Membership Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct

About Yarpa

The Yarpa
Hub (Yarpa) exists to strengthen the NSW First Nations business sector and support the prosperity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, families and communities. We aim to deliver all services in a way that is culturally, emotionally and psychologically safe.

Our Values

At Yarpa, our values are the cornerstone of our identity and operations. They define how we interact, make decisions, and drive our success in supporting the First Nations business sector.

Passionate Dedication

Our deep commitment fuels our purpose and drives us to champion the First Nations business sector with unwavering determination.

Relationship‑Focused Teamwork

Teamwork is more than collaboration — it is a strategic alliance. Our focus on meaningful relationships forms the foundation for our shared success.

Truthful Transparency

Transparency underpins our integrity. We operate openly and honestly, building trust through genuine interactions with First Nations businesses, partners and communities.

Value Creation

We are committed to continuous learning and improvement. Every service and connection must contribute meaningful, tangible value to the First Nations business sector.

 

Membership Terms & Conditions

By applying for or maintaining membership with Yarpa, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions and the Code of Conduct.

1. Duty of Care and Safe Participation

Yarpa is committed to providing a culturally, emotionally and psychologically safe environment. The following behaviours are not tolerated:

• Aggressive, abusive, threatening or antisocial behaviour;
• Discrimination, harassment, bullying or culturally unsafe conduct;
• Actions that disrupt programs, events or services or endanger others.

Yarpa may restrict, refuse or withdraw services to protect staff, members and community safety.

2.Membership Categories

2.1 First Nations Business Membership

Open to First Nation businesses that are up and running, visible in the market and ready for buyers. They must be at least 51% owned, controlled and managed by First Nations people.

To qualify:

• A business must meet the national definition of an Indigenous business (≥51% Indigenous ownership and control)

AND

• Be registered with one of the following:
  
  • Supply Nation (Registered/Certified),
  • NSWICC,
    or
  • ORIC (Office of the Registrar of Indigenous corporations)

 

If not registered with any of the above, you must provide:

• Confirmation of Aboriginality or Letter of Support from a recognised Indigenous organisation; AND
• Signed Statutory Declaration provided by Yarpa confirming ownership, control and management.

 

Yarpa may request additional evidence or meetings for verification.

Non-Indigenous Owners, Directors, Managers and other staff of Indigenous Businesses (that meet the requirements above) may be able to participate in Yarpa’s training and development workshops and networking events to build capacity and capability that will inherently benefit the First Nations business.

2.2 First Nations Start Up Membership

Open to First Nations people who are in the very early stages of business or who aspire to start their own business, and First Nations individuals whose business does not meet First Nations Business Membership criteria.

 

2.3 General Membership

Open to Corporate, Government, Not for Profits and Employment Service Providers who have a genuine commitment to supporting the socio-economic prosperity of First Nations people and communities
by providing opportunities within their supply chains and organisations. 

 

2.4 Community membership

Open to anyone who would like to join the Yarpa community and stay up to date with our activities. Our First Nations Community members also have access to opportunities shared by Yarpa members.

3. Member Responsibilities & Rights

Members must ensure all information provided is accurate and up‑to‑date, including:

• Contact information
• Business ownership, control and management details (First Nations Business members only)
• Registration/verification status changes (First Nations Business members only) 

 

Failure to update information may affect eligibility and service access.

You have the right to access or inquire about your personal information and to have it corrected or updated.

4. Sharing of Information to Support Procurement

Yarpa does not operate a public business directory. However, to support procurement opportunities:

• Yarpa may share non‑sensitive, publicly available business details (e.g., business name, ABN details, industry, services, business contact details) with members and trusted networks upon request
• Other information provided to us by yourself or Supply Nation (e.g. annual turnover, number of First Nations employees, previous clients or contract details) may also be shared with discretion. We respect sensitive information and you may contact us at any time to advise which publicly unavailable details you do not consent to sharing.

 

5. Suspension and Termination of Membership

Yarpa may suspend or terminate membership where:

• Terms & Conditions or Code of Conduct are breached;
• Information provided is false or misleading;
• Behaviour compromises cultural, emotional, psychological or physical safety.

