Awesome trip! I have photos of the kids and the school as my screen saver. People ask who they are and why i have them. I tell them that these kids are from Kintore; they are my inspiration!

Well my reflections on Kintore are quite positive.
We actually achieved a record (literally and figuratively) for the music program.
Having a late start to the school day because of a sports carnival late night hangover, meant that we didn't get access to the kids until about 11.30 that day and had to have a song written and recorded by 3.30, before the kids left. We got it done, and it was a real tight experience, because the kids were naturally tired from a hectic week.
The song turned out great, considering my observation that Kintore is one of the least English literate communities we have visited. Ironically they are also literacy challanged with their own first language in the written form, so song construction was a challenge.
Once we got the kids confidence as usual there was no stopping them and of course on day two when they heard the production and saw the video, there was a tangible sense of achievement in the kids eyes.
All the teachers and aids, saw the huge ongoing literacy benefit of what we did and I hope that we hear the Kintore song played around the community many more times in the coming weeks and months.
A.T

My experience on the Kintore tour is difficult to describe in words. I have distinguished three factors which I beleive made the tour such an incredible experience for me and such a worthwhile experience for the people of Kintore. Firstly, the program itself and the impact it had on the community, secondly, the sheer volume of knowledge I accumulated by being absorbed in the aboriginal culture and finally, the experience of being surrounded by motivated, passionate, genuine people who continue to inspire me almost a month after the tour.

The Red Dust program makes a difference. The activities we engaged in with the school were designed in such a way that allowed the teachers in Kintore to build on and develop. Everything from the AFL, cricket and basketball clinics to the health classroom activity to the unbelievable music program; all were initiated by the Red Dust team but allowed continuation by the teachers of Kintore. This approach also highlights the collaborative effort the Red Rust program uses in order to get the most out of their visits. This collaboration extended to the community of Kintore, the teachers of the school and even within the Red Dust team. Overall, the issues faced by many Aboriginal communities are so complex and misunderstood that an answer to such problems sometimes appear impossible. The Red Dust program gave me hope and inspiration for the future of the many troubled Aboriginal communities in Australia today.

Of greater importance and magnitude of what I taught in Kintore, was what I learnt from it. I walked into the experience blind to expectations and walked out with knowledge that I could not have gained without contact with the Kintore community. This knowledge was of the Aboriginal culture, tradition and people, the prevalent issues that face them and possible directions for the future. I feel incredibly advantaged having knowledge that eludes the majority of people living in Australia.

The members of the Red Dust team are some of the most selfless, motivated and exceptional people I have had contact with. Living with these people for 7 days straight was nothing short of a privilige. I started the tour knowing no-one but throughout the week felt close to all. Everyone contributed to the cause in their own unique way that collectively, made the tour such a success. I tried my hardest to pick John's brain to learn as much as I could about him and all he encompasses. He is someone who has had such a profound influence on me, one of those people that you admire to such a degree, you feel inept in their presence. But John was just one of the many people who not only impressed me, but inspired me.

I could write a thesis on my experience in the Kintore community; it affected me on so many levels in so many ways! But I won't, for your sake and mine but instead will conclude with a favourite quote that I think sums it all up. 'If you contribute to other people's happiness, you will find the true meaning of life. The key point is to have a genuine sense of universal responsibility'.

Nicole Border

Isn't it amazing how 1 week of your life, can change you so much.

Less than 2 weeks ago, I would never have looked at the world and my life the way I do now. Looking back at my week in the Northern Territory brings tears of happiness to my eyes, Honestly, while in Kintore I really found out what it means to be happy.

I learnt so much in so little time, and I have everyone involved in the Red Dust team and the children, teachers and Volunteers of Kintore to thank for this. You have opened my eyes to the most amazing things I would never have known or even imagined 2 weeks ago.

While on the plane from Hobart to join the tour on Sunday the 20th August, I honestly got really nervous, I kept thinking am I going to really make a difference, can I make a difference? Like I have always been known as city slicker Kat, I had never slept outdoors until we left Alice Springs for Kintore, I have never seen anyone cook on a camp fire, I had never even heard of people that cook in the ground. Oh yeah, and I used to be scared of bugs, But I have fallen in love with the community, the indigenous communities, and there life style.

From this tour, I have decided to enroll at Uni next year to study Indigenous Studies, I hope to get involved in more indigenous community work in the future, and hopefully educate more people about indigenous communities.

From the moment I got off the plane and met everyone was fantastic, I was so amazed by the rock, I think poor Nicole got sick of me talking about it, oh yeah, and of course taking photos of it, if anyone needs photos of the rock, let me know, he he.

Arriving in Papunya was great, the kids were so friendly, the love they shared, and the fun we had, even for just a short time was great. The school was terrific, it was huge compared to what I was expecting.

9km from Kintore, Hodgie’s tire blew on the ute, so we had a short break, I really got excited now, this was it, I was out of my comfort Zone, but I was excited. Arriving in Kintore was great, I never expected it to be what it is, I hadn't seen a speed bump since leaving Alice Springs, but yes, Kintore has speed bumps, and huge ones at that.

We were offered to join the volunteers for a bike ride out to the airstrip, Adam and I jumped at the chance, but because I was the smallest ( as usual, he he) I got the smallest bike, Not to worry, until I got to the speed bump and realised I had no foot break, and forgot to use the hand break, oops.

Being at the school was terrific, I met the happiest children, it was great to see them learning and playing and interacting with us, they weren’t shy, and loved the camera (there are some photographers in the making out there for sure)

John, You are the most amazing man I have ever met, I mean this from the bottom of my heart, What you do is amazing, you are so caring and generous, you bring happiness to so many people, please never stop doing what you do!

Adam and Glenn you both are such beautiful people, you honestly opened my heart to the world with your music, what you bring to the children and there lives is brilliant.

Nicole, Claire and Brooke, your were my best friends on the tour, even though you may not realise, you help me so much to find who I am, and what I want to do in life, and I love everyone of you :O)

Cheryl (from Kintore) You are beautiful, you taught me so much about your community, lifestyle and where you live, I have written it all down, to make sure I don't ever forget.

Piba (Kintore Pre-School age 4) Piba, you are a very smart young man, thank you for teaching me to speak some of your language, I will never forget you.

For all the children of Kintore, Make sure you come to school everyday, as what you learn today, you can teach someone else tomorrow.

All my love
Kat xox

Milingimbi, what a great place to have as your first Red Dust tour, i was fortunate enough to be part of a great team and enjoyed my time and involvement with the community, the school staff and of course the kids. JVG, I want to go again, Matt, Mark, Dave, Nat and Sally thanks heaps it was a pleasure meeting and working with you all.

I went out to Kintore for the first time to participate in the music program once again with Adam and Glenn.
We had a great time with the kids who were a little shy at first but Adam and his antics soon bought them round.
We had a fun time producing another song to which the kids loved and also saw themselves on video singing the song.
Once again a great community and great 4 days with the kids.