Within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy is the Minister for Indigenous Australians.
More First Nations people in remote Central Australia will get better access to training, skills and job opportunities with a new Remote Training Hub to be established near Uluru.
Based in Mutitjulu, the Iyarrka Cluster Remote Training Hub will provide on Country training for local residents as well as people from Imanpa and Docker River (Kaltukatjara).
The Albanese Labor Government will provide funding of over $2 million, with the new facility to be operational by mid-2027. It will include indoor training and mentoring spaces, outdoor learning and meeting areas, accessibility improvements, audio-visual equipment and upgraded digital infrastructure to support face-to-face learning.
The Hub will provide accredited and non-accredited training, including the delivery of foundation language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills (LLND), and other vocational education and training in areas of local need, such as construction, land and environmental management, hospitality and infrastructure.
Dedicated transport will be provided to learners and a hub coordinator will work with community members, registered training organisations and employers, supporting learners and connecting them to employment outcomes.
The Iyarrka Cluster is the second of seven Remote Training Hubs being delivered through the Albanese Government’s $30 million Central Australia Remote Training Hubs Network.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the National Indigenous Australians Agency and NT Government are working with communities to establish the remaining hubs across Central Australia.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“Earlier this year I visited Mutitjulu to gain a better understanding of the training needs in local communities. I heard valued feedback about how we can better support remote communities to get the skills they want for good, secure jobs.
“This hub in Mutitjulu will deliver dedicated training facilities, mentoring and support services that help connect people with local jobs, further training and new opportunities.
“By bringing training closer to home, we are helping more First Nations Australians build skills, participate in the workforce and contribute to the long-term prosperity of their communities.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The Iyarrka Cluster Remote Training Hub will create more opportunities for First Nations people in Central Australia to gain skills, training and qualifications without having to leave their communities.
“This investment reflects what communities have told us, they need training that is locally led, culturally strong and connected to real jobs and economic opportunities.
“By supporting people in Mutitjulu, Imanpa and Kaltukatjara to build skills close to home, we are helping to strengthen local workforces, support community aspirations and deliver a stronger future for Central Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“This community-led hub is exactly the kind of project we need in remote communities to help give people the purpose, confidence and security that comes with meaningful employment.
“Across Central Australia, our $30 million investment will deliver face-to-face training and mentoring on Country.
“I’m proud of our investment in Remote Training Hubs, ensuring that First Nations people have access to the same training and employment opportunities as anyone living in a capital city.”
