ABA funding supports 49 Northern Territory projects
A program that helps Indigenous Territorians access renal dialysis services in remote communities is one of 49 projects receiving funding totalling more than $26 million under the latest round of grants from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA).
The Western Desert Nganampa Walyta Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation will receive $2.366 million over three years to fund its Return to Country Dialysis Program in Kalkarindji and Lajamanu.
The Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin said the project will enable dialysis patients to return home for three-to-six week visits, two-to-three times a year, and builds on the success of existing projects in Kintore, Yuendumu and Ntaria where the Australian government has been working collaboratively with states and territories to manage the delivery of renal services.
“People who may be receiving dialysis in Darwin, 600km away, can return to their home community for a few weeks at a time, continue with their treatment, and have a nurse on hand to help them,” Ms Macklin said.
“This program allows dialysis patients from remote communities to maintain their connections with country, culture and family.”
Also receiving funding is a three-day festival to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Wave Hill Walkoff, when Aboriginal stockmen led by Vincent Lingiari went on strike over poor working conditions.
The Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon said the actions of the Gurindji people are widely regarded as leading to the national land rights movement.
“For the Gurindji, their seven-year strike culminated in Prime Minister Gough Whitlam handing back the traditional lands in 1975,” Mr Snowdon said.
“They are keen to share their anniversary with all Australians, and will welcome visitors to Kalkarindji/Daguragu for the celebrations planned for 26-28 August.”
The ABA was established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (the ALRA Act). The account is funded by payments from the Commonwealth Government equivalent to the value of royalties paid by mining interests on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory.
“ABA grants are awarded to projects which will help improve the lives of Aboriginal people living in the Northern Territory,” Ms Macklin said.
“I rely heavily on the advice provided by the ABA Advisory Committee. I would like to thank all members of the Committee for their commitment, and in particular acknowledge the leadership and dedication of the Chair, Mrs Pat Brahim.”
Other significant projects funded through the latest round of grants include:
- $5.2 million to complete the sealing of the road between Umbakumba and Angurugu, the two largest Indigenous communities on Groote Eylandt. The 50km sealed road will improve local residents’ access to a range of medical, social and educational services, as well as providing employment opportunities.
- $1.542 million to expand the construction and maintenance operations of Aminjarrinja Enterprises AC on Groote Eylandt. The grant will be used to upgrade Aminjarrinja’s workshop and office facilities, as well as delivering a training program to increase employment in the building and earthworks trades.
- $1.523 million to establish a mobile concrete batching plant in Ngukurr. The grant aims to provide employment and economic development opportunities, including those arising from government investment in remote housing. It includes funding for plant, equipment, vehicles and storage facilities.
- $1.299 million to fund a number of Desart initiatives in Central Australia. These include: building an art studio in Nyirripi; building staff and guest accommodation in Docker River; and providing the art centres at Ntaria and Docker River with a vehicle each.
| Organisation | Project |
Funding approved
|
|---|---|---|
|
Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island Enterprises |
Umbakumba Road |
$5,200,000 |
|
Huckitta Aboriginal Corporation |
Huckitta Station (Stage 2) – Infrastructure and start-up costs |
$4,300,000 |
|
Western Desert Nganampa Walyta Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation |
Lajamanu and Kalkarindji Return to Country Dialysis Program |
$2,366,000 |
|
Aminjarrinja Enterprise Aboriginal Corporation |
Civil machinery, equipment and training support |
$1,542,000 |
|
Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation |
Concrete batching plant, Ngukurr |
$1,523,780 |
|
Northern Land Council |
Ceremonial and funeral support |
$1,500,000 |
|
Desart Incorporated |
