Manager’s Report

This year demonstrates a period of dynamic expansion for the Mt Theo Program. The extension of Mt Theo Program across the Warlpiri region, the increasing attention to the Program as an alternative to incarceration, and a focus on young people dealing with issues other than substance misuse, culminated in the Committee decision to change the Corporation name to better reflect the complex and comprehensive nature of what we do today.

The Committee chose Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation as a more appropriate name for a Corporation that focuses on assisting young Warlpiri people from all over the region to build strong futures for themselves and their communities. The change was an outcome of a review, undertaken over 2 days at Mt Theo by over 40 past and present Committee and staff, of the last 14 years of operations. The review allowed time for reflection on what has been achieved, and confirmation of future directions. Together, elders agreed on a new jukurrpa (featured in this report) that reflects the strong growth of young people through the Program. Thomas Jangala Rice, Chairperson, painted the bush tomato jukurrpa, which Liam Campbell then adapted as the new logo.

The adoption of the regional approach was made possible through community funds alone and is yet to attract significant long term government funding. The Warlpiri Education Training Trust (WETT) is administered by the Kurra Aboriginal Corporation, a body of Warlpiri entrusted with allocating royalty funding in the Warlpiri Lands. This funding has allowed us to extend youth and media activities in Willowra and Yuendumu, and implement the youth program in Nyirrpi. We will commence activities in Lajamanu in 2008-2009.

The Mt Theo Outstation remains a powerful diversionary initiative with 78% of total clients this year referred by Department of Community Corrections (35%), Police (26%), FACS (9%), or were family/self referred (30%).

Out of a total of 61 clients cared for at Mt Theo, 30% had been sniffing petrol, primarily in Alice Springs. There was only one incident of petrol sniffing in Yuendumu during this period and no incidents recorded in Willowra or Nyirrpi.

Youth activities in Willowra and Nyirrpi were frustratingly intermittent due to the difficulty in finding appropriate staff. Community members remained committed to the program and worked as casual workers with patience and enthusiasm. We now have permanent Youth Workers to support them in both communities, Youth Committees to provide direction, and a solid program of activities.

The Jaru Pirrjirdi (Strong Voices) Program is an ongoing source of inspiration for us all. The Program addresses issues underlying substance misuse and anti-social behaviour. The Jaru members are emerging as mentors and youth leaders, working on community development projects that help create positive futures for both individuals and the community. A natural outcome of strong personal development has been 16 young people employed in a range of community organisations, and another 20 engaged in meaningful pathways in the community.



Members of Jaru Pirrjirdi continue to run all activities in the Yuendumu Youth Program. This year 79 workers provided 6108 hours of varied activities. Jaru Night Club (formerly Night School) attracts an average of 26 men and women between 16 and 25 years old. A variety of activities are offered, including those promoting literacy, numeracy, youth development, educational and vocational activities. As a result of their participation in Night Club, 6 young men and women re-enrolled in secondary education.

In September 2007, Mt Theo opened a Diesel Mechanics Training Workshop. Four young men are now enrolled as apprentices in Cert 111 Heavy Vehicle Mechanics. The workshop has a duel function as a diversionary strategy, and the means to provide appropriate local training for local jobs. Despite significant success, the workshop is yet to attract set-up funding.

Every day the childcare bus drives past the swimming pool site to see how much closer they are to going for a swim in their own pool. They count the days. After 4 exasperating years of delays, the pool will at last be handed over to the community at the end of August 2008. Six Jaru Pirrjirdi men and women have been successful in attaining their bronze medallions and lifeguard qualifications and are ready to start work. When the pool opens, ongoing training will ensure a large group of qualified workers to ensure the safety of all swimmers.

A strong and beneficial partnership is developing with Newmont Asia Pacific (Tanami Operations), facilitated by Paul Davis, Community Relations Coordinator. Newmont provided funding for professional development for staff, provision of education at the Outstation, and strategic planning for the regional program. They also supplied us with protective clothing for the workshop, sheets, blankets and clothing for outstation clients, computers for Jaru Night Club, and a house for youth workers in Nyirrpi. Newmont have also committed to supporting operational costs for the swimming pool for 3 years, and Paul is a member of the Yuendumu Pool Steering Committee.

This year of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, or Intervention, has been a difficult one for the community and the Program. The anger and confusion arising from the Response required all members of the team to spend considerable time supporting community members as they came to terms with the changes.