The Remote Area Management Project (RAMP) continues to provide invaluable assistance to small isolated Aboriginal communities throughout the Northern Territory.
The Program recognises that the usual opportunities for networking, conferencing and training programs that assist other Councils are not readily available in remote regions.
Funded by the Commonwealth, RAMP aims to provide these communities with the skills and expertise they need to put in place good management practices.
Operating out of Darwin and Alice Springs, RAMP staff provide training for elected members. They are currently working with 25 communities. Services include information sharing and development of CD ROM packages designed for remote area use.
Training for elected members is tailored to the individual requirements of communities. If a community is having difficulty with matters, such as its legal obligations or the development of a community plan, staff are available to work with that community on that particular issue.
In this way, issues can be resolved and independent management skills established for the future.
Complementing this work is the development of a CD ROM training guide. It is published in 10 widely used languages. The CD provides a guide to Local Government practices as well as the training modules for elected Councillors developed by RAMP staff.
RAMP is also improving communication between the remote communities and other government agencies. Together with NT Library Services, Community Information Centres are being piloted in five areas. Strategies to improve the user friendliness and amount of information sent to these centres are being put in place.
For further information contact Shaun Heffernan, RAMP Project Manager, telephone (08) 8941 1730.
