People working with technology in remote communities

Number 34

WESTERN HOMELANDS PROJECT

JEANNIE LIDDLE: EDUCATOR AND CAT BOARD MEMBER RAINWATER HARVESTING POWER UP WITH E–TOOLS INVESTING IN THE OUTBACK

BUSH TECHS: COOLER LIVING IN ARID AREAS • USING A MOBILE PHONE OR SATELLITE PHONE IN REMOTE Number 34 ISSN: 1325–7684 Jeannie Our Place Magazine is printed on a 55% recycled paper and Liddle Bush Techs are printed Educator and CAT Board member. on a certified green paper. Printed by Colmans Printing using a Jeannie Liddle has a passion for chemical free plate process and vegetable Indigenous education and has worked as based inks. an Educator for many years. She is also a Centre For Appropriate Technology (CAT)

3 BUSHLIfe Board member. Jeannie Liddle: Educator and CAT BOArd member. Story by Colleen Danzic

5 NEWS Our Place is published three times a eannie Liddle’s life Jeannie was born in Adelaide Grammar School. She took it all in 7 PROjects year by the Centre for Appropriate is interwoven with around the end of WWII. When her stride, believing that ‘this is just Technology, an Indigenous science and Western Queensland homelands project technology organisation, which seeks to institutions that revolved she was two years old, Jeannie, her what happens to Aboriginal people’. Members of the CAT office visit Marmanya to kick secure sustainable livelihoods through off a new project designed to provide support for looking after housing around the removal of mother, uncle and aunt returned to But she was very concerned by what appropriate technology. infrastructure and services. Story by yosi henig Indigenous children from and lived in the Gap had happened to her brother, who had Subscriptions: their families. Her family Cottages (near where the Gap Motel been separated from her and she had 10 LIVELIHOODS Free to people living or working in have three generations affected by is situated today). The cottages were no idea where he had been taken. She Indigenous communities. J rAInwater harvesting ‘Stolen Generation’ policies; Jeannie’s transitional dwellings provided by was told he was at another school and rainwater harvesting is helping people to stay on country in Mabunji Tel: (08) 8951 4311 Email: [email protected] Grandmother, her mother (who was the Native Affairs branch for part- they would be given the opportunity outstations. Story by Helen Salvestrin born at Deep Well Station), and herself. Aboriginal people who, once they of spending time with each other, but Opinions expressed in Our Place Her family are East Arrernte demonstrated they “could live in a that never eventuated. Even though 13 TECHNOLOGy are those of the authors and not people. Her Grandmother was born house”, were eventually provided with her brother was at a Grammar school Power Up necessarily those of the CAT Power Up with E-Tools is a online resource for Indigenous people Board or staff. at Undoolya. She was moved to Santa standard public housing. in Ballarat, only 70 miles away, it was working in or wanting to learn multimedia. Story by ALICIA BOYLE Teresa mission, then to Arltunga and Jeannie had a fun childhood living three years until she saw him again. WARNING: This magazine contains then moved back to Santa Teresa there. She recollects some stories Despite all the heartbreak of being images of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Bush tech lift-outs people. Caution should be exercised while during WWII, before being taken of spending time with other CAT separated from her family, Jeannie is • C ooler living in arid areas reading this magazine, as some of these to ‘The Bungalow’ in Alice Springs Board members who grew up in glad that she and her brother were • Using a mobile or satellite phone in remote Australia images may be of deceased persons. (formerly the Old Telegraph station) ‘The Cottages’. Her family eventually able to receive a good education —

Our Place Number 34, April 2009 which was used for about three moved to the east side of Alice. an opportunity which their mother 16 OPINION © Centre for Appropriate Technology Inc. decades as a Children’s home and Jeannie remembers to this day and grandmother never received. INVESTING IN THE OUTBACK 32 Priest Street, Alice Springs NT 0870 school for children of ‘mixed race’ who the exact date, 8 May 1959, she and Jeannie will never forget the day A Framework of Indigenous Development within Australia. Print Post: 545270/00016 Story by BRUCE WALKER, Doug J Porter AND Mark Stafford Smith were removed from their families. her brother were informed they were she started school. All 1500 girls were Production/design: Colleen Danzic Jeannie’s mother, uncle and aunt going on a ‘holiday’ but not told where rushing around getting ready, putting 19 DVD review Editing: Metta Young, Peter Taylor were taken away from their family they were going. Jeannie and her on ties, starchy shirts, stockings in the early 1930’s to work at a dairy brother were very excited. When their and suspender belts. The other girls nOrth Australian Indigenous Land The production of Our Place is and Sea Management Alliance Dugong funded by the Department of Families, farm in the Adelaide Hills near Mount plane landed in Melbourne they were helped Jeannie get dressed while she and Marine Turtle Project Housing, Community Services and Barker. They were promised an so overwhelmed — what a difference wondered what on earth were these Message Disks 1, 2, 3 (Collectors Edition) Review by Colleen Danzic Indigenous Affairs. education, which they never received, to Alice Springs! things she was supposed to wear! and had to do dairy work as well as In Melbourne Jeannie was sent Every Sunday, Jeannie and the housekeeping. to Firbank Church of England Girls continues page 4 >

OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 3 From a very young age Tertiary Education joining together to form the Desert Peoples Centre Jeannie had always wanted to (DPC). ‘I hope Aboriginal people be a teacher to help people. really embrace what is happening at Crowne Plaza Solar the DPC and make changes in their She always believed education lives. When young people see what Photovoltaic System launch would increase opportunities can be achieved by their older family One of the Gap Cottages. for Aboriginal People. members who went to school and gained qualifications, they realise that other boarders wrote letters to family, Jeannie felt that with her nursing it is important and they follow in their TrainingPlus but Jeannie was unsure if her family background she would be suited to this footsteps.’ ever received them. Perhaps they role. She got the job and really enjoyed ‘Aboriginal People need to he TrainingPlus Program (TPP) didn’t have anyone to read the letters working at this school. understand what is needed to survive Tcommenced with its first group of to them. She then became a Home Liaison in the world today. You can’t expect participants on 2 March 2009. In Year 11, Jeannie turned 17, Officer, negotiating between the school others to look after you. You’ve got to The TPP works with unemployed Aboriginal which meant she was no longer a and parents about concerns with stand up, be strong, and participate in people from Central Australia around training, Ward of the State. The school allowed schooling. She moved to Alice Springs the journey. Hopefully, the programs education and employment. It has been her to stay to the end of the year. She High School and she really loved that will be offered through the DPC funded as a pilot strategy to help Indigenous was then given the remainder of her working there so much she stayed for will give them that confidence and unemployed better navigate transitions into ‘Child Endowment’ (the equivalent 18 years. provide opportunities.’ training and employment. of one dollar) and put out onto the Jeannie worked with both ‘With the emphasis on Conserv­ Like other pre-employment programs street. Jeannie didn’t know what to do Indigenous and non-Indigenous ation these days, and with all the n Wednesday 18 February a 305.4kw PV Solar System was launched TPP works with individuals to develop or where to go. children and their families. At the bush tucker that is being grown and Oat Crowne Plaza in Alice Springs. This installation is the largest training and career plans, as well as Jeannie really wanted to be a school they developed a breakfast produced, (these things being taken roof-mounted solar system in Australia and is part of a $4m investment in reinforcing employability skills such as teacher, but it required a lot of money program to encourage the children note of around the world) and the renewable energy efficiency at the hotel. The installation will reduce the punctuality, communication and team work. to go to teachers college. Instead she to come to school early for breakfast knowledge that Aboriginal people have hotel's energy consumption by 40–80% (depending on the time of year). The TrainingPlus Program also has some became a nurse and was provided and do their lessons. Sometimes the about these things that has helped The project was managed by CAT Projects and partially funded by the distinct advantages in its ability to broker accommodation, meals and a salary. Aboriginal children brought the white them survive all these years, we really Australian Government. accredited and non-accredited training Her brother meanwhile, had kids along with them. It was good for are in the “box seat” in this area if we for its participants. Being one of the first befriended a German family. The the Aboriginal children to see that do it properly. We need to take hold of ABOVE, from left: Brian Elmer, General initiatives of the Desert Peoples Centre, The father was a teacher at the Grammar they weren’t the only ones in difficult our own culture, work hard, learn how Manager, Alice Solar City; Wilf Johnston, TPP can draw on the expertise of the DPC’s Project Manager, SunPower; Kieron school he attended. He told them he circumstances. to compete in this new world, and Ritchard, VP Operations, APNZ, IHG; partner organisations: Batchelor Institute had a sister somewhere in Melbourne She took the children on make a difference in our lives. This is Lloyd Berger, Principal Investnorth, for Indigenous Tertiary Education and the but didn’t know what had become excursions visiting schools and really important.’ Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs (CPAS) Centre for Appropriate Technology. building owner; Frank Hubbard, Manager, of her. They began searching and universities outside of the Northern Jeannie is very happy with her Corporate Sustainability, IHG; Adam With a current focus on preparing found her just before she started Territory, so her students could life at the moment. She has retired Glass, General Manager, CPAS; Damien individuals to enter the building and nursing. Jeannie and her brother were see the vast array of opportunities and has lots of contact with her Ryan, Mayor, Alice Springs Town Council; construction fields or the renewable energy considered part of the family. available. As a result some of the six grandchildren, three live in Grant Behrendorff, Chairman, Alice Solar sector, the TPP has been able to tailor a City; Lyndon Frearson, Senior Project When Jeannie finished nursing students as adults have degrees, Amsterdam, three in Adelaide. Their Manager, CAT Projects. unique training program that combines skills she returned to Alice Springs and apprenticeships and employment. parents are passionate about them RIGHT, from left: Left: Lyndon Frearson; development in areas such as Language, worked for a couple of years at the They tell her they remember a lot knowing where they come from. They Jim Bray, Chairman, Centre Literacy and Numeracy, Information Children’s Receiving Home, which about what she taught them. love the bush and are proud of who For Appropriate Technology; Bruce Technology and more conventional technical took in children that were in transit, CAT had been running for about they are. Walker, CEO, Centre For Appropriate training in areas such as carpentry and Technology ; Grant Behrendorff. being placed for adoption or were a year when James Bray, the CAT Jeannie remains passionate about metal work. sick. Chairman, invited Jeannie to join the the future for young Indigenous An interactive display at the The TPP utilises a case management Then she became a Welfare Officer CAT Board. CAT appealed to Jeannie’s people. Crowne Plaza’s Sustainability approach where each participant works with primarily helping those who were focus on the importance of providing ‘It is really important that young Corner shows the PV Solar a case manager to develop an individual moving into town from the bush for education and training for Indigenous people take the opportunities offered System generating clean career path. This support continues when the the first time. people that would enable them to to them. It won’t be easy — life isn’t electricity for the hotel. The participants obtain employment, with a case By this time Jeannie had five make changes in their lives and to easy. Life is like a game of cards. You display is also streamed into manager working with the employer and the children of her own. create opportunities for themselves. deal with the hand you are given — guests’ rooms on a dedicated participant to ensure a favourable outcome. Jeannie then applied for a job as a Jeannie accepted the invitation to try to make it better — and keep ‘Solar Channel’. Information To date the TPP has had positive results Teachers Assistant in a special needs serve on the CAT board. trying until you are a winner. Don’t on the energy saving measures with two out of nine participants from class at Traegar Park Primary school Jeannie is excited about CAT and give up, don’t blame others for your implemented across Crowne the first intake, transitioning to full time — an all Indigenous school. Batchelor Institute for Indigenous hand — life is what you make it.’ n Plaza are on display as well. Crowne Plaza’s Sustainability corner. employment.

OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 4 5 PROJECTS

Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre Interactive Website now complete o to www.dkasolarcentre.com.au Bushlight India Project sharing Gto learn about the $3.1m initiative of Desert Knowledge Australia that desert knowledge with remote showcases and demonstrates a range Indian villages of solar technologies in commercial scale solar installations. See how solar technologies work and the different ushlight India is an Australian government funded project which is Western Queensland types of technologies. Bundertaking a remote village electrification program in India using learnings Learn about Desert Knowledge from the highly successful Bushlight project managed by the Centre for Australia, Desert Knowledge Precinct Appropriate Technology. and Alice Solar City. Bushlight in Australia has implemented sustainable renewable energy Homelands Project The DKA Solar Centre website was services in more than 130 remote communities over the last 7 years utilising a managed by CAT Projects, and funded consultative community energy planning process and high quality renewable by the Australian Government. energy systems. Marmanya Repairs & Maintenance The Bushlight India project is currently working to adapt the Australian Bushlight Community Energy Planning Model and technology for use in remote Alice Solar City Indian villages, and will commence the on-the-ground implementation of uring October 2007, comprises open eucalypt forest From the beginning of the project it — one year old! renewable energy systems in Indian villages later this year. Cheryl, Andre and with a sparse under-storey of native was clear that there were many issues In March representatives of four key Indian partners in the Bushlight India Brian from the North grasses. The soils are typically sandy. with the infrastructure and essential n Friday March 20 Alice Solar project visited Alice Springs to attend a planning workshop and to see first hand Queensland CAT office During the wet season, the area can services at Marmanya. The following is OCity celebrations were held the process and technologies developed by the Australian Bushlight project. visited Marmanya to experience extensive flooding in above a brief summary of those issues. at Araluen with a free BBQ, face initiate a new project average rainfall periods. painting, a jumping castle, a visit from These visitors are: Dto provide support for looking after The project is funded by the Energy Yamba, live music, stalls, light bulb • Mr Angshuman Majumder from the West Bengal Renewable Energy housing infrastructure and services at Australian Government Department Since 1996 energy has been supplied give-aways and free competitions. Development Agency (WBREDA) in Kolkata Marmanya. of Families and Housing, Community by a single diesel generator. However, The celebrations were followed • Mr. T.N.Ramesh from Tata BP Solar in Bangalore Marmanya is part of the small Services and Indigenous Affairs this generator failed and in 2006 the by the screening of Al Gore’s film • Mr Sameer Maithel from Greentech Knowledge Solutions in Delhi community of Urandangie about (FaHCSIA). The aim of the project is Indigenous Coordination Centre (ICC) ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ and a • Mt Joe Madiath from Gram Vikis in Orissa 180kms SW of in Western to provide support to the Marmanya purchased six Honda EU 30is, 3 KW documentary ‘Telling The Truth’. Queensland. It is the traditional land Community by assisting them petrol generators to supply each house. During their stay in Central Australia the four Indian partners visited local of the Waluwaru people. Strong ties with the management of repairs When CAT first visited the community renewable energy installations and Indigenous communities, and shared their exist between and other and maintenance on housing, in 2007, only two generators were still extensive experience in working with remote villages to develop and support eastern Alyawarre communities in essential services and infrastructure. working. sustainable livelihoods. particular with the larger community The project will not build new Alice Springs based Bushlight India staff from CAT International Projects, a of Alpurrurulam (Lake Nash) and the infrastructure or provide new Water subsidiary of the Centre for Appropriate Technology, will be travelling to India smaller community of Urlampe across services, but rather ensure existing Water to Marmanya is supplied from regularly over the next 2 years to work with project partners and to implement the border in the NT. infrastructure is safe and working. The a town bore and header tank 2.5 renewable energy systems in several remote village in eastern India. The area surrounding Marmanya is project will also examine the costs km away at Urandangi. Many leaks Funding for the project has been provided by the Australian government generally flat and slopes towards the involved in managing infrastructure in the water supply system were through the Asia Pacific Partnership program administered by the Department Floodplain. Vegetation and providing services at Marmanya. identified during the first visit and it

