WCE Steering Group Members visiting Yuendumu

On the 24th of June 2016, the WCE Steering Group members met in Alice Springs and were privileged to be invited to visit the Yuendumu community the day prior. Yuendumu is located 3 ½ hour drive away from Alice Springs on a semi-sealed road.

A group of ten Steering Group members, many from other Indigenous remote communities in the NT, were warmly welcomed by the WCE Yuendumu Education and Engagement Team (YEET) team - Simon Fisher, Elizabeth Katakarinja and Jimmy Langdon.

The WCE Steering Group members were taken on a tour of education facilities around the community, particularly facilities where close partnerships have been developed with the WCE YEET on the ground. This included:

• A visit to PAW Media & Communications, including the Walpiri Language and Culture Centre collaboratively developed under a service agreement between CDU and PAW Media;
• Yuendumu Mediation Centre - also supported by the WCE initiative;
• Remote Jobs and Communities Program team;
• Central Desert Regional Council;
• Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation (WYDAC);
• Jaru Learning Centre;
• Yuendumu School; and the
• Yuendumu Child and Family Centre

This visit was a really inspiring trip and showcased how organisations and programs led by Indigenous community-based staff can work together to deliver successful educational outcomes. This trip provided a perfect opportunity for Steering Group members from other communities to share stories and learn about new possibilities to support further education pathways.

Written by Aurelie Girard