Construct Nyirripi art studio; upgrade Docker River staff accommodation; purchase two vehicles |
$1,299,480 |
|
Anindilyakwa Land Council |
Land and Sea Rangers staff house – Umbakumba/Groote Eylandt |
$730,000 |
|
Tiwi Land Council |
Ceremony funding – 2 years |
$690,000 |
|
University of South Australia |
Commemorative event – 45th anniversary Gurindji Walkoff |
$656,692 |
|
Thamarrur Development Corporation Limited |
Thamarrur workshop extension, Wadeye |
$514,582 |
|
Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation |
Enhancement of Yarralin cultural area |
$500,000 |
|
Ngaruwanajirri Inc |
The Keeping House manager’s residence, Bathurst Island |
$496,140 |
|
Kalano Community Association Incorporated |
Establish Yarralin stock camp to train and maintain an Indigenous workforce |
$495,000 |
|
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College |
The Little Children’s Learning Place – three years operational funding for Aboriginal preschool facility |
$490,000 |
|
Belyuen Community Government Council Belyuen Shire Council |
Belyuen recreation hall |
$444,000 |
|
Ilpurla Aboriginal Corporation |
Staff accommodation for remote rehabilitation unit, Central Australia |
$420,000 |
|
Central Land Council |
Men and Women of Central Australia Oral History Project |
$390,000 |
|
Lirrwi Yolngu Tourism Aboriginal Corporation |
Establishment funding – tourism hub for East Arnhem tourism operators |
$269,685 |
|
Northern Land Council |
Women’s law and culture meeting |
$250,000 |
|
The Thathangathy Foundation |
Lead Me Home Program – 3years funding for Wadeye participants |
$250,000 |
|
Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation |
Djelk Rangers – ranger vessel |
$245,228 |
|
Tiwi Education Board |
4WD bus |
$178,400 |
|
Laynhapuy Homelands Association Incorporated |
Nalyindi airstrip reconstruction/upgrade |
$141,031 |
|
Thamarrur Development Corporation Limited |
Thamarrur concrete and soil testing, Wadeye |
$125,000 |
|
Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi on behalf of Safe 4 Kids Australia Pty Ltd |
Safe 4 Kids – helping Aboriginal children feel safe in their communities |
$106,845 |
|
Laynhapuy Homelands Association Incorporated |
East Journey – debut album launch |
$100,000 |
|
Tiwi Land Council |
Melville Island Coast Watch ranger shelters |
$99,900 |
|
Tiwi Land Council |
Bathurst Island Coast Watch ranger shelters |
$99,900 |
|
The Milingimbi Outstation Progress Association |
Crocodile Islands Rangers ranger station (including small accommodation module) |
$99,500 |
|
The Milingimbi Outstation Progress Association |
Crocodile Islands Rangers sea patrol boat |
$99,500 |
|
Kalkarindji School |
BMX track and equipment |
$99,035 |
|
Darrandarra Aboriginal Corporation |
Horticulture/landcare and management |
$98,500 |
|
The Milingimbi Outstation Progress Association |
Crocodile Islands Rangers – 12 months ranger coordinator support, Milingimbi |
$97,950 |
|
Wandi Gurrinygarr Business Corporation |
Donald Christopherson NT historical culture, knowledge and research |
$97,312 |
|
Yothu Yindi Foundation Aboriginal Corporation |
Public awareness strategy – Garma Festival of Traditional Culture |
$90,000 |
|
Tiwi Land Council |
Relocation of sea cages and assets – Snake Bay, Melville Island |
$85,000 |
|
Milingimbi Community Education Centre School Council |
Milingimbi Community Education Campus – school bus |
$80,000 |
|
Artback NT Arts |
Indigenous traditional dance project |
$76,125 |
|
Arlpwe Artists Aboriginal Corporation |
Vehicle for art centre |
$66,063 |
|
Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation |
Supply and installation of digital radio system and tracking in Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Areas |
$62,255 |
|
Documentary Australia Foundation on behalf of Tamarind Tree Pictures PL |
Production of Croker Island Exodus documentary film |
$60,000 |
|
Northern Territory Working Women’s Centre |
Industrial relations for Aboriginal women through the appointment of a liaison officer |
$59,000 |
|
Darrandarra Aboriginal Corporation |
Horticulture/landcare and management – minor equipment |
$45,000 |
|
Darwin Regional Indigenous Advancement and CDEP |
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair public program |
$37,800 |
|
Barkly Regional Arts |
Mangalawurru Art Centre building relocation/reconnection |
$33,500 |
|
Mantiyupwi Family Trust |
Bush facilities to support cultural activities for the Mantiyupwi Group |
$30,000 |
|
Central Desert Shire |
Engawala community shed |
$28,709 |
|
Tiwi Education Board |
Student participation in interstate sporting and cultural activities |
$20,000 |