of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Continues page 8 >

OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 6 7

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n OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 During the week, we also managed to fix fix to managed also we week, the During one and removed was tank water broken A removed were tanks water steel old Several Marmanya at completed be to work final The andThere is also some further minor repairs of community small the of future The yosi henig The Centre for Appropriate Technology And finally, the doors, both quite heavy, had heavy, doors, both quite the And finally, and guides new the with aligned lifted, be to the to adjustments Final nuts. by secured crew The work. the completed guides bottom much enthusiasm and byworked long days with of total a of out doors 16 week that of end the fixed. were 22 by floors sheeting cement the in holes the all form 17mm with pieces broken the replacing step the all replacing completed also We ply. other all and houses six the of five in planks new doors and knobs.work such as installing was hall community the from condition good in place. its in installed and area dump the to community the from is that all Now, taps. new have now tanks all needed is some rain. from a obtained quotes was the plumbing. CAT was work and Isa Mt. in based plumber licensed October. in completed What Next? issueThe energy supply is still an on going must solution term long a that clear is it and become can houses of occupation so found be permanent. more tanks sewerage and coordinate, to maintenance attention. some need drains water waste and the until continues project the stage, this At widespread been has There 2009. June of end 2008 December since area the in flooding to access as work our of some slowed has which Marmanya has been hindered. residents the and people its on relies Marmanya to enthusiasm great shown have Marmanya of the towards contribute to and skills new learn There development of their small community. next operating school primary vibrant a also is recorded. been has attendance high and door as such area the in providers service Other Western and Shire Boulia Health, Queensland Hotel Urandangi the and Health Primary QLD have been supportive of this project. July work started started work July

During the first week many other tasks tasks other many week first the During the in started work the completing as well As Material was bought from local suppliers in in suppliers local from bought was Material On Tuesday morning, 14 ork starts were happy to help support the local residents residents local the support help to happy were the all were These work. the of lot a do to the in up fixing needed that things ‘little’ the in holes the doors, the fixing like — houses new installing knobs, door new installing floors, more. and toilets showers, the in fixtures in Marmanya. Three local residents; Wayne, Wayne, residents; local Three Marmanya. in The work: the do to Yosi joined Innie, and Mark of steps the all replace to was job major first on steps of sets two has house Each houses. the wood of made were steps old the and side either those broken, completely not Although planks. injuries caused which splinters many had steps the replaced We kids. younger the to particularly plastic recycled with planks steps wooden old slow a was It Victoria. in made are that planks cutting, drilling, grinding, required that job in ones new the bolting and brackets fixing place. replacing crew: work the by undertaken were old doors with new ones; installing new door toilet rods, curtain shower new installing knobs; roll holders and latches; cutting out broken in holes draining drilling and sections; floor work much and week a After frames. window Yosi that decided was it done, be to needing still a After crew. the with working continue would materials more organising Cairns in back week Marmanya. to returned Yosi first week, the main task for the second week installed CAT doors. sliding the all fix to was a was there but back years several doors those new and tracks new install and replace to need deemed was mechanism sliding the as gliders to had door Each job. major a was This unsafe. the for drilled be to had holes new and off cut be from off cut be to had track Each gliders. new installed. be to had track new a and brackets the W planning, discussions, organising, much After the from Yosi materials, ordering and meetings start to Isa Mt. to over flew CAT, of office Cairns community the of week first the organising works. renovation driven provided were equipment and tools and Isa Mt. in-kind by Isa Skills. MARMANYA ” During the first visit, lots of notes and and notes of lots visit, first the During The first step in the project was like things discussed report The for Isa Mt. in met CAT from Staff The project it was noted thatDuring the first visit reasonable in are houses the general, in showing signs ofcondition though are The life. design their of end the reaching of this style of housingdesigned life cycle are houses these and significant not is The old. years 20 than more already were identified problems of majority houses. all not if most across consistent to talked staff CAT taken. were photos explained and Marmanya of residents they how and out found had they what the of some fix and try to going were also were Discussions identified. issues about residents Marmanya with held themselves, do could they work what what CDEP might do and what work contractors. by undertaken be should ‘Infrastructure detailed a compile to the all about talked that report Audit’ technologies at Marmanya. electricity supply, water buildings, the fences, roads, lines, power supply, houses. the course of and tanks water was what about talked also report The wasn’t. what and well working and Skills Isa from staff with meetings program. CDEP the of coordinator the community the from representative A also Isa Mt. ICC from staff and (Wayne) talked and meetings those attended and done be to things of list the about contractors) CDEP, (residents, who those in important was It it. do should for need the emphasise to meetings was it Once involved. be to residents Marmanya and CDEP what decided what clear was it do, could residents for organise to CAT for left were jobs plumbers carpenters, like contractors in indicated was It electricians. and Skills Isa CDEP that meetings those In In The The The houses are 2, 3 and 4 bedroom bedroom 4 and 3 2, are houses The community hall is made of Besser blocks blocks Besser of made is hall community The roofing. metal sheet corrugated with including bathrooms two of consists hall main a and space office an cubicles, shower hall area. Building stock at Marmanya consists of of consists Marmanya at stock Building The hall. community a and houses six 1986 around constructed were houses Office then the by provided funding with Islander Straight Torres and Aboriginal of Affairs. frame steel of made are and each) of (two constructed was house Each cladding. and separated sections demountable two of or corridor covered central wide a by each at doors roller with breezeway, are houses The protection. wind for end above 400mm approximately elevated water hot electric have and level ground design, similar of all are six The systems. In breezeway. the off opening rooms with in made were houses the to additions 2002 Horizontal CAT. by coordinated project a the replace to installed were doors sliding covered and failed had which doors roller added were kitchen/verandas outdoor to the rear (north) of each house. Building September/October 2007, the tanks were were tanks the 2007, September/October contractor. a by out pumped Sewerage systems via managed is houses the at Sewerage diverted water grey with toilets, flush systems. septic the to traps grease through Several of the covers for the septic systems condition poor in be to discovered were and it was decided to replace them. was decided to contract a plumber to fix fix to plumber a contract to decided was poly 2OkL a have houses six the of Each it. has hall community the and tank rainwater two of these tanks. The future of the small community of Marmanya relies on its on relies Marmanya of small community of the future The great shown have of Marmanya the residents and people, towards to contribute new skills and to learn enthusiasm small community. of their the development

8 “ “To the residents of the outstations, rainwater harvesting means, among other things, the ability to live on country during the dry season, improved taste, greater control over their water supply system, reducing dependency on fuel for generators and minimising environmental impact.”

