Investing in jobs and training in Central Australia

Release Date:
Media release

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the Larapinta Trail Tourism Project will receive a $1 million funding package to provide jobs and training for First Nations people, as part of its commitment to A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia.

100% Finke River Culture and Adventures, a First Nations owned and operated tourism enterprise, will deliver training and mentoring to at least 100 local Indigenous people, including Western Arrernte women and men.

The Project aims to increase the number of local First Nations people employed in Central Australia’s tourism industry by the end of 2025, while improving the viability of the region’s new and existing Indigenous travel businesses and training programs.

Participants will obtain formal Cert II and Cert III tourism qualifications through Charles Darwin University and will be supported into employment as Level 3 and Level 4 Tourism Guides.

The Larapinta Trail Tourism Project builds on the success of a 2022 Aboriginal Workforce Program pilot funded by the Northern Territory Government to create career pathways for local Indigenous people as tourism guides and leaders of small businesses.

The Australian Government’s landmark investment in A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia is continuing to identify other ways to create Indigenous jobs and training in the region.

To find out more about how the Government is boosting First Nations employment, go to Employment.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney:

“This funding is part of the landmark $250 million plan for a Better, Safer Future for Central Australia.

“It will help grow First Nations tourism in the region. It will also provide real career pathways and boost employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people.”

“We are committed to partnering with First Nations people to create training and jobs for a better, safer future for Central Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Marion Scrymgour, Member for Lingiari:

“Tourism is critical for our Central Australian region. Our tourism providers have been going through a really tough period the last few years.

“This important funding to help train and equip local Aboriginal staff to go into the tourism industry, will make a big difference.

“It will also lead to new employment pathways and economic opportunities for local communities.”

Quotes attributable to Benjamin Kenny, Managing Director, 100% Finke River Culture and Adventures.

“As a First Nations tour guide, this is so much more than a job. I am seeing my mob, my colleagues here at 100% Finke, build confidence and pride in who we are, and be inspired by the interest our visitors have in being here on our lands, hearing our stories and understanding our culture.

“This funding means we can continue to provide training, employment and economic independence for local First Nations people.

“Today, we have 25 tour guides and by the end of 2025, there’ll be about 60 of us, taking visitors from around the world to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. Now that’s something to be proud of.”