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Strengthening Anangu Communities: Workshop Delivers Skills and Cultural Connection
Home Strengthening Anangu Communities: Workshop Delivers Skills and Cultural Connection
15 August 2025
4 minute read

In a vibrant celebration of Indigenous education and community growth, Batchelor Institute hosted a transformative workshop for Anangu participants. Held on Arrernte Country in Alice Springs, this two-day event on 6-7 August 2025 focused on building foundational skills in community services, aligning with our commitment to "Both Ways" learning—blending Indigenous knowledge systems with Western education practices. As Australia's leading provider of tertiary education for Indigenous Australians (RTO No: 0383), we're proud to support pathways that foster liberation through education our way.

What Happened?

The workshop delivered a component of the Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015), tailored for Anangu participants from remote Central Australian communities. Over two intensive days, learners engaged in practical sessions covering community engagement, cultural safety, and basic support services. Objectives included enhancing employability in local roles like youth work and family support, while emphasising positive outcomes such as improved confidence and cultural preservation. Participants explored real-world scenarios, including role-playing community advocacy and digital tools for remote collaboration, resulting in all attendees progressing towards full certification.

Who Was Involved?

Key players included Anangu students from communities like Mutitjulu and Docker River, supported by Batchelor Institute facilitators with deep roots in Indigenous education. Faculty members from our VET division, including experienced Indigenous lecturers, led the sessions. Stakeholders such as the Central Land Council and local health organisations contributed by providing guest insights on community needs. A standout moment came from one participant, a young Anangu leader, who shared how the training built on her prior CDP experience to aim for a full-time role in community welfare. As she reflected during a yarning circle, "Participating in this workshop opened my eyes to how my cultural knowledge can make a real difference in community services—it’s inspiring" (pending approval).

When and Where?

The event ran from 6-7 August 2025 at our Alice Springs campus on Arrernte Country, with sessions from 9am to 4pm daily. This location ensured accessibility for remote participants, with travel support arranged to minimise barriers.

How Was It Achieved?

Success stemmed from collaborative efforts, starting with community consultations to customise content. Twelve students participated, using innovative methods like yarning circles integrated with structured modules. This tied directly into Batchelor Institute's "Both Ways" philosophy, where Anangu knowledge—such as Tjukurpa (law and stories)—informed discussions on service delivery. Partnerships with local organisations provided resources, while our flexible delivery model accommodated language needs and family commitments. One lecturer noted, "Our 'Both Ways' method ensures training resonates deeply, creating lasting change for participants and their communities" (pending approval).

The Impact

This workshop equipped participants with nationally recognised skills, strengthened community ties, and aligned with Batchelor Institute's goals of cultural connection. Students reported boosted self-esteem and practical tools for everyday roles, benefiting families and remote hubs. It reinforces our mission of liberation through education, promoting Indigenous-led solutions in health and community sectors across the NT.

Background Info

Batchelor Institute has a long history of delivering culturally grounded programs in Central Australia, building on past successes like similar workshops in education support. This event evolved from feedback on previous Cert III deliveries, addressing gaps in remote training amid post-COVID recovery.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, we're planning follow-up sessions in early 2026, potentially expanding to include digital literacy add-ons. This success could shape broader projects, like partnerships for Cert IV pathways, supporting ongoing growth in Indigenous education NT-wide.

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (RTO No: 0383) is Australia’s leading provider of tertiary education for Indigenous Australians, delivering VET and higher education grounded in the “Both Ways” philosophy. With campuses on Kungarakan and Warai Country in Batchelor, as well as Arrernte Country in Alice Springs, the Institute supports students to achieve liberation through education. Learn more at batchelor.edu.au.

Images L to R

1. Susan Doolan Benedict Hayes Cristabel Wilyuka Lisa Mulda Dulcie Raggatt Morgana Garland-Fernandez working on Yankunytjatjara text
2. Group photo left to right Vanessa David Moore Benedict Hayes Sandra Windy Leanne Goldsworthy Susan Doolan Lucinda Nipper Shanti Doolan Dulcie Raggatt Veronica Long Cristabel Wilyuka Lisa Mulda Emma Browne
3. Lucinda Nipper writing Pitjantjatjara text on whiteboard Veronica Long Sandra Windy Shanti Doolan Leanne Goldsworthy Cristabel Wilyuka Lisa Mulda and Morgana Garland-Fernandez taking notes
4. Susan Doolan sharing the Yankunytjatjara sounds chart she developed at a previous workshop with son Benedict Hayes

Cert III Community Services - (CHC32015) - Anangu Participants
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