The Central Desert Shire Council salutes the Mt Theo Program and congratulates everyone involved with the Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation in reaching their 20th anniversary milestone.  

Shire President Adrian Dixon says the region couldn’t have done without Mt Theo.  “Since 1993 Peggy Brown, Johnny Miller and other traditional owners and supporters of Mt Theo have worked really hard to provide a healing place for young people, to get them back on the right track. They’ve looked after hundreds of Warlpiri kids throughout Central and Northern Australia. “ Mr Dixon said.

Since its early days when the Mt Theo outstation was suggested as a place for young petrol sniffers to go, the Program has grown. Today it continues to provide a healing place for those who go off track and those effected by domestic violence, as well as programs to develop strong leaders, provide training and mentoring to prepare young people for work and for life challenges and youth, sport and recreation programs to keep young people healthy, active and out of mischief.  

Mr Dixon said that the Central Desert Shire has had a proud history of working closely with Mt Theo and WYDAC.  “The Shire has worked in partnership with WYDAC to ensure that youth programs have been delivered and facilities have been maintained in Lajamanu, Nyirripi, Willowra and Yuendumu.  We are very happy that we’ve been able to do this.”  Mr Dixon said

“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with WYDAC to help young people develop and achieve their dreams. On behalf of the Central Desert Shire I congratulate everyone involved with Mt Theo on their 20th anniversary.  You should all feel proud of what you have achieved.  You serve as an example to all Aboriginal communities throughout Australia about what can be achieved if you want something enough.” Mr Dixon said

10 Oct 2013 

The Jimmy Little Foundation’s "Thumbs Up!" program will be visiting the Engawala community in October.

The Jimmy Little Foundation was established in 2005 by Dr. Jimmy Little AO to help bring about a healthier future for Indigenous Australians. Some of the Foundation’s previous work has included support and advocacy for renal patients in regional and remote areas and securing the funding to build the "Purple Bus", a mobile renal dialysis unit now based and working out of Alice Springs.

The Thumbs Up! program was developed by the Foundation to help educate young indigenous Australians about the benefits of healthy food and exercise in the prevention of chronic illness, so they can live long, healthy lives. Using a creative environment incorporating music, video and new media, Thumbs up! encourages and promotes healthy eating habits and active lifestyles and is now in over 60 communities across Australia.

The Thumbs Up! program employs a "whole of community" approach – where all key stakeholders and organisations working in the area are engaged to help reinforce the message of "Good Tucker - Long Life". These include government and non-government agencies, health and community services, stores and schools, elders groups and councils.

The Thumbs Up! music facilitators are all entertainers in their own right and the facilitators on the visit will include Golden Guitar award winner Kevin Bennett. Kevin has participated in many great Thumbs Up! music workshops and is planning to take part in a community performance as well as the school workshop.

The Thumbs Up! team also hope to be able to conduct a community cook-up to demonstrate how easy it is to prepare family meals on a budget, as an alternative to fast foods. The Foundation has many easy to prepare and tasty recipes available.

Visit the Thumbs Up! website for more info, videos of previous workshops and cook-ups, healthy eating recipes plus there is a comprehensive school teachers lesson plan guide prepared with the NT Dept of Education with heaps of fun activities for children to do.

www.thumbsup.org.au