Ending violence from the ground up

Since 1993 NPY Women’s Council has been working on the ground to support & advocate for the aged and people with disability in remote communities.

This deep understanding of local issues and needs has seen NPYWC’s Tjungu – Aged & Disability Service as a trusted place to seek support, care, respite and services.

NPY Women’s Council has worked with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for 8 years to advocate for the needs of people with disability and their families in remote communities.

Language barriers, a lack of services on the ground and transient living situations may mean that remote communities need a different model of support for accessing basic care available in urban centres.

Through our Support Coordination service, NPYWC is able to provide greater choice and control for remote clients who now have a lot more say on how and where they receive support such as:

– Respite

– Transport

– Allied Health services

– Participating in community activities

NPYWC’s understanding of the region and issues experienced by older people have led them to become subcontracted to provide home support assessments in our remote APY & NT communities and to people in Alice Springs.

These assessments are aimed at providing the supports needed to assist older people to live in their own homes for as long as possible with help as required for things like meals, shopping and keeping their houses and yards clean.

The Alice Springs service provides an additional income stream for NPYWC while providing expertise and much needed services on the ground.

Find out more about the Tjungu Aged & Disability Service

NPYWC Directors Nyunmiti Burton, Rene Kulitja & Maureen Baker have all worked within the education system, Nyunmiti is a qualified teacher. The Directors have a very clear idea on important initiatives to increase Anangu engagement with the school system.

The National Dialogue 21 Conference, presented by the Australian Institute for Teaching & School Leadership (ATSL) – was designed to set out standards to improve Indigenous cultural competency in the Australian teaching workforce. Hear what our Directors had to say:

_{Maureen, Rene, Christine & Nyunmiti at the National Dialogue 21 Conference}

Anangu Teachers

Anangu need to be given the chance to lead the classroom. It is not enough to have Anangu in support roles. Anangu teachers are a vital piece of the puzzle in supporting students across language and cultural barriers, understanding the strengths and capacities of individual children. They stand as respected and known members of the child’s community. They know, and can teach bilingual learning.

Curriculum and learning styles

Curriculum needs to be contextually relevant. Providing opportunity for children and young people to learn on country and in the classroom. “Our kids need to learn in their first language and then in English. Then they will be good in Pitjantjatjara and English. Then they can live well in both worlds”, Nyunmiti Burton.

Community Engagement

Key community members want to influence the recruitment and appraisal of key staff such as principals and teachers. They can also care for and educate teachers in the ways of Anangu culture, history and respectful ways to connect with the community, which have a direct benefit for the children and young people.

“Our old people already paved the way forward. When we support Anangu children and young people, everyone benefits”. Rene Kulitja.

_{Images: courtesy of Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership}

Find out about the NPYWC Youth Service