civil train

participants undertaking a skillset program conducted at kintore (cfat/nt government funded) for the nagurratjuta/pmara ntjarra aboriginal corporation. NT/SA CONNECTION

While the NT and SA may have parted ways in 1911 in relation to territorial governance, the bonds (especially in Central Australia) still run deep. This strong connection manifests itself in numerous ways ie Family, Education, Health Care, Sport, Social Events etc. Above all, the economic and employment ties have remained firm over time, with SA still representing a major core of Central Australia’s skill-based workforce.

To this end, CCF SA (resource and infrastructure expertise) has played a significant role in the economic expansion of the NT operation, in many cases working alongside the CCF NT to identify and foster the numerous commercial opportunities, with the aim to benefit the sector as a whole.

training at kintore, 530km west of alice springs (mostly dirt roads) and 40km from the wa border. an example of how civil train nt can cater to the communities’ needs re compliant, practical skillset training, irrelevant of the location. NT DIVERSIFICATION

As mentioned in the previous NT articles, the future civil and mining activity in the centre of Australia is expected to increase significantly which will undoubtedly lead to industry shortages on numerous fronts, bringing with it potential growth prospects for countless companies and organisations. Many SA based businesses have an advantage (numerous logistical reasons) in relation to tapping into this shortage. Servicing SA based companies and organisations in relation to NT Traffic management, heavy machinery, high risk NT Worksafe accreditation etc is now a common occurrence for CT NT, as we have formed a strong working relationship with numerous CCF SA members and do our best to prioritise their requests and compliance requirements, enabling a smooth transition between boarders. Civil Train NT is always here to assist CCF NT and SA members in any way we can.

SUPPORT

The ongoing support received By CT NT, not only from our Civil Train SA head office, but CCF SA Board and members, has been instrumental in successfully establishing a viable permanent training service that now has the capacity to facilitate nationally accredited certification in the most remote regions of the country (SA/WA/NT). The commercial and community flow-on effects from providing relevant, accredited, remote training (to an industry standard), are evident for all to see. ф Greater employment prospects (opportunities) ф Safer workforce ф A stronger (workplace) focus on the environment and cultural awareness ф Reduction in operational cost (utilising local labour) ф Increased productivity ф Greater advancement opportunities for employees ф Stronger regional prospects and benefits for all.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

For those who have followed the CT NT journey over the years, which has involved numerous sectors and industries ie, Civil, General Construction, Education, Defence, Corrections, Cattle, Mining, Land Management, Power and Water etc, I think it would be the consensus, our most significant achievement to date has been the relationships we have formed with numerous Indigenous organisations and communities.

While the CCF SA staff and membership take some time to reflect on the accomplishments of the last 50 years (well done by the way!) what should also be celebrated is the positive impact the entire Civil Train team, SA/WA/NT, along with the support of the CCF, has provided to the First Nations People of this country. Not just conducting training related to projects and employment, but engagement, a sense of achievement, community enhancement and beautification, nurturing leadership, and positive influences. This has been life-changing for hundreds of people (throughout Australia) particularly those individuals living in remote locations and in many cases, under extremely difficult circumstances. The Civil Train SA/WA/ NT teams have, and will continue to, make a difference!

Since the last edition (July 2022) the CT NT mob, yet again, have been out and about covering thousands of kilometres, providing our services far and wide, apart from facilitating numerous training programs in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice.

The following is a list of communities where CfAT and CT NT have been

involved in facilitating nationally accredited training programs working with multiple agencies: ф Ti Tree ф Nyirripi ф Kintore ф Atitjere ф Willowra ф Utopia ф Finke ф Yuelamu ф Yuendumu

Without exception, the above communities, and many others, still require some form of (significant) improvements in relation to better living conditions and amenities. I am confident all at the CCF & Civil Train are supportive of this objective and want to be part of this story.

CFAT/CT NT & (DKP)

At this point it would be remiss of me to not mention the assistance, guidance and trust we continuously receive from the Centre of Appropriate Technology (CfAT). This relationship is growing stronger by the day with both organisations now involved in numerous joint initiatives that are mutually beneficial to the parties involved, local Indigenous people and the various industries operating in the region. With a new Desert Knowledge Precinct (DKP) CEO Jimmy Cocking at the helm, there are exciting times ahead. It is my understanding that Civil Train NT will play a role in relation to the future direction of the precinct. CT NT would like to acknowledge the outgoing CEO, Dr Dan Tyson for his contribution to the DKP, including, steering the ship through a worldwide pandemic. Good luck with your next chapter.

CONCLUSION

Finally, a big congratulation to the CCF SA family on the resilience and performance demonstrated over the past 50 years, especially during recent events. Yet again, as with all forms of emergencies, disasters and even post-war crises, the infrastructure sector just keeps on digging! To all of our Civil Train SA/WA colleagues, CCF SA staff and members, have an enjoyable festive season. Take care and see you in 2023! Mark Hopkins

jason bloomfield, kevin abbott, henry bloomfield, aaron healy (new trainer), and jason lerm at ti tree (grader training) mid-2022