Published on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 at 3:15:46 PM
MEDIA STATEMENT
Wunan Foundation Response to Commentary Regarding Mr Ian Trust and Organisational Integrity
Wunan Foundation is a Kununurra-based, Indigenous-controlled not-for-profit organisation established in 1997. Its sole purpose is to create and deliver opportunities and positive outcomes for Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley.
Under its constitution, all of Wunan’s assets and earnings must be directed towards this purpose. There are no beneficiaries of the Foundation who receive distributions. Should Wunan ever be wound up, all remaining assets must be distributed to other charitable, not-for-profit organisations.
Wunan Foundation is apolitical and non-sectarian. It does not take positions on international political issues or conflicts.
Addressing Recent Commentary
In recent days, Wunan has noted online commentary containing misleading, defamatory, and inaccurate claims regarding the Foundation’s funding, governance, and operations.
Wunan welcomes open dialogue, constructive criticism, and robust public debate especially when it relates to the transparency and impact of Indigenous organisations. However, it is important to address factual inaccuracies in recent commentary that risk undermining the integrity of our work, our people, and our purpose.
Much of the commentary has been directed at Mr Ian Trust, Executive Chairman of Wunan, and appears to have been prompted by a trip he recently undertook to Israel.
Wunan confirms the following:
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Mr Trust’s trip was undertaken in a personal capacity, while he was on approved leave from his role at Wunan;
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Wunan did not fund, endorse, or facilitate the trip in any way;
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Any views expressed by Mr Trust during or following his visit to Israel are his own and do not reflect the views of the Wunan Foundation.
Our Record and Commitment
Wunan has worked in partnership with families, leaders, and communities across the East Kimberley for nearly three decades. We deliver programs in education, employment, housing, and social reform, all grounded in cultural respect and community accountability.
All Wunan-funded programs are governed by WA and Australian Government policy, underpinned by strict compliance frameworks and guided by the objects of our Constitution. Wunan is audited annually and consistently receives clean, independent audit reports confirming sound financial management.
Wunan is proud to be an Indigenous-governed organisation. Our respected Board is comprised of independent Indigenous representatives from across the East Kimberley, alongside non-Indigenous independent directors. For over 28 years, Wunan has demonstrated consistent, culturally grounded leadership with high standards of integrity, accountability, and governance.
While online discourse can raise important questions, it is essential that these conversations are grounded in fact. Recent online commentary has not met this standard.
Wunan remains committed to serving our communities in partnership with a range of Indigenous groups across the East Kimberley with transparency, cultural respect, and the highest standards of organisational governance.
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