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Ninti continues to build opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Leveraging the Research Centre's expertise
Welcome to a mid-year edition of NintiNews. It is nearly a year since we successfully completed the 7-year Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Remote Economic Participation. We are proud to report that Ninti has leveraged the CRC expertise to continue to be a significant contributor to building opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia, with a focus on remote regions. We can happily report that we have won enough work to maintain our staff numbers at the same level as when we managed the CRC. An important part of this successful transition is due to us maintaining the same Board composition, chaired by Prof Tom Calma AO.
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Building opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
In 2015, the Indigenous company of Ninti Pty Ltd was formed, which is registered with Supply Nation. The Indigenous Procurement Policy is helping us to build opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In the last twelve months, Ninti presented at the following conferences:
- Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium, by Professor Tom Calma AO, on ‘Aboriginal Community Researchers informing policy and practice in remote and rural health’.
- CRC Association Conference: Ninti Senior Aboriginal Researcher, Tammy Abbott and Aboriginal Community Researcher Miliwanga Mwurren, presented a paper entitled ‘Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – research principles and practice’.
- The Lowitja Institute Conference: two Ninti Aboriginal Community Researchers from the Northern Territory presented ‘The Evaluation of the National Trachoma Health Promotion Program for Indigenous Eye Health at the University of Melbourne’.
- Aid Supplier Conference 2018. Ninti's Senior Aboriginal Researcher, Sharon Forrester presented a paper on using an Indigenous approach to International Development.
We have also made submissions to Commonwealth government Inquiries (e.g. the Foreign Affairs White Paper and the NT Fracking Inquiry) about the value of using Aboriginal Community Researchers in these developments.
Prof. Tom Calma AO presenting at the Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium.
Image supplied Lorbergs Photography. |
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Ninti's Aboriginal Community
Researcher network
We have expanded our network of 250 Aboriginal Community Researchers (ACRs) into remote, regional and urban settings. Our ACRs are able to achieve highly professional standards in research, evaluation and service delivery – and deal with challenges presented in their work as they collect integral data and information from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. ACRs often live in remote communities and they are culturally empathetic, they can work bilingually in an inclusive, respectful and genuinely consultative way. We are increasingly being asked to provide ACR services by governments, universities, NFPs and industry.
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Ninti's growing project portfolio
Ninti is proudly continuing to draw upon our long history of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and translating our learnings from this experience to a range of development contexts, with a broad range of development partners. As of June 2018, Ninti has 18 active projects underpinned by a combination of commercial contracts and grant funding from 10 different clients spanning the government (Federal, State and Territory), commercial and not-for-profits sectors.
Our project portfolio includes our long-standing role in delivering the National Business Practice Unit Tackling Indigenous Smoking Initiative (NBPU TIS, Australian Department of Health) and the Stronger Communities for Children (SCfC) Quality Service Support Panel (the Australian Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet). Examples of other current projects include:
- Providing capacity building support to aged care provider Aboriginal & Islander Community Resource Agency in Rockhampton, QLD (Australian Department of Health);
- Working with five remote communities in the Northern Territory to support the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, ensuring that people living with a disability are able to participate in community life and are empowered to make their own decisions and choices;
- Building on momentum to address the issue of fake Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art/craft, focusing on fostering new approaches and partnerships that improve ethical and equitable commercialisation (Gandel Philanthropy and Copyright Agency Cultural Fund);
- Engaging with communities in Yuendumu, Lajamanu, Kalkarindji and Dagaragu to assist Northern Territory Power and Water Corporation with the user acceptance of a new smart prepayment electricity meter system;
- Reviewing a sample of Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) grant funding in the Pilbara region of WA, as part of the overall IAS evaluation strategy (Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet);
- And many more!
We look forward to continuing to partner with these and other clients into the future, to build further opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote Australia.
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Stronger Communities for Children
Over 2-days 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) and Mparntwe (Alice Springs) communities. There were over 70 participants from across 10 sites including representatives from Prime Minister and Cabinet, and guest speakers. The Seminar commenced with a traditional Welcome to Country by traditional owners, and a walking tour of activities occuring in the community.
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 groups 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.
The seminar ended with each site mapping out their program focuses and stakeholder relationships, to help think and talk about what shapes their decisions about SCfC program funding.
You can download a copy of the full summary document here.
For more information about the Strong Communities Program, please contact Megan Saltmarsh, Program Manager on (08) 79055523 or megan.saltmarsh@nintione.com.au
Knowledge Sharing Seminar, Alice Springs |
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Tackling Indigenous Smoking
Tobacco use remains the largest modifiable risk factor affecting the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. While smoking rates are falling, they remain considerably higher in all age groups compared to the non-Indigenous community. The good news is that the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have been declining since Indigenous-focused tobacco control approaches have been implemented.
