Foundation 2 Future: Saltbush paving new pathways for Aboriginal Territorians

Saltbush Social Enterprises has celebrated the power of Aboriginal-led, culturally grounded support programs helping Aboriginal Territorians move from crisis to stability — and from stability to thriving _ at its recent showcase event in Darwin.

Foundation 2 Future Participants: (left) Mervyn Purvis, (centre) Troydon Fishook (Mentor), (right) Dylan Peterson. Picture: Saltbush NT

Saltbush Social Enterprises has celebrated the power of Aboriginal-led, culturally grounded support programs helping Aboriginal Territorians move from crisis to stability — and from stability to thriving _ at its recent showcase event in Darwin.

The event shone a light on the organisation’s growing impact across the Northern Territory — with a special focus on its flagship transformative program, Foundation 2 Future.

The program supports Aboriginal men and women, who have experienced trauma, incarceration, housing insecurity or long-term unemployment, to rebuild their lives through culture, connection, mentoring and employment pathways.

The event featured the premiere of a new video capturing the impact of the program through the voices and stories of participants. Attendees also heard how the program has evolved from earlier Saltbush initiatives, shaped by lived experience and designed for long-term change.

Saltbush CEO Nicole Shackcloth said the showcase reflected the strength of community-led solutions and the value of practical, culturally safe support.

“We are a proud, Territory-based, Aboriginal-led not-for-profit delivering practical, culturally grounded programs that support Aboriginal people to transform their futures,” Ms Shackcloth said.

Nicole Shackcloth Saltbush CEO and Minister for Business and Workforce Development Robyn Cahill

Saltbush operates across Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Elliott.

Its services include accredited and non-accredited training, pre-employment training, Indigenous employment and intensive mentoring, psychosocial support, and trauma-informed programs for people exiting incarceration, homelessness or long-term unemployment.

The organisation also provides free training in language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, and delivers nutritious meals to school children.

A core part of Saltbush’s model is its team of Aboriginal mentors, who bring lived experience, cultural insight and trusted guidance to their work with participants.

Saltbush also undertakes community consultation and engagement across the Territory to ensure local voices shape local solutions.

“In everything we do, we focus on practical, culturally appropriate support that helps Aboriginal people build confidence, stability and independence,” Mrs Shackcloth said.

“We believe that a person with a job is a person with a future.”

Saltbush is now seeking partners to expand Foundation 2 Future into Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin.

Foundation 2 Future participant Lachlan Chungaloo. Picture: Saltbush NT

“Saltbush is more than a service provider — we are a changemaker,” Mrs Shackcloth said.

“We believe in the strength, resilience and potential of Aboriginal Territorians. And we know that with the right support, the right relationships and the right cultural foundation, change is not just possible — it’s already happening.

One person at a time. One family at a time. One community at a time.”

“We can’t do this work alone. Real impact comes from collaboration — between government, business, industry, community, and social enterprises like Saltbush.”