‘Sweet Water’ plan to address these improved taste, greater control over drinking water supply of rainwater to water supply problems in their their water supply system, reducing outstation households. outstations. The plan centres on dependency on fuel for generators The project was carried out in rainwater harvesting to supplement and minimising environmental impact. conjunction with the construction bore supplies and provide water of new houses in nine outstations that is palatable and easy to manage. The CAT project and infrastructure upgrades in a The Sweet Water plan focuses on The collaborative research project further two outstations under the delivering clean drinking water to between the Mabunji Aboriginal Commonwealth funded National one tap in the kitchen area. Water Resource Centre, Centre for Aboriginal Health Strategy (NAHS). for other uses (such as washing) can Appropriate Technology (CAT) and Rainwater harvesting systems be sourced from the existing bore, the Cooperative Research Centre were installed at Garrinjini, Babungi billabong, soak or spring. for Water Quality and Treatment (Vanderlin Island), Wadawarra, To the residents of the outstations, (CRCWQT), now succeeded by Water Waltja (Cow Lagoon), Minyalini, rainwater harvesting means, among Quality Research Australia (WQRA), Millibunthurra and Wurlbu and other things, the ability to live on explored a community-driven residents were guided through country during the dry season, approach to secure a sustainable maintenance regimes.

Continues page 12 > Rainwater harvesting helps people to stay on country in Mabunji outstations.

Figure 1: Mabunji-suggested design for rainwater collection at outstations

even new rainwater are traditional supplies dating back area. Resource Centre Officer harvesting systems hundreds of years. For example, the John Mason explained ‘the water ROOF CATCHMENT▲ have been installed by water sources on the Sir Edward supplies are notoriously unreliable’.

the Mabunji Aboriginal Pellew Group of Islands were shared Examples of water management ▲ GUTTER 9000 LITRE SQUAT▲ TANK Resource Centre at with Macassans during their trepang problems include bores running 545 GAUZE

outstations in the harvesting voyages to northern dry, contamination of shallow water LITRE COVER TANK▲ OVER Borroloola area. These supplement Australia. sources with floodwaters or by ▲

PVC DOWN PIPE S OUTLET▲ existing water supplies and provide The water from existing sources brackish waters in extended dry OVERFLOW PVC water that is tasty and easy to manage is pumped, stored in tanks and seasons and problems with bore PIPE WITH MOZZIE ▲ SCREEN IN GRAVEL

SAMPLE TAPS KITCHEN TAP

in terms of risk. distributed to houses or central taps. pumps. When water supplies run ▲ POLY PIT OUTLET ▲ ▲

out, residents are either forced to GAUZE ▲ PIPE ▲ INSERTS▲

In the beginning at Responding to demand cart water at their own cost or camp STOP

▲ VALVE GATE ▲ PUMP▲ Mabunji — traditional in Mabunji — the ‘Sweet in town for extended periods. These SCOUR VALVE

GATE ▲ water sources Water Plan’ ▲ outstation communities pay a high ▲ CONCRETE BASE VALVE ▲ GROUND LEVEL Mabunji outstations rely on a variety Traditional surface water and more price both economically and socially NON ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ WATER METER RETURN ▲ STABILIZING STABILIZING WATER FILTER UNDER of sources for drinking water including recent ground water sources are no for water. VALVE POLY SAND BED SAND BED UNDER KITCHEN SINK ▲ PIPE bores, springs, traditional soaks longer able to meet the demands of The Mabunji Aboriginal Resource GRAVEL PIT KITCHEN SINK and billabongs. Many water sources bigger settlements in the Mabunji Centre Directors developed the

OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 10 11 “Mabunji outstations rely on a variety of sources for drinking water including bores, springs, traditional soaks and Power Up billabongs. Many water sources are traditional supplies – A new free resource for Indigenous people interested in dating back hundreds of years.” multimedia and training

