The Board of Fitzroy Crossing-based Aboriginal resource centre Marra Worra Worra has spoken out to dispel persistent allegations about the organisation's former chief executive.
"The Board of the Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation (MWWAC) has been made aware that allegations continue to be made regarding the conduct of former CEO, Mr Eric (Dickie) Bedford," the organisation said in an official statement.
"BDO undertook a forensic audit of MWWAC for the period 1 July 2017 and 31 December 2020. That forensic audit did not identify any specific wrongdoing on the part of Mr Bedford. MWWAC considers that the matter is closed."
Mr Bedford told National Indigenous Times: "I have always had a positive view on life, but the impact the allegations have had on my work and my potential to earn an income has been dramatic for me and my family."
"I am glad it's over and thankful to the Board for having recognised that," he said.
"I have not had the potential to get jobs with that hanging over me, the stigma of that. On many occasions I went for job interviews and in their research of me, that (the allegations) was the first thing to come up.
"It has not been a good journey over the past four years, but I am relieved that the Board released that statement, and I can get on with my life and my career.