 

 6. Collection and storage of personal information

Yarpa is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality and integrity of personal information. By applying for or maintaining membership, you consent to the collection, use, storage and disclosure of your information as set out below.

       
I.     Collection of Personal Information
Yarpa collects personal information through conversations, forms, emails, digital systems and other interactions to deliver services effectively.

This may include:

• Sensitive information (kept strictly confidential), such as early-stage business ideas, revenue information, and personal or business challenges
• Non-sensitive information, such as business name, industry, stage, location, needs, services received and outcomes achieved

     
II.    Use of Personal Information
Personal information is used to:

• Deliver and improve Yarpa services
• Monitor participation and outcomes
• Evaluate programs and inform service delivery
• Meet reporting obligations to funding bodies

De-identified data may be used for analysis and reporting.

   
III.   Disclosure of Personal Information
Sensitive information will not be disclosed without your consent unless required by law.

Non-sensitive information may be shared, where appropriate, with:

• NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)
• National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)
• Referral partners and service providers
• Organisations seeking legitimate business or procurement opportunities

Yarpa does not sell, rent or lease personal information.

   
IV.   Data Sovereignty
Yarpa respects First Nations data sovereignty and manages information in a culturally appropriate, ethical and transparent manner.

     
V.    Storage and Security
Personal information is stored securely:

• Electronically, on controlled and secure systems
• Physically, in secure locations

Access is restricted to authorised Yarpa and NSWALC staff on a “need to know” basis.

   
VI.  Member Responsibility and Access
Members must ensure their information is accurate and up to date and may request access to or correction of their personal information at any time.

  VII.           
Public Information
Members are responsible for any information they choose to share publicly. Yarpa is not responsible for how publicly available information is used by third parties.

VIII.           
Legal Disclosure
Yarpa may disclose personal information where required by law or to protect its
rights, members or operations.

 

CHANGES
Yarpa may occasionally update these terms and conditions from time to time to reflect changes in our business practices or changes in the law.

 

Code of Conduct

This code outlines expected behaviour for all Yarpa members, suppliers, partners and participants.

1. Expected Conduct

Members agree to:

• Uphold Yarpa’s values;
• Act ethically, respectfully and responsibly;
• Treat staff, members, partners and community with courtesy and respect;
• Foster equality, cultural safety and diversity;
• Respect Indigenous cultural knowledge and expressions;
• Provide accurate information and avoid misrepresentation;
• Protect confidential information;
• Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose them promptly;
• Use Yarpa resources appropriately and lawfully;
• Comply with all Australian laws and Yarpa policies.

 

2. Prohibited Conduct

Examples
include, but are not limited to:

• Aggressive or abusive behaviour;
• Harassment, discrimination or bullying;
• Misrepresentation of Indigenous status or ownership;
• Misuse of confidential information;
• Exploiting Yarpa networks for improper gain;
• Recording or live‑streaming without consent;
• Attending events while impaired by substances.

 

3. Complaints and Investigations

• To
  lodge a complaint, contact Yarpa
• By post: PO Box 1125, Parramatta NSW 2124
• By email: info@yarpa.com.au
• By telephone: 1300 017 177
• By social media: LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram
• In person: Suite 2, level 7 203-209 Northumberland st, Liverpool NSW 2170
• Or via the Yarpa webpage: www.yarpa.com.au

 

Upon
receipt, Yarpa will:

• Acknowledge and assess complaints;
• Investigate where appropriate;
• Request information with reasonable response timeframes;
• Make a determination and take action where required.

 

4. Consequences of Non‑Compliance

Yarpa may, at its discretion:

• Issuewarnings;
• Removeindividuals from events;
• Restrictor suspend services;
• Terminatemembership;
• Refer matters to relevant authorities.

 

5. Appeals

Members may request an internal review within 10 business days of receiving a determination.

Definitions

• First Nations business: ≥51% Indigenous ownership, control and management.
• Recognised Indigenous organisation: LALC or CATSI‑registered organisation.
• Sensitive personal information: Business ideas, revenue, personal or operational barriers.
• Non‑sensitive information: Business name, general capability information, contact details.

Contact

Yarpa Hub

Phone: 1300 017 177

Website: yarpa.com.au

Email: info@yarpa.com.au