representation.

How does the Gumala Trust AGTO differ from the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) Traditional Owner Advisory Committee (TOAC)? 

The AGTO and the TOAC serve different purposes within the broader Gumala governance landscape.

• The GAC TOAC plays a key role in identifying strategic priorities for the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation. Together with GAC Directors, the TOAC helps identify community‑driven projects aimed at improving the quality of life for GAC members.
• The AGTO, on the other hand, provides cultural advice specifically to the Trustee (the Gumala Trust) when assessing Beneficiary applications and cultural considerations.

While both groups are important, they operate in different parts of the organisation and support different decision‑making processes.

Can TOAC members nominate for the AGTO?

 Yes. TOAC members are welcome to nominate for the AGTO, provided they do not also currently sit on a Gumala Board. Holding a position on the TOAC does not prevent someone from being considered for the AGTO.

 

Budget, Oversight and Sustainability

Where does the Foundation’s income come from?

The Foundation earns income from investments, property and commercial activities. However, a large portion of the Foundation’s income comes from Rio Tinto under the Yandi Land Use Agreement. Mining at Yandicoogina is expected to end within the next 10–15 years. When the mine closes, those payments will stop. This is why long‑term planning is essential.

Why is sustainability so important?

Under the Trust Deed, after operational overheads are paid, the remaining income can be distributed:

• Up to 60% to Beneficiaries, and
• At least 40% into the Future Fund

This structure balances immediate support with long‑term security. But it only works if overheads are kept at a reasonable level. The more we spend on overheads, the less there is available for Beneficiaries.

In recent years, management costs have increased significantly. If spending continued at that rate, the Foundation’s funds would run out by 2040. We cannot allow that to happen. This is why we are acting now – to protect your funds so they do not run out in one generation. To learn more, watch this video.

Why can’t the Trust spend more money right now?

The Foundation is receiving less revenue than in previous years, and mining at Yandicoogina is expected to end within the next 10–15 years. If the Trust spends too much now, there may not be enough left to support future generations. The Trustee must balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s – just as the Elders intended.

Why has the General Gumala Foundation’s budget changed?

Beneficiaries have been clear about what they want: stronger oversight, lower administration costs, more direct support, and a long‑term plan that protects the Foundation for future generations. Many Beneficiaries have also said the current level of overheads is not sustainable and asked for a shift back toward the original purpose of the Trust – alleviating poverty.

The new budget reflects this feedback. It ensures funding provided to the Manager, Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, is appropriate, efficient and aligned with the Trust Deed. It also means more of the Foundation’s income can go where Beneficiaries want it to go – into direct supports today, and into the Future Fund for tomorrow.

What are the main costs of running the Foundation?

The Foundation’s costs include:

• Beneficiary funding
• Administration and governance
• Compliance and audit requirements
• Manager essential funding (as required by the Trust Deed)
• Investment management for the Future Fund

These costs ensure the Foundation operates properly, transparently and in line with the law.

What is the Gumala Trust doing about rising administration costs?

We understand Beneficiaries’ concerns about rising administration costs, and we share them. In 2025, the Gumala Trust engaged KPMG to conduct an independent review of our costs and identify where improvements were needed. The key findings were shared with Beneficiaries in the November 2025 newsletter.

We are now putting those recommendations into action. This includes:

• Setting a more sustainable budget across the organisation
• Strengthening revenue and profit from Gumala enterprises
• Ensuring funding provided to the Manager is appropriate, efficient and aligned with the Trust Deed
• Improving transparency and accountability across the Foundation

Our focus is long‑term sustainability, so the Foundation can continue supporting Beneficiaries well beyond the life of the Yandi mine.

How does the Trustee ensure money is spent properly?

The Gumala Trust, as Trustee, reviews every proposal from the Manager carefully, checks it against the Trust Deed, and ensures it aligns with the Foundation’s objects. The Trustee also monitors the Manager’s performance, requires regular reporting, and commissions independent audits and reviews when needed. These safeguards protect the Foundation from misuse and ensure funds are used responsibly.

How does the Gumala Trust report its own spending?

All Trustee‑related spending is reported through audited financial statements, presented at the Annual General Meeting and published for Beneficiaries. These statements show how funds are used to manage the Trust, including distributions, administration and compliance costs. Transparency and accountability are central to how we operate. You can review the latest statements here: Financial Statements 2024–25.

How does the Trustee decide what to fund?

Every funding decision must align with the Foundation’s objects, which include:

• Education and training
• Health and wellbeing
• Community development
• Business development
• Culture

The Trustee reviews proposals carefully to ensure they are high‑quality, financially responsible, and in the best interests of Beneficiaries.

What does this mean going forward?

The decision to reduce the Foundation’s operating budget is part of a broader shift toward sustainability, accountability and better outcomes for Beneficiaries. It reflects what Beneficiaries have told us they want: more oversight, lower administration costs and a stronger, more sustainable Trust for the future.

We will continue to keep Beneficiaries informed as this work progresses.