Last night was the opening of the exhibition. Raymond treated his guests to a performance of stories from his own people and country through dance and song.  It was a beautiful experience which gave the audience a greater understanding of the works they had come to see.

Raymond has been a Red Dust Ambassador for the last few years and part of Red Dust programs since 2007. Raymond is an integral part of the Red Dust family and we are exceptionally grateful that he shares his talents as an artist and a mentor with the kids in the remote communities that we run programs with.

The work Raymond and all of our role models do to inspire kids to live a healthier lifestyle cannot continue without the continued support of others.
If you would like to donate to Red Dust’s Healthy Living Program click here

This year we are fortunate enough to get support from Coles Express who have  kindly donated  $20,000 to go towards fuel and other expenses associated with program delivery.  This donation alleviates the added expense of fuel and makes it more practical for Red Dust to travel such long distances across NT and WA.

Red Dust would like to extend our gratitude and sincere thanks for all the support and generosity of Coles Express and all of our other program and associate partners. Without this generosity Red Dust would not be able to work in remote communities to encourage Indigenous youth to learn more about health and inspire them to live a healthy lifestyle.

If you would like to donate to Red Dust’s Healthy Living programs click here.

Here is a snapshot of what Jason has been up to in term one at Tiwi College:

The Hayden Way and Red Dust partnership this term has been all hands on deck. Students have shown great interest in watching and learning the processes in which a sustainable garden functions. Daily chores for the students include identifying produce from the garden which is ready to eat. Foods such as cucumbers, okra, eggplant, snake beans, capsicum, chillies and ginger are just a few of the varieties that the students are learning to pick.

A major focus has also been educating the middle school boys on the effective operation of machinery. Safety was also a critical  focus with students having to identify the dangers when driving the tractor. Tasks included effectively using the bucket to move hay bales and complete a driving course throughout the garden. Towards the end of the term we also received a John Deere Gator which the kids absolutely love. There is a little trade off here, proving the kids do at least 30 min’s of productive weeding they get to individually go for a ride on the Gator. As it turns out the kids have responded beyond expectations and are now coming down to the garden during their recess and lunch breaks.

The primary school has also visited this term, they ensured the chooks and ducks were returned to their sheds and also looked after 3 baby ducklings. They were a delight to have and hopefully next term we can do more with the entire school.

This week sees the start of Red Dust’s Healthy Living Weeks as part of the ‘Get Active, Eat Good Tucker, Live Longer!’ campaign that is supported by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The campaign’s aims are to: 

• Raise awareness of lifestyle diseases linked with diet, physical activity, smoking and substance misuse
• Raise awareness of how regular check-ups from a doctor, nurse and/or health worker can help prevent and manage illness
• Promote healthier lifestyles to help prevent chronic disease

Red Dust has commenced this program with visits to the central desert communities of Areyonga and Yuendumu.  This is the first of three visits by Red Dust to these communities for the year; with the Live Longer Program also being conducted in the remote communities of D River, Nguiu and Lajamanu.

Each Healthy living Week has a specific message to focus during the visit. On this first visit all activities will be based around proper nutrition; more specifically getting the kids to make healthy food choices and what affect this will have on their bodies now and their health in the future. With the rate of diabetes for the Indigenous population three times higher than non-Indigenous Australians; as well as obesity and other nutrition related illnesses prevalent in remote communities – promoting healthy lifestyle messages could not be more relevant or more important.

During each day of the Healthy Living Week the Red Dust team will be there to help out with the regular school work of literacy and numeracy. The kids will then participate in sessions with a Nutritionist to engage them in activities to increase their knowledge about food and its affect on the body. The next part of the program involves the Red Dust team conducting music workshops whereby a song based around eating healthily will be written and recorded by the participants. By the end of the week the song will be produced into a film clip starring the kids who wrote and performed the song. The nature of the song writing process means that the message is really driven home and the children are given the chance to share their knowledge with others about nutrition and living a healthy life.

Part of both activities will include discussions about going to the local clinic and seeing a doctor or healthcare worker for regular checkups to aid in the prevention of any illness. And to reiterate those messages again Red Dust will help the students with poster design and t-shirt screen printing; all displaying positive images and healthy eating messages. Prizes will be awarded for winning poster and t-shirt designs in each community – chosen by a key community leader during the program where the entire community is invited to attend.

In addition to these activities, in order to further promote not only ‘eating good tucker’ but getting active as well, the teams will conduct sporting clinics that encourage participation, physical well being and the promotion of daily exercise to maintaining a healthy life.

After each visit keep an eye out for all the stories and photos from that week. 2012 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year for Red Dust and the kids in the communities we visit!

The team arrived in Central Australia laden with big bags and high hopes. There was almost a collective sigh as the 40 plus participants disembarked their flight  in Alice Springs. The relief was a result of the warm air and clear skies which greeted them, as Alice had been literally under cloud for the previous week. A group lunch at Crowne Plaza brought together the Melbourne and Sydney participants with Red Dust staff and local team support. John Van Groningen and Darren Smith briefed the group on the coming days’ activities.

