About Us - Background

Denise Fincham established GIS 24 years ago as she recognised the difficulties the construction industry faced doing business in a remote location. GIS was the first hardware, plumbing and building supplies company in Gove, eliminating freight and logistics issues for customers.

During the 1980s, GIS took on the OneSteel Metaland franchise, adding steel to the stock of building supplies offered.

Due to growing demand from remote communities across the north of Australia GIS established the Darwin freight management depot to consign and consolidate building supplies to remote areas.

GIS was purchased by Nortruss in late 2007, providing more competitive pricing through combined buying power and enhanced capabilities through shared resources.  Denise Fincham has retained equity in the company and joined the Nortruss Group board.

Origin of the Name - Gorrkbuy Industrial Supplies

GIS, originally named Gove Industrial Supplies originated in Arnhem Land in 1984. With continued growth, GIS became a major supplier to remote areas through the north of Australia, via land, sea and air transport. In order to reflect the new market, in 2002, Gove Industrial Supplies became Gorrkbuy Industrial Supplies. Founder Denise Fincham chose the name Gorrkbuy to reflect the origins of the company and the special relationship GIS has with the Yolngu of Arnhem Land.

“Gorrkbuy is a place located between the Alcan (ex Nabalco) plant site and Wallaby Beach in Gove. Set in the natural harbour of Galupa (Balanda name “Melville Bay”), prior to European contact Macassan traders travelled to this area for hundreds of years to trade with the local Yolngu. During World War 2 part of this land was an Army supply depot – supplying the Armed forces, based at Catalina.

When the war ended the depot became the first supply store for the people at Yirrkala. Aboriginal knowledge from the region expresses the sunset as having special cultural significance.

The colours and rays of the sunset reach out to this place Gorrkbuy and its people.”
- Mandawuy Yunupingu