The Cuz Congress Chrysler Valiant restoration grows student qualifications

Rebuilding a famous Red Centre car has brought 10 First Nations students two steps closer to automotive qualifications.

First Nations men from Yirara College engaged in work to restore a 1960s ‘Cuz Congress’ Valiant at CDU in Alice Springs. Picture: Charles Darwin University

First Nations students are closer to earning automotive qualifications after working to restore one of Alice Springs’ most iconic cars.

Working alongside Charles Darwin University (CDU) automotive staff and apprentice students, 10 Yirara College students rebuilt the “Cuz Congress” 1960s Chrysler Valiant.

CDU automotive lecturer Shane Gaghan said the Yirara students were already highly skilled before aiding in the car’s restoration, but the project helped to “convert their expertise into workplace qualifications”.

The students’ efforts in the Valiant’s rebuild were recognised as two units towards VET Automotive Certificates II and III at the university.

“The end goal is to see First Nations students gain skills and qualifications that can help them secure an automotive apprenticeship in Alice Springs,” he said.

“The core safety units give the students an accredited head-start when applying for local apprenticeships – they would otherwise have to attend and complete courses for this workplace training.”

One of the students said he hoped to one day become a qualified mechanic.

“Back at home, I muck around with cars a lot,” he said.

“When I found out they were fixing up a car, I asked if could jump straight into it.”

The car was rebuilt as part of the Red Centre NATS Rusted Gems Project in partnership with CDU, Yirara College, the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program and Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and will feature in a 2023 street parade.

The car is well-known across the Red Centre after starring in a documentary and being included in town parades 25 years ago.

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