Social Programs
KJ’s social programs are built on the foundation of the Martu Leadership Program (MLP), a community education and development program. The MLP helps Martu to learn about the mainstream world and to gain confidence in engaging effectively with mainstream agencies.
This process builds aspiration to drive social change initiatives in areas as diverse as the criminal justice system, economic development, changes to government policy, governance and destructive social problems such as alcohol abuse and violence.
Martu Leadership Program
The Martu Leadership Program (MLP) is a community education and development program for Martu adults from remote Western Desert communities. It focuses on the cross-cultural interface and developing the capacity of Martu to work effectively with the mainstream world and the capacity of the mainstream world to work effectively with Martu.
Newman Leadership Program started early in 2020 and now regularly meets with police and with other agencies. Many Newman initiatives have been started by this Martu group, including Kids on Country, the Martu Patrol and the Police Liaison Group. It works closely with Newman Futures.
Wama Wangka
Wama Wangka is a Martu-designed, Martu-led approach to alcohol and substance abuse, violence, depression, suicide and other sadness. At its foundation, it seeks to build personal and community resilience through the development of cultural knowledge and identity. Martu cultural values, knowledge and practice inform Martu-led strategies that support the formation of a new narrative about being a strong Martu adult in the modern context, particularly in an alcohol-free environment.
Criminal justice program
Martu are working with agencies in the criminal justice system to change the way it affects Martu individuals and families. This program has two broad objectives: to help Martu learn about the system and to develop partnerships with key personnel so they can work together to improve interactions and to reduce levels of crime and incarceration.
Kids on Country
Kids on Country is a new pilot program for youth in Newman and Jigalong who may not be attending school and might be getting into trouble. Martu adults take groups of young people out on country for day trips or longer camps sharing knowledge and stories and participating in activities such as fishing at the river, looking for wuukarta (honey ants), mata (bush potato) and bush medicine. Lots of Martu want to be part of this program because it provides more work for Martu adults and teaches youth about Martu culture which assists with bringing hope and healing.
Cultural awareness
Martu and KJ staff provide cultural awareness training to organisations who work with Martu people. The standard program covers history, language, society structures and the Martu world. Specialised programs are also delivered on request.
Ngurrakarti (Getting Back Home)
Ngurrakarti is a transport service to help Martu who would otherwise be stuck in Newman to get back to communities. It uses Martu drivers and a fleet of vehicles to transport Martu people and families back to a safer environment. KJ are supporting Martu to obtain their WA drivers licence and providing employment opportunities through the Getting Back Home program.
Mitirlpa (Connectivity for Community: Access, Equity, Empowerment)
Mitirlpa is a service to provide Martu in the three remote communities with high-quality digital access to Government and other services, including such things as court, police reporting, Corrective Services, licensing, banking etc.
