Courtney Jones, People and Culture Coordinator at UGL, had the unique opportunity to volunteer for a week in the Ti Tree Community in the Northern Territory (NT) with our partner NASCA. Their mission centers around empowering Aboriginal young people by focusing on four key areas:
- improving school attendance and performance
- developing career pathways and work-ready skills
- strengthening cultural pride and identity
- building life skills, personal development, and long-term resilience.
Courtney engaged with students from Ti Tree School and visited local Aboriginal communities, including Ti Tree Station and Six Mile, where the students live. Her activities with the children included:
- sports: encouraging physical activity and teamwork
- beading and music: fostering creativity and cultural expression
- preschool assistance: supporting early childhood education
- cooking classes: teaching practical skills like making lasagne
- academic support: assisting with schoolwork and promoting the importance of regular attendance.
Each day, Courtney and her team conducted classes centered on family, culture, role models, and future goals. These helped to highlight the importance of regular school attendance for learning and growth. Beyond the classroom, they visited local communities, cooked sausage sandwiches for families and Elders, and organised an after-school kids' club. The NASCA NT program's positive impact was clear, with a noticeable increase in school attendance during Courtney's visit, demonstrating the strong relationships and influence the program fosters.
“For most of the kids we worked with, English was their second or third language. They spoke Walpiri and Ammatje so fluently which gave me goosebumps hearing how alive their culture and language is. This was by far one of the best experiences I have ever done and would do something like this again in a heartbeat. I left NT with my cup filled.” Courtney reflected.
At UGL, we are dedicated to the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and communities. Our internal networking group provides a supportive space for building relationships, connecting, and sharing experiences. This group also advises on partnerships and initiatives aimed at supporting community groups and enhancing engagement outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Read more about our Reconciliation Action Plan.
