CLC says community development program ‘driving positive change’ in remote communities

A land council says their ‘unique’ and ‘innovative’ community development program is ‘driving positive change’ in remote communities. Find out how.

Willowra early child hood centre - Families and caregivers engage in learning games with the children. Picture: Supplied/ Central Land Council

Projects with an “important focus” on local employment are part of one land council’s “unique and innovative” community development program which has been “driving positive change” in remote communities for the past 20 years.

Central Land Council general manager regional and development services Mischa Cartwright said projects part of the council’s community development program were creating “health, cultural, education and employment benefits”.

Central Land Council general manager Mischa Cartwright. Picture: Instagram/CLC

“Our unique and innovative community development program has been driving positive change in remote Aboriginal communities for 20 years,” she said.

“Currently there are more than 200 projects worth more than $36 million underway across the CLC region.

“Local employment is an important focus and helps keep money in the community. In the last financial year there were 658 local Aboriginal people employed through the community driven projects. Wherever possible, we deliver projects in partnerships with local Aboriginal-controlled organisations and companies.”

Ms Cartwright cited the construction of the Yeperenye Trail between Emily and Jesse Gap southeast of Alice Springs as one of the examples of the program’s success.

A new public walking and cycling trail between Anthwerrke (Emily Gap) and Atherrke (Jessie Gap). Picture: file

“The project employed 33 traditional owners and Aboriginal residents to build the trail in 2021. Every year the traditional owners employ between seven and 11 of their people to maintain the trail,” she said.

Further examples included an early childhood centre in Willowra, night patrols in Yuendumu, and more, Ms Cartwright said.

David Cooley, Clem Taylor and Christopher Dixon practice CPR as part of their lifeguard training in Mutitjulu. Picture: Supplied/ Central Land Council

“Yuendumu and Mutitjulu fund the operation of the swimming pools they built. In Yuendumu six Yapa (Warlpiri-speaking Aboriginal locals) worked at the pool during the last pool season – two life guards with nationally accredited lifeguard qualifications and four trained community pool assistants. In Mutitjulu three Anangu (Pitjantjatjara-speaking Aboriginal locals) with nationally accredited lifeguard qualifications worked at the pool during the last pool season,” she said.

“The community learning centres in Lajamanu, Willowra and Nyirrpi employed 16 Yapa trainee co-ordinators. Local staff and residents undertook first aid, digital literacy, work readiness, family wellbeing, driver education and mechanics training.

Maisie Kitson and Sharon Anderson with the 2024 National NAIDOC Education Award. Picture: Supplied/ Central Land Council

“Aboriginal groups we support have won several awards for their effective governance processes, for example the prestigious Reconciliation Australia Indigenous Governance Awards in 2018 and 2024 and the 2024 National NAIDOC Education Award.”

Originally published as CLC says community development program ‘driving positive change’ in remote communities