Category: Indigenous Culture

Community engagement is when citizens within a community are invited into the decision-making process and play an active role in the discussions and deliberations regarding a project or program which may directly affect them. It’s something we’re really passionate about here at Pandanus because, over the years, we’ve seen exactly how beneficial it is for both the community itself and the corporate sector alike.

When it comes to engaging Indigenous communities, those benefits may not always be abundantly clear from the outset. This can deter the corporate sector from partnering with the community in the area, which from our point of view is a massive squandered opportunity.

Here’s what a company misses when they fail to engage indigenous communities in their projects.

1. Far-reaching acceptance
   Engaging the local community in a project increases the likelihood that it will be more readily accepted within the area. Traditional landowners and Indigenous communities will be far more willing to sanction a project when they have been included in the discussions and decision-making process. In some cases, this can reduce any delays which may result from native title concerns and cultural heritage preservation. 
2.  More effective solutions
   When a company draws on local knowledge by including the perspective of the local community and associated stakeholders, it sets them up to discover more practical, effective and long-lasting solutions. It also means they avoid the cultural faux pas of making decisions on behalf of another established and respected group of people. This not only benefits the project itself, but it also reflects positively on the company’s reputation.
3. Access to a group of people with an in-depth understanding of the area
   One of the primary benefits that we’ve found over our years of promoting community engagement is the transfer of knowledge. We wholeheartedly believe that there is so much to be learned from the ancient and rich heritage of Indigenous culture and lore. The local practices and protocols are derived from thousands of years of looking after the land. What are you missing if you choose not to engage the local community to gain a better understanding of the land you’re going to be working with?
4. A local network of invested community members
   When you have more people on the ground who are working towards a common goal, it’s more likely the project will be successful. The investment of the community itself can make all the difference throughout the entire project. It also increases trust and helps to improve communication and understanding within all sectors. This in itself can prevent future conflict from arising.

At Pandanus, we’re invested in helping establish strong and long-lasting community connections between corporate Australia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. With our network of key stakeholders and extensive experience in the field, we can help companies to map out the Indigenous landscape and start reaping the benefits of community engagement. To learn more about how we can help, get in touch with our team.

I am constantly drawn back to my childhood in the late 70’s, early 80’s spending my younger years growing up on Wurrumiyanga (Formally known as Nguiu) on Bathurst Island in the Northern Territory. It was a much simpler time, a time when you went to school, played freely within the kids in the community, ate an abundance of ‘long-bum’ and ‘mangrove worm’ and developed a greater understanding of the important things in life.

I think there is still a picture floating around somewhere of me, aged around 4-5 years old dressed up on Tiwi Grand final day, as the Tapalinga mascot? The local Tiwi Island AFL team my farther played with.

I consider myself a proud Non-Indigenous Tiwi Man have close ties and lifelong connections with my spiritual family, the Puruntatameri family group, who’s Yiminga (or skin group) is Takaringuwi (mullet).

Being able to speak fluent Tiwi up until the age of about 10, I am very passionate about keeping culture strong through socioeconomic change, engagement, employment and most of all, working on country!

Through this in-depth understanding and life-long connection to the Indigenous culture and specifically the Tiwi People, I have been given a rare and unique gift! A gift of learning and insight into both, the Kinship and Cultural protocols of one of the longest living Cultures in the world!

They say, knowledge is power? Well, in this case I believe so! The power to create change, from a cultural sensitive perspective to drive acceptance is, in my opinion half the battle in driving Indigenous engagement and employment outcomes.

Growing up in Wurrumiyanga, I consider myself extremely privileged to have been embraced by members of this traditional owner group. Through the understanding of their culture and lifelong connection with the people and the land, I possess a strong commitment to the empowerment of the Indigenous people of Australia incorporating socioeconomic advancement.

What a journey!!!

Throughout this journey, I have held many operational roles within remote communities dedicated to the empowerment of Indigenous people through increasing employment opportunities and, what seems like the never-ending battle against generational welfare dependency.

As I look back, I truly believe this experience has made me the person I am today. One that is truly humbled to have been provided this unique gift!

As Always, my door is always open!