Tjuwanpa Outstation Resource Centre Aboriginal Corporation
Background
Established in 1984, the Tjuwanpa Outstation Resource Centre Aboriginal Corporation (TORAC) is dedicated to supporting the Western Arrarnta people in maintaining their traditional homelands around Ntaria (Hermannsburg) in the Northern Territory. Operating across approximately 4,500 square kilometres, TORAC provides essential services to 37 outstations, fostering community resilience and self-determination.
Key Strategic Focus
TORAC's strategic initiatives encompass:
- Tjuwanpa Women Rangers: Empowering Indigenous women in conservation and land management, focusing on fire, weed, and feral animal control across 4,500 hectares, including five Aboriginal Land Trusts and Finke Gorge National Park.
- Community Development Program: Assisting job seekers in skill development, addressing employment barriers, and promoting community engagement through various activities and training.
- Outstation Servicing: Delivering municipal services to Western Arrarnta residents in outstations near Ntaria, including maintenance of power, water, and housing infrastructure.
- Clapsticks Productions: Offering technical support and creative solutions for events, entertainment, and creative industries, contributing to local economic development.
Financials and Funding
TORAC has secured substantial government funding to support its operations:
- 2012 Funding: The Australian Government allocated $221 million over ten years for essential services to outstations and homelands, including maintenance of power, water, housing, and infrastructure.
- 2013–2018 Funding: A $2.72 million grant was provided to TORAC to enhance services for Aboriginal children in the Ntaria region.
These investments underscore the government's commitment to supporting Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.
Pipeline Development
TORAC's initiatives include:
- Tjuwanpa Women Rangers: Established in 2013, this program has been instrumental in land management and conservation efforts, with ongoing expansion and development.
- Clapsticks Productions: Launched to provide technical support and creative solutions, contributing to local economic development and cultural expression.
Technological Platform and Innovation
TORAC leverages various technologies to support its programs:
- Clapsticks Productions: Utilizes advanced technical equipment and creative solutions to support events and entertainment, enhancing community engagement and economic opportunities.
- Tjuwanpa Women Rangers: Employs modern tools and methodologies for land management, including fire, weed, and feral animal control, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary practices.
Leadership Team
TORAC's leadership comprises dedicated individuals committed to community empowerment:
- Conrad Ratara: Chairman of the Tjuwanpa Resource Centre, actively involved in community development and service delivery.
- Jane Rosalski: CEO of the Tjuwanpa Outstation Resource Centre Aboriginal Corporation, overseeing operations and strategic initiatives.
Competitor Profile
TORAC operates within a network of Indigenous organizations focused on community development and land management. Notable entities include:
- Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation: Based in Ngukurr, this organization focuses on community development and land management in the Gulf of Carpentaria region.
- Thamarrurr Development Corporation Ltd: Serving the Wadeye community, this corporation is involved in various development projects and services.
- Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation: Operating in Darwin and surrounding communities, this corporation provides housing and infrastructure services to Indigenous people.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
TORAC collaborates with several organizations to enhance its programs:
- Central Land Council (CLC): Partners in the Tjuwanpa Rangers program, focusing on land management and conservation efforts.
- Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory: Collaborates in managing national parks and Aboriginal Land Trust lands, supporting ranger activities.
- Australian Government: Provides funding and support for various programs, including the Tjuwanpa Women Rangers and community development initiatives.
Operational Insights
TORAC's operations are characterized by:
- Community-Centric Approach: Focusing on empowering the Western Arrarnta people through self-determination and capacity building.
- Sustainable Practices: Implementing land management strategies that integrate traditional knowledge with modern techniques.
- Economic Development: Creating employment and training opportunities through programs like Clapsticks Productions and the Tjuwanpa Women Rangers.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
TORAC is well-positioned to:
- Expand Community Programs: Enhance existing initiatives and introduce new programs to further support community development.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate with additional organizations to broaden the impact of its services.
- Leverage Technology: Integrate advanced technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Contact Information
- Website: Tjuwanpa Outstation Resource Centre
- Social Media: Facebook - Tjuwanpa Outstation Resource Centre
- Location: Lot 166 Tjuwanpa Outstation, Hermannsburg (Ntaria), NT 0872
