The Central Desert Regional Council has congratulated the Commonwealth Government for supporting the expansion of the Yuendumu Mediation and Justice Program.

Under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, Yuendumu Mediation & Justice Program will receive an additional $100,000 in 2015/16 to expand their service
to the nearby communities of Willowra and Ti Tree.

Council President Adrian Dixon said the additional funding was fantastic for not only Yuendumu residents but those people in neighbouring communities. 

“Yuendumu’s Peace process is proof that communities can solve their own problems.  There’s a lot to be learnt from what they’ve achieved in Yuendumu. It’s fantastic for Willowra and Ti Tree communities that Yuendumu will share their knowledge and their expertise to help them work through conflict”.

Central Desert Regional Council CEO Cathryn Hutton said that the recognition of the Yuendumu Mediation & Justice Program by the Minister for Indigenous
Affairs, Nigel Scullion and the confidence shown by senior management of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet was highly valued. 

 “The Yuendumu peace process has stabilised the community.  Yuendumu is back on its feet and is a shining light to communities across the country. The
‘process’ has been recognised nationally through a National Crime Prevention Award and the cost benefit analysis shows that investing money up front saves
not only money but a good deal of pain and heartbreak” Ms Hutton said.   

 A recent independent Cost Benefit Analysis conducted by Canberra University demonstrated that the Yuendumu Mediation & Justice Program saved the tax
payer $4 for every dollar invested by the Government. Yuendumu Mediation & Justice Program will receive $311,000 from the Commonwealth Government in
2015/2016. 

The Central Desert Regional Council has welcomed the recent announcement by the Commonwealth Government to increase funding for its community service programs.

Following the recent Indigenous Advancement Strategy funding announcements, there was a widespread call for reconsideration of those decisions. A subsequent review by the Commonwealth has resulted in increased funding for the Council and a commitment to longer terms. 

Council Chief Executive Officer - Cathryn Hutton is delighted with the recent announcement. “It’s really encouraging to see that Minister Scullion has listened and acted.  He has recognised the real cost of doing business in the bush and the need for some longer term planning” Ms Hutton said.

The Central Desert Regional Council will receive approximately $6 million in 2015/16 and slightly less in 2016/17 to deliver Community Safety Patrols, Mediation & Justice Programs, Childcare Services, School Nutrition and Youth Services. 

Council did not secure all the funding they require to deliver an optimum level of services but will work with partner organisations to ensure the communities receive the services they need.

“While we didn’t receive all the money we need for youth and some children’s services, we have a base that we can work from and we’ll work together with other organisations like CAYLUS and Jesuit Social Services to fill the gaps” Ms Hutton said.

Council President Adrian Dixon was particularly pleased with Prime Minister and Cabinet's response.  “The Minister and the Department have recognised that the Council is key to providing services that create safe and harmonious communities so that kids can go to school, adults will go to work and people will thrive” President Dixon said.

“The Government has also recognised the great job that the Yuendumu Mediation & Justice program has been doing and has provided additional funds so it can help neighbouring communities in Willowra and Ti Tree. This is really good news”. President Dixon said.

A recent independent Cost Benefit Analysis conducted by Canberra University demonstrated that the Yuendumu Mediation & Justice Program saved the tax payer $4 for every dollar invested.

Ms Hutton said that the Council now has a clear path.  “We’ll now get on with the job of delivering quality services so that families feel supported, safe and secure in their community life” Ms Hutton said.