Six locals have joined the growing list of green graduates in the Northern Territory, after completing the most recent round of Greening Australia’s program to up skill indigenous youth.
The project came about due to the major expansion of the Darwin region, which saw the demand for native plants at an all-time high. Defence Housing Australia (DHA), the organisation behind Breezes Muirhead, faced the challenge of securing plant supply to meet the ongoing requirements of the residential development.
‘To mitigate this problem, we established a partnership with Greening Australia to support the operation of their nursery and the continuation of Greening Australia’s Aboriginal Landcare Education program (ALEP),’ DHA Managing Director Peter Howman said.
‘The program provides skills training and work experience to at-risk indigenous adults to assist with long-term employment opportunities.’
Over a six month period, participants are provided with practical experience in nursery operation and land management. This includes onsite landscape training, which contributes to their Certificate 1 in Conservation and Land Management.
‘We had a great crew finish the training program in June,’ said Lauren Shaw from Greening Australia. ‘We held our internal “graduation” with presentation of certificates and the Native Plants for Top End Gardens book which is always well received.’
Through the financial support of DHA and Breezes Muirhead, Greening Australia have provided ongoing plant supply to the site, and continue to undertake the ALEP training program. In addition, the program ensures the nursery provides Breezes Muirhead with a secure plant supply for the residential development.
This fantastic initiative is set to continue with recruitment for the next Greening Australia ALEP program commencing at the end of July.
DHA, Breezes Muirhead and Greening Australia are proud to be working together to create strong community partnerships and sustainable communities in the Top End.
Greening Australia is not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to conserving and restoring landscapes through collaborative, science-based and innovative conservation programs.