Since 2010, the Australian Government has delivered the Tackling Indigenous Smoking, to reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smoking rates. It is a multi-level, targeted program, with most of the program funding allocated to regional tobacco control grants . The Australian Government has also developed nationwide media campaigns targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with the Don’t Make Smokes Your Story and Break the Chain campaigns as part of the National Tobacco Campaign.
The National Best Practice Unit Tackling Indigenous Smoking (NBPU TIS) has been a component of the TIS program since 2015. The NBPU TIS was established to support TIS-funded organisations across Australia through evidence-based resource sharing, information dissemination, advice and mentoring, workforce development, and monitoring and evaluation. The NBPU TIS is a consortium led by Ninti One and includes the University of Canberra and Edith Cowan University.
The NBPU TIS works closely with other elements of the TIS program, including the National Coordinator, and the National Evaluator (CIRCA) and also with the Australian Government Department of Health, which administers the program. All the achievements are made in collaboration with these other elements of the program, and in particular with the TIS-funded organisations themselves.
Since 2015, The NBPU TIS has undertaken a significant range of activities focused on enhancing the workforce capability of TIS-funded organisations. This included identifying workforce needs of during initial site visits; by phone and email; and through grant recipients undertaking a self-assessment of their workforce training needs.
The key achievements we identify are:
- establishing a strong, effective partnership between the NBPU TIS and the TIS-funded organisations;
- developing a shared community of practice amongst the network of TIS-funded organisations;
- supporting the use of evidence and best practice in tobacco control activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
- delivering intensive on-the-ground support to TIS-funded organisations;
- strengthening the capability of the Tacking Indigenous Smoking Workforce; and
- supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership development in tobacco control.
A key resource the NBPU TIS provides is the TIS website that brings together information and evidence on what works for tackling smoking in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as providing a space where organisations can share their knowledge of what is working in their local community. This information is available for everyone and can be found by visiting https://tacklingsmoking.org.au
If you would like more information about activities or programs that are making a difference to reduce smoking, please contact NBPU TIS.
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Reconciliation Action Plan
Ninti One recently updated its a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as a sincere gesture to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are proud to have employed hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across dozens of remote communities since our inception in 2003.
For Ninti One, Reconciliation is a cause central to our existence, not just a side issue. The formation of a RAP for us is an opportunity to formalise our existing and long-standing commitment to enhancing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a strengths-based approach.
We have reflected that even though we have a demonstrated commitment – with a large amount of positive outcomes – to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it is appropriate to have a document that formalises that commitment. We are proud of our sound and transparent governance process, so a RAP will provide an extra level of accountability for our organisation. Additionally, it will provide further assurance to our partners across Australia that we take Reconciliation seriously and want to ensure that we are continuously making a positive difference in this regard.
You can find a copy of our RAP here.
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NAIDOC 2018: Because of her, we can!
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Under the theme - Because of her, we can! - NAIDOC Week 2018 will be held nationally from Sunday 8 July and continue through to Sunday 15 July. Four of Ninti's senior female staff will also attend the NAIDOC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Conference being held at the University of NSW.
Wherever you live, you can take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations. To find out about NAIDOC Week activities in your area, contact your nearest Regional Office.
Image: Cheryl Mogg's 2018 National NAIDOC Poster |
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An Indigenous voice in International Development
Ninti is regularly contracted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other clients for advice on development effectiveness on aid programs. This has involved using Ninti’s expertise in Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Myanmar, Norway, Pakistan, PNG, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Timor Leste, Taiwan, Vietnam and the USA in a range of sectors. Ninti’s MD, Rod Reeve says that this work aligns with our stated mission of translating learnings from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island work to a range of development contexts.
Ninti was one of the first Indigenous suppliers to be engaged by DFAT under the Indigenous Procurement Policy. In February 2018, Rod and Sharon Forrester presented at DFAT’s ‘Aid Supplier Conference’ at the ANU on the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Australia’s aid program. This followed Ninti’s presentation ‘International development and Indigenous Australia: ‘learning from each other’ at the Australasian Aid Conference at the ANU in 2015. Ninti also features in Devex articles on ‘Embedding an indigenous approach to development’.
Ninti is currently working with DFAT to develop an online ‘Contractor Reporting Framework’.
Ninti is applying an Indigenous approach to international development in Indonesia.
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Philanthropy Australia Indigenous Award
For a second year, Ninti is sponsoring Philanthropy Australia’s Indigenous Philanthropy Award, which recognises achievements from funding initiatives that advance Indigenous communities, support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and promote reconciliation in Australia.
The Australian Philanthropy Awards event will be held on Thursday 26 July at the Sydney Opera House. For more information about Philanthropy Australia and the awards visit http://www.philanthropy.org.au/
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