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How the Light Began

The roots of Gilibanga stretch back to the original Blak Think Tank: a determined gathering of First Nations evaluators and practitioners who recognised that the sector needed more than reform. It needed to be reimagined.

The Gift of Our Name

The word Gilibanga comes from Darkinyung Language, and it means to Create, Make Light.
Since 2003, there has been a movement from the Darkinyung Language Group to revitalise their language: shining a light through active reclamation and care. In 2022, the Darkinyung Language Group gifted the use of this word to our Network, and with it came a responsibility: to co-create a genuine space of light for the evaluation sector.
That gift sits at the heart of everything we do.

Igniting the Light

In 2024, the Gilibanga Network was formally established, bringing together Blak evaluators and trusted allies united by a shared mission: to redefine how impact is understood, measured, and valued in Australia.

In our first formal year of operations, we moved from vision to verifiable action : achieving over 80% membership growth, supporting 54 members to deepen their skills and cultural authority, investing over $100,000 directly into First Nations businesses, and building a living, national community of practice across every state and territory.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. What we have really built is belonging. A place where First Nations evaluators : who so often carry the weight of being the only Blak person in the room : can come together, be seen, be supported, and lead.

Gilibanga moves with gratitude through the lands on which we are privileged to live, work, and care for our loved ones. We pay our deepest respects to all Elders, past, present, and emerging, and we walk alongside them in shaping the bright future we are all creating together.