An exciting phase in remote Indigenous training in the Katherine region is about to take place at Jilkminggan, a remote community located on the banks of the Roper River about 150 kms from Katherine.
After many months of planning a Mobile Adult Learning Unit (MALU) has been relocated to Jilkminggan from Alice Springs and will be used as a community training centre to deliver numerous CDU programs over the next few months.
Senior field officer Bronte Cooper said that the initiative marks an exciting new era in remote training delivery for the region.
“This is the first time a CDU MALU has been located on a community in the Katherine Region and as you can imagine residents are extremely excited,” he said.
“It has taken many months of planning and this was the next logical step in our future directions program we have been coordinating for the Jilkminggan community.
“The program incorporated the completion of a skills audit that identified training requirements in the community, matching those requirements to individual and community needs and then designing programs that fit.”
The first official program using the MALU will commence shortly and will include computer and business courses that will be delivered by remote business lecturer Lorraine Docherty.
Lorraine will also provide a new introduction to the leadership and supervision program.
Centre for Access and English as a Second Language (CASEL) lecturer, Terry Radford, will finalise the skills audit, with Neil Williams delivering teacher assistant programs over the next few months.
Director of the remote coordination unit, Paul Fitzsimons, said: “This significant event is an example of what the remote coordination unit is all about and how a team effort by staff has ensured the success of the project.”
Mr. Fitzsimons further added: “It is important to acknowledge the help of CDU Alice Springs facilities staff who put in long hours to deliver the MALU safely to Jilkminggan”.
With the Jilkminggan community excited about the training opportunities now open to them, there is an expectation that the programs will provide quality outcomes that will strengthen the community and assist in planning their future.
For more information contact Bronte Cooper on 0408 803363.