Technical design and improvements The design of the rainwater harvesting systems was negotiated with outstation residents, with a focus on reducing risks associated with unreliable technology, tampering of equipment, inadequate rainwater and management issues. Figure 1 (previous page) illustrates some of the measures used, such as a leaf trap, large tank size and a dedicated kitchen tap. Optional improvements to the Acknowledgements rainwater harvesting system can This project was a collaborative effort include relocating the tap and filters of the seven Mabunji outstations, for easier use and tying down the Success of the rainwater Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Centre, tanks to keep them safe during harvesting systems Government agencies, water industry storms. The size of the tank should Use of the rainwater harvesting participants and CAT. The Resource also be relative to the access to the systems ranged from occasional use Centre initiated the research project outstation — where access is limited, to supplement bore supplies when through its Sweet Water Plan. The a larger system can be installed to pumps or bores failed to everyday use Commonwealth Government funded www.powerup.cdu.edu.au ( http://powerup.cdu.edu.au/ ) provide additional storage when where the quality of bore water was the infrastructure, including new required. poor or where alternative supplies houses and rainwater harvesting such as lagoons could not meet the systems. The Cooperative Research ast year, the Flexible Learning mean that you can teach others how to use them. Power Dollars and sense — amount needed. Maintenance of the Centre for Water Quality and Innovations program funded by the Australian Up provides demonstrations, lesson plans and sample how do rainwater tanks systems by the outstation residents Treatment (CRCWQT), now Water Flexible Learning Framework, gave a group of workshop resources for people interested in teaching compare? reflected their use — where use Quality Research Australia (WQRA), people the opportunity to build a others. Based on initial costs of buying and was regular, so was maintenance; funded the research staff and water resource especially for Indigenous With Indigenous organisations and individuals having installing the rainwater tanks and where existing bores provided a testing. CAT provided on the ground people who were interested in free access to products like Marvin (www.marvin.com) the yearly costs of maintaining the reliable, sustainable water source, negotiation, research and logistical learning more about multimedia or training others for creating animated characters that can be used to tanks, rainwater tanks provide a more the rainwater harvesting system leadership. Residents of the seven in how to use multimedia. The result was Power Up, a tell local stories, and the Our Art, Our Place, Our Way reliable water supply with reduced was only used if the bore failed and Mabunji outstations participated in web and CD resource specifically designed to help meet online resource, www.artcentreway.com, for developing risk of contamination to outstations maintenance by the community was the planning, design and evaluation current and expanding Indigenous workforce needs. artists, art workers and art centres, knowing how to use at lower cost and with higher social limited. processes. n Work opportunities currently exist in online multimedia is becoming increasingly important. benefits than carting bore water, Ongoing evaluation of the broadcasting, web design, marketing, art centres, schools, Alicia Boyle, Education Coordinator, Desert treating existing water or delivering rainwater harvesting systems showed Helen Salvestrin knowledge centres and health centres for people with Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre and Ruth packaged water for the Mabunji that the water was generally suitable The Centre for Appropriate Technology multimedia skills. Knowing how to use digital cameras, Wallace, Director, Social Partnerships in Learning outstations. for drinking. Alice Springs audio and video devices and edit the output can also Consortium, Charles Darwin University led the project,

Continues page 14 >

OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 12 13 Everything in Power Up is based “ individual demonstration and learning files available on standard, freely for local customisation through a source on LORN available software so (Learning Object Repository Network), http://lorn. flexiblelearning.net.au/Home.aspx. that it is a resource Future Developments: Power Up Plus for everyone. Power Up Plus will deliver a substantially enhanced Web and CD resource that will include:

• Audio of key text recorded in English (and two whilst the principal content was created by Cath The Text section is about the right sorts” of principle NT Indigenous languages) by Indigenous McKay and Huni Bolliger, who have both spent fonts and faces to use in multimedia projects. The speakers; many years teaching multimedia with Indigenous section about Image provides information about • Additional multi-media demonstrations embedded students through the Northern Territory Open digital cameras and related equipment and shows as learning objects, for current content, and Education Centre. you how to take a good digital photo, edit it and for new content — for learning, teaching Power Up has been designed so that it is very save it in a range of formats for different uses. The and assessment purposes. In addition, some easy to find your way around. It has been divided Image section also shows you how to make a good demonstrations will be built in ARED V2 and into six sections depending on what you want digital story by using individual digital photos and a simple ‘how to’ guide will be developed to to find out more about. In the Jobs and Training incorporating transitions, sound and music. Sound accompany the use of ARED V2; section you can learn about the sorts of jobs that are introduces the audio editing software Audacity • A mapping of the resource content to the available in multimedia and the types of skills you and shows you how to record, edit and store sound Australian core skills framework for both teaching need to work in those jobs. The Jobs and Training files. The Animation and Video section covers and assessment purposes; section also has lesson and workshop plans to help stop motion, claymation and computer animation • 'How to’ guides to link resources such as image, trainers. and shows you how to plan for a video shoot, record, edit and store your production. In the Links audio and video files to Web 2.0 for sharing section, Power Up shows you where to go to get the beyond the local PC including their use in software you need and where to go to find even more e-portfolios. n information about multimedia. In each section of Power Up there are useful Videos demonstrating equipment and skills and the Demo button will take you to a video showing how to use Alicia Boyle the software. The Try It button provides activities Education Coordinator for you to practice new skills and the Ideas button Desert Knowledge CRC provides suggestions about what you might like to do in your community. If you are teaching others how to use multimedia, these videos, demonstrations REFERENCES/RESOURCES and activities can be used as resources in your own (www.flexiblelearning.net.au/flx/go/home/States_and_Territories/NT), programs. www.desertknowledgecrc.com.au Everything in Power Up is based on standard, freely available software so that it is a resource for www.cdu.edu.au/centres/spil/index.html everyone. Power Up will be available to access via the Northern Territory Open Education Centre Web, www.powerup.cdu.edu.au or on a DVD, with www.ntoec.nt.edu.au/site/frontpage.cfm

OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 14 15 The task is not so much to see what no one has yet seen, “ but to think what no one has yet thought, about that which everybody sees. Erwin Schrodinger ”

