Project Update
June 13, 2018
Stronger Community For Children: Knowledge Sharing Seminar
In April 2018, stakeholders of the Stronger Communities for Children (SCfC) program took the Knowledge Sharing Seminar out on the road again, this time to the beautiful Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) community.
On day one of the seminar, Ltyentye Apurte community members, Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation (AAAC) and SCfC Decision Makers Group (DMG) members welcomed seminar participants onto Eastern Arrernte land, and shared with us stories of significant sites in the area. Participants were serenaded into the Rec Hall, by the energising sounds of the Ltyentye Apurte drummers, and were kept full and happy by the delicious food provided by AAAC’s Merne Mwarre good food kitchen!
During the day, participants broke off into two groups and took turns participating in yarning circles and being treated to a tour of SCfC funded activities in the community. Over lunch we were treated to another musical performance – this time from the Men’s Band.
Into the afternoon we heard presentations from some Ltyentye Apurte SCfC activity providers, a panel discussion from Ltyentye Apurte SCfC DMG members, and program presentations from Ngukurr’s Strongbala Pipul Wanbala Bois Komiti members and Wadeye’s Kardu Lurruth Ngala Purringime members. We finished off the day with a skate demonstration by participants of the Mac Youth Skate Program!
Back in Alice Springs on day 2 of the seminar, we were welcomed to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) by Arrernte elder Kumalie Riley who has spiritual affiliations and connections to the land, hereditary from her grandmother. Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) Senior Advisor Emily Jones joined us from Canberra, and talked to the group about the next phase of the SCfC program. We participated in exercises which helped us to reflect on changes to our work since the program began, and envision what the next 5 years of the program could look like.
Read the full report here.