Indigenous Employment Program

This year has been a big year, 3 more hot months to complete the second round of mustering before the wet. All participants have put in a huge effort this year and have gained lots of experience throughout the year. Most of the participants have caught up with each other at camp drafts and rodeos across the countryside. Participants have taken prize money in both bull riding and calf scruffing competitions. Alward Foster got 3rd place in the Adelaide River bull ride and Stephen O’Keefe 4th at the Doomadgee open bull ride and 2nd in the calf scruffing. Everyone is looking forward to the end of the season and some well deserved rest before training starts again in March 2012

A week long horse school was held in Alice Spring in February, 11 participants from remote communities across the Territory made the journey to learn  how to be safe around horses, riding techniques as well as maitaning and caring for riding equipment.

They also got a chance to assist a  local pastoralist to muster his cattle to Bohning Yard, it was a hot day and they all enjoyed the real life experience. 

From here they will attend the Training at Tipperary Station and be placed into emplyment.

Participants of the NTCA Employment Program are invited to express an interest in travelling to Indonesia to observe the final destination of our Northern Territory Cattle. Both employees and their employers are eligible to travel to Indonesia for four days in February 2011.

Before expressing your interest, please ensure you meet the trip’s four requirements below:

• • • •

You have completed six months or longer full time employment between 2 April and 30 November 2010 You have attended training organised by the NTCA during the year You plan to continue employment in 2011 You have or are eligible to obtain an Australian passport

The NTCA is seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic and reliable individuals or groups assisting individuals who are seeking employment in the Northern Territory pastoral industry during 2011. The NTCA has secured a number of exciting employment opportunities on stations in the Alice Springs, Tanami, Barkly, Daly and Victoria River regions. Individuals are required to commence employment as trainee station hands, stockmen and head stockmen in April 2011.

Participants in the Indigenous Employment and Leadership program last week starred in a OH&S training DVD to be used in induction of new participants in the program.

NTCA welcomes Greg Vidler as the field officer for the Indigenous Employment Program in Tennant Ck. Greg comes to Tennant CK from Munduberra in QLD where he lived and worked for 3 years contract mustering. Greg enjoys anything to do with cattle and horses. Greg’s role with the NTCA focuses on supporting and mentoring participants in the Indigenous Employment Program in their jobs on stations.

Indigenous pastoral industry employees attended more than 10 training events during the 2009/10 financial year. As a result over 120 employees were exposed to skills and technologies our Industry leaders identified as key skills set required for their employees. Training was conducted by recognised experts with Charles Darwin University acting as the registered training organisation.

As with previous years the training provided participants with skills to ensure they and others remain safe in the workplace. Animal understanding and the skills required to identify and treat sick or injured animals were also taught in modules throughout the year.

Thanks to all employees who attended and the Federal and NT government for their continuing support.

RJP participants from the Katherine district are taking a well deserved short break and heading to the Katherine show for some R & R

Despite the coldest day on record and persistent rain 18 participants from around the NT and Palm Island completed Module 1 in Horsemanship in Alice Spings this week. 5 participants went into jobs on cattle stations, 4 went back to high school at Harts Range and the remainder are waiting  job placement.