unfold in Indigenous Australia has decrease in outbreaks of health, security, education and mimicked what we have seen in violence, or number of sexually jobs outcomes — but it will be other fragile, weakly performing transmitted diseases). very difficult to get more than states and their peripheral ‘better targeting’ and related community situations. This mode of response improves efficiencies. Another response we have direct security and responds to Ultimately this stabilising seen internationally and in symptoms demonstrably. It is and narrow response increases Australia is retreat, withdrawal highly desired by community dependency, reduces local and intervention to secure and members who want relief and it capacity and disables institutions force change. Invariably in these places executive staff in control of that enable people to engage in situations the view forms that it is local institutions with direct lines civic life. all too messy and complex. There of accountability to the central are too many issues of mandate government. It may put kids in Implications for of different scales of government school and get infrastructure built Indigenous Futures to sort out, too many horizontal and it sets off a round of small and The NTER has unfolded amidst Investing in co-ordination problems at the relatively inconsequential income significant other change processes. same scale; it requires long term generating projects. It creates The NT Local Government investing in governance that is islands of exceptionalism where reform has dissolved existing difficult to sustain. It is an issue things are said to ‘work’ and can Community Council structures, the Outback: that doesn’t deliver in short-term be held up as a success in terms the NT Housing reform agenda is electoral cycles so government of very narrow output classes, engaged in massive expenditure A Framework of Indigenous Development within Australia. retreats: provided the activities are hugely on public housing that is distorting • to create direct relations and unsustainably resourced the local construction market, between the highest level of according to national and global the associated training and authoritative governance and service standards, and provided employment agenda is attempting local recipients (in the NT case they are thoroughly policed on a to cope with labour and skills he low level of settlement conditions across remote Responding to Failure in directly linking the federal continuing basis. shortages to meet both the change development in remote Indigenous Australia manifests in the International Context government and the children in But the tight focus on and the boom/bust economy, and Australia has permitted disadvantage and dysfunction across risky places). stabilisation, income management at the same time there are changes Aboriginal culture to all socio-economic indicators. The Northern Territory Emergency • to sideline all the intermediating and reducing welfare dependency proposed for native title, royalty persist much longer here have seen Response is not dissimilar to the agencies (e.g. introduce tent has eclipsed a more serious long payments and land reform. than in settled areas. significant change over the past ten response used by the Federal clinics to usurp the community term discussion of the bigger Many of the similarities and THowever, Aboriginal settlements in years. First practical reconciliation Government to address the failed controlled health services next issues of political economy and learning from the international this region of Australia experience that foreshadowed the end of states of the South Pacific where door) delivery of services. context go unnoticed in Australia an extreme economic context, rights based agendas or at least a police have been brought in to • to make the local family/ This is not to say federal/state because of the language, stereo­ arising from a lack of economic balancing of these agendas with a stabilise situations so that citizens can community directly accountable transfers in support of welfare typing and expectations that opportunities, their small size and stronger emphasis on responsibilities walk the streets and access services. to the central government (e.g. (as entitlement for all Australian we have built up over the years large distances between them, the (1997); the introduction of whole In such international interventions through income management) citizens) can’t be handled better around Indigenous issues and the lack of human and institutional of government and COAG trial sites better systems of governance are • to use the hardest edge of or that serious debate about the limitations of communicating such capital, and the high level of mobility (2000); the dissolution of ATSIC introduced to improve efficiency, central government to intervene, enabling and disabling effects of complex issues in the popular between and within settlements. (2004); and the debate since 2006 usually by placing Australian public to cut away all the other messy various modalities should be put media. Economic globalisation has favoured about the end of separateness and the servants in line positions, and arrangements, and make it easy aside — it’s just that if a person Too often we are blinded by intensification in urban centres in viability of remote communities. ultimately corruption and abuse of to access land (e.g. use the army is welfare dependent, in the our own history and rhetoric to the Australia, resulting in increasing But perhaps the most acute power are stopped in their tracks. to resolve logistic matters and absence of economic opportunity, point we are unable to conceive of capital leakage from rural and remote change underway is the Northern The situation is normalised so that directly lease parcels of land). they will basically remain welfare change in a positive or incremental areas. Market failure has led to a Territory Emergency Response services and aid targeted at poverty • to hone down the outputs to dependent. way. We argue about the pieces welfare economy. The impact of (NTER) that has been rolling out reduction can be delivered. It appears the directly measurable ones Policy makers and governments that are put on the table, instead that welfare economy in the unique since June 21 2007. clear that what the nation has seen (e.g. number of kids checked, can play around the margins in Continues page 18 >

OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 16 17 North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management The real gap that needs bridging between Indigenous Alliance Dugong and Marine Turtle Project and“ non-Indigenous people is the income gap, for without this reduction the health gap will remain resistant to change.” NAILSMA DUGONG AND MARINE TURTLE PROJECT MESSAGE DISK 3 (3 DVDS) WWW.NAILSMA.ORG.AU Message Disks 1–3 showcase the NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle project. of debating whether they are the right might articulate with the earlier As things stand at the moment Numerous short stories feature the work of Sea Ranger groups from across pieces on the right table. analysis leading to a focus on political most writers acknowledge there Northern Australia provide insights into the varied tasks, challenges and To date local analysis of Indigenous economy and governance. is market failure in most areas of accomplishments they are making to ensure the sustainability of Dugong and issues has coalesced around social For a long time the overwhelming remote Australia so that a future that Marine Turtle populations. dysfunction, welfare reform, the concern in Indigenous people has substitutes the market for welfare will The Indigenous Ranger groups are partnering with researchers, Government viability of small remote communities been to improve their health through require more innovative interventions and industry in using new and innovative management approaches and and reducing gaps with the medical interventions, to reduce the if people won’t, can’t or don’t move. combining Traditional Knowledge with modern research methods. mainstream. obvious gaps between key measures of Government will need to use all While the DVD’s primarily focus is on the Rangers work to protect and It appears the alignment of views health. Poor health and housing have manner of tax and non-tax measures manage dugongs and marine sea turtles, there is also coverage of their work in around the damaging impact of been the visible signs of Indigenous — as they do in most other realms — many other critical areas, including quarantine and surveillance work, cultural welfare is such that there is little disadvantage. Invariably people have to influence economic outcomes. This heritage, habitats and species protection, removing ghost nets and beach political will to return to the practices been unquestioning about health for is often the missing piece in responses pollution, feral animals, weed control and much more. of the past or to explore alternative what, and more focussed on health to failed state situations. Under this While watching the interviews, videos and slide shows about this very options for the future. as a public good. However, health analysis a focus on jobs or employment important work being done by Indigenous Rangers, the viewer is treated to some But we see in the earlier discussion is a proxy measure for an ability to will of themselves not be sufficient. excellent contemporary Indigenous music. that there are some deeper questions access and enjoy a range of rights and There is also a very apparent that will need to be addressed when opportunities available to people in case for exercising some caution the police and doctors have done their Australia. around the risk involved in planning applies some basic equity principles rather that in a systemic view of A unifying principle that provides work and the community managers The growing body of evidence on indigenous economic development that don’t necessarily result in the the future the required linking and investment and development want to go home. The disabling effects the societal determinants of health responses around a resource led statistical equality that comes with bridging capital will need developing opportunities for all and gives of ‘executive solutions’, and executive indicates ‘that the scale of income commodity boom. We need to policies of practical reconciliation and between Indigenous and non direction to future investment in short cuts will need addressing and differences in a society is one of the encourage a diverse response to mainstreaming. It also challenges indigenous residents of the outback. remote Australia is needed — an healing in a reconstruction phase most powerful determinants of health livelihood opportunities that includes community to fully understand the If the outback is to move ahead investment approach that embraces following the emergency intervention. standards in different countries, and the services and knowledge sectors of reality of their expectations or the it will require new entities that Indigenous and non-Indigenous It is clear that as we approach the that it influences health through its the economy even if they are currently politicisation of their inequality by encapsulate the norms and rules for interests. That provides a vision stage beyond the stabilisation of impact on social cohesion’. underdeveloped. external interests. enterprise, development and social that reconciles the past with a future Indigenous communities we will need Across remote Australia there is The sooner it is recognised that It will require a shift from a primary cohesion providing services, support that is determinedly in the national to find a new pathway. It may also no doubt that the income differentials people who live further from major focus on normalising services and and hand ups as required. interest. It also provides a framework be, inexorably, that the short-term between Indigenous people and other medical facilities are at greater risk, minimising disadvantage to a process The development phase of the in which Indigenous peoples can executive solution makes the challenge residents are large and increasing, and the sooner we will establish a degree that is principally driven by investment intervention needs to identify new achieve a greater stake in the political even greater — despite the fact that the relationships between Indigenous of balance and realism in discussions potential in a regional economy. forms of institutions. Behavioural economy that engages them. n it may stabilise the existing, worrying groups and other outback residents about development and sustainability change begins with individuals but situation. This is a policy paradox but are at times fraught with tension and across remote Australia. You don’t New institutions for supportive organisations give the leg Bruce W Walker one that should not be allowed to mask various manifestations of violence. live in the bush to experience city life engagement, enterprise up to embed that change and support Doug J Porter and development the underlying long term issues. There is a significant message for or access services that only become new engagement models. The support Mark Stafford Smith people in the Australian outback that viable if significant numbers of people One of the challenges for Government of effective and creatively managed Associated initiatives in This article has been edited. The full version is available at flows from this analysis. It becomes use them. and the NTER will be to achieve organisations by government, NGO’s www.icat.org.au. Indigenous Affairs critical to the futures for Indigenous As a result, you don’t solve a transition from the emergency and the philanthropic sector is a There are two other significant as well as non Indigenous people that problems in the bush by defining them intervention of law and order into a crucial addition to market-based policy REFERENCES initiatives associated with the NTER. the intervention into NT Indigenous in terms of services available in a city. longer-term sustainable development frameworks focussed largely on the Craig, D. and D. Porter. ‘Development Beyond Parallel commitments to close the gap affairs strikes at the core of the bigger The benefits that result from living phase that responds to the underlying individual. Neoliberalism: Governance, Poverty Reduction and Political Economy.’ New York: Routledge, 2006 in Indigenous health disadvantage and economic picture as well as the with a large number of people don’t conditions. Again international The challenge for future policy is to Dillon, M.C., ‘National Security and the Failed State in a significant investment in housing are Indigenous specific activities. exist, or are at least more expensive experience suggests significant strike the right balance of Government Remote Australia’, Australian Policy Forum 07-01B, Nautilus Institute at RMIT, 25 January 2007 being delivered in the NT. The real gap that needs bridging when the group is small and dispersed. institution building is required to intervention, market incentives and Holmes, J. (2002). ‘Diversity and change in Australia’s rangelands: a post-productivist transition with a difference?’ A comprehensive framework that between Indigenous and non- To make it work you have to trade off provide the vibrant community sector community aspiration to harness Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers 27, contemplates sustainable and better Indigenous people is the income gap, more of what you know and do. that adds to social cohesion. This the opportunities that might arise 362-384 Stafford Smith, M and Moran,M., ‘The Community — futures cannot escape analysis of how for without this reduction the health Such a position requires is not to deny the significant social from the changed circumstances and Settlement nexus — drivers of viability and resilience in health issues and housing responses gap will remain resistant to change. Government to rethink how it capital that bonds Indigenous people, ongoing differences. remote areas of desert Australia’. (in press),p2

OUR PLACE MAGAZINE 34 18 19 2009 PRICE LIST 20% discount for DesART The Centre for Appropriate Technology in Alice Springs is pleased to present the & ANKAAA CAT Art Rack. The Rack has been designed to address the storage, presentation and access requirements of Indigenous art centres and commercial art galleries. members The Rack and custom designed hangers hold finished canvas artworks that have not been stretched onto a frame.

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