Rewarding partnerships

When local Tiwi organisations agree to host CDP activities everyone wins. On Bathurst Island, participants are working with Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre, Tiwi Designs, Bima Wear and our own RTO, and on Melville we’re working with Munupi Arts, Jilamara Art and Milikapiti Farm.

Bathurst Island

Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre

Ngaruwanajirri has the best attendance of all our CDP activities. As most participants are in a high-risk group, Covid made operations challenging and the Centre has been closed to the public. However, local artists have continued to produce great work, and many have been nominated for awards.

Not surprisingly, Ngaruwanajirri had a very successful stall at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) and sold out of all the artwork they had on display. One work ‘First death on the Tiwi Islands’ by Gordon Pupangamirri, David Tipuamantumirri, Barry Kantilla, Graham Tipungwuti (pictured