With all bags and participants packed into the 4WD’s and with experienced drivers at the wheel,the convoy of 14 vehicles headed west along Larapinta Drive.

The group arrived at Areyonga in the early evening and unpacked their gear directly onto the ochre coloured sands of the dry riverbed. The chefs had a sumptuous feast prepared for everyone. Almost the entire Areyonga community brought their families down to the camp site to share a meal with the group.

The campfire experience which followed cannot be adequately conveyed to people who were not present. The Areyonga community shared some of their enduring stories;significant and ancient stories, through the mediums of dance and song. The children, painted up for each special dance by the older women, generously inviting our diverse group to share in their rich culture. Then the young men danced followed by the older women. With each successive dance, the mood became more reflective and the strong sense of the privilege that we were able to share this cultural experience grew stronger.

The night concluded with quiet applause and the Red Dust team settled into their swags, pondering what we had just witnessed. Sunrise at 4:50am brought welcome relief from the mild cold and the incessant braying of donkeys!

Saturday 26 November

A morning walk to the top of a local lookout stretched out the stiff muscles and the group shared a delicious breakfast prepared by our Chef’s, Darin and Kurt.

The group then divided into three electives: traditional Indigenous art, footy clinics and bush tucker and medicine. James Hird led the footy activities, Kyle Vander Kuyp assisted the local Traditional Owners in leading the bush tucker and bush medicine and Raymond Walters Japanangka led the art elective.

The team enjoyed the electives immensely. Honey ants, witchetty grubs and miscellaneous plant life were consumed during the bush tucker elective. The footy clinic was a hit after a slow start, no doubt a result of the late night cultural performances the night before. The art elective produced some vibrant and meaningful stories on canvas.

The team packed up the 4WDs and then went into the community to buy local art and artifacts from the Areyonga art Co-op and thank everyone for sharing so much of their culture. Next, they were off on a 5-hour trek around the Merrinee Loop to Uluru.

The road was rough in spots, smooth in other sections; but always interesting and visually engaging. The team arrived at Ayers Rock Resort at around 5 pm, just in time to have a quick dip in the pool, shower and relax before dinner.

The dinner under the ‘sails and stars’ was beautiful. Alison Hunt was gracious in her welcome and Ray Minniecon responded to Aunty Alison’s welcome with an acknowledgement of respect and value shown to our Indigenous VIP hosts.

Ray also challenged the guests thinking around poverty in Australia when compared  to the focus oncountries around the world. He spoke of the importance of equipping and preparing Aboriginal people to become self-sufficient in an economic capacity  through training opportunities and education.

Red Dust Board Chairman – Martin Hirons introduced the speakers throughout the evening. Marcia, a local Aboriginal woman shared her moving story overcoming so many challenges and obstacles in her lifeas a young girl. Marcia surely illustrates the hope and bright future of Indigenous women and men where perseverance, tolerance and self-belief become a foundation for leadership.

Simon McKeon,2011 Australian of the Year, brought a brief yet inspirational address. He spoke of the importance of seeing and listening to needs around us by sharing a personal story about how just lending some practical and emotional  support to just one person in need and that can truly make a difference to someone’s life. He then related that to what we can do for our Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters around this amazing country. He highlighted the importance of groups and individuals doing something; no matter how narrow a focus or small or insignificant it might seem. He reminded the group that everyone can have a part in addressing needs in our entire community.

The night concluded with Aunty Alison Hunt sharing aspects of her personal story. Aunty was soft spoken and warm, communicating quietly but strongly her desire to see her people retain their culture while seeing them make a contribution to the fabric of Australian society as equals.

Sunday 28 November

With a forecast top temperature of 38 degrees, many of the team decided upon an early exploration of the famous Rock itself. By 6am, Uluru already appeared to be floating on a sea of shimmering heat waves.

Breakfast was the final official meeting of the group before these high achieving corporate heads, media and community leaders, football players and other role models caught their flights home. No doubt most of the team spent their journey reflecting  on what a truly unique and jam-packed cultural the experience was and considered what they can do to advance the plight of the First Australians.

A huge amount of thank goes to all participants involved, including the team from Triple M, the film crew from Imparja, the boys and teachers from the  Clontarf Academy and all AFL Role Models. Check out the Triple M Hot Breakfast page for their thoughts, photos and videos from the event.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support from: the team at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Ayers Rock Resort, Kevin Freeman, Mark Weipert, David Callow for his fantastic images and Kurt and Darin O’Sullivan for their amazing food. Last but not least we extend our gratitude to the people of Areyonga for your time, generosity and allowing us to share this experience in your beautiful home.

Please have a look at more photos on the Red Dust Facebook Page

Red Dust has developed a strong relationship with the Kintore Community including elders and traditional owners who remember the return to country and even leaving it in the first place.

The team considered it a privilege and an honour to be invited to celebrate such a momentous occasion.

The team included:

Darren Smith, Red Dust CEO

David Callow, Role Model, Photographer and Film Maker

Brett Wheeler, Role Model and Film Maker

Sarah Marshall, Abigroup National Environment and Sustainability Manager

Foster’s employees Trina Oates, Eimear Desmond, Adam Beach, Phillip Henderson and Peter Fridell.

Upon arrival in the evening the team jumped right into the celebration atmosphere and went to watch the men and women’s traditional dance rehearsal.

They then spent Friday in  the school with kids helping out with literacy and numeracy in the classrooms. They also helped out with the preparations for the celebration including practising a new song the kids had been taught sung entirely in language.

Next they went to opening ceremony for the Anniversary which was a recreation of the walk to Kintore from Papunya.  That night was there was a concert held on a stage set up on with bands including Neil Murray from the Warumpi band.  The whole community and many visitors were in attendance – probably the most people in one spot at Kintore for a very long time so it was a fantastic atmosphere.

Saturday the team went goanna hunting with the local women and between them managed to catch a grand total of ten! This was a real insight into local traditions of the area for a team who would not normally experience this in their day to day lives.  We all could learn a lot from these ladies – and not just how to hunt and kill goanna!

Saturday night saw the launch of the documentary about the return to country that includes personal accounts from members of the community. This is a project funded by the Fosters Group and created by David Callow and Brett Wheeler from Red Dust. Everyone’s hard work filming, producing, editing and translating to include English subtitles certainly paid off. The film had a great response and  Red Dust is really proud of the efforts of everybody involved.

Sunday was spent time travelling around community with kids, watching the local artists create a mural on the basketball court commemorating the anniversary. They then went out to some of the outstations in the area before attending closing ceremony where speeches were given by elders.

Monday everyone  packed up and cleaned the  school, said goodbyes and drove back to Alice Springs having enjoyed the experience. A big thank you goes to the people of Kintore for sharing your time, your stories and your beautiful community throughout 2011. We look forward to returning in 2012 for more Red Dust programs!

Click on the link below forthe story on the 7.30 report about the Kintore Anniversary:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-21/community-celebrates-30-years-at-home/3594726

During October 2011, Red Dust Role Models worked alongside the Australian Red Cross (SAM Our Way Program) to implement a School Holiday Program at Nguiu Community on Tiwi Islands.

The community youth were supported in painting a mural on the wall of the Community Pool, with the theme of “strong community staying strong”.

Red Dust Role Model, Katie Houghton-Ward shared her artistic talents with the youth, and together a fantastic mural was created which highlighted the important aspects of Tiwi life through the eyes of the kids.

A special “thankyou” must go to Shelley Wills from the Australian Red Cross, and the Tiwi Shire Council.

Coles Store Development and Operations Director Stuart Machin said he hoped the Coles Online grocery partnership with Red Dust was the start of a long and fruitful relationship.“Red Dust is a terrific grass roots organisation doing fantastic work with Indigenous youth,and Coles is thrilled to support them through this partnership,” Mr. Machin said.“Coles’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan has put our business on a path to greater understanding, respect and support for Indigenous Australians, and this new partnership with Red Dust is further evidence of that commitment.”

Red Dust MD John Van Groningen said, “This newly established partnership with Coles Online is exciting on a number of levels.“Firstly because Red Dust seeks values aligned partners and Coles is clearly ‘values aligned’in its support for Indigenous Australia.“Secondly, because the practical and tangible support through the provision of food and groceries will save us significant monies which we can now direct at the delivery of remote community health education”.

Supported by the Hayden Way, Macquarie Bank and Red Dust Role Models; the Tiwi College students take pride in playing alongside cricket legends, Matthew Hayden and Alan Border to battle for the ‘Tiwi Ashes’. This has become a prized trophy amongst the islanders.

The ashes are held annually and this year raised over $250,000 for Tiwi College. Red Dust is proud to support this event which draws a local crowd of hundreds from Bathurst and Melville Islands, as well as many interested onlookers and supporters from around mainland Australia.

Although this years’ battle between “Alan’s All Stars” and “Hayden’s Heroes” was a fight to the finish, the result was lost in all the fun, good local tucker and music and local dance performances by the Tiwi Islanders.

For the record, “Alan’s All Stars” were declared the winners this year, with “Hayden’s Heroes” vowing to win the trophy back in 2012.

Red Dust is proud to announce that as part of the Government’s ‘Get Active, Eat Good Tucker, Live Longer’ campaign, we have been successful in receiving a grant to help facilitate communities to develop their own health promotion strategies.

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, said the Australian Government is funding the community-driven projects around the nation to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to quit smoking, eat healthy, exercise more and better manage their own often chronic health issues.

Red Dust, as a recipient of one of these grants, will launch in 2012 ‘Red Dust Healthy Living Weeks.’ These weeks will involve a series of targeted educational programs with primary and secondary school children to our partnering communities. Topics covered will include nutrition, physical activity and anti-smoking.  The program engages youth in a range of activities including an excursion to a medical clinic, t-shirt and poster design competitions, song and video clip production as well as a competition to produce a short film. Keep an eye out for updates on participating communities and tour schedule for 2012 coming soon.

For more information on the campaign go to www.livelonger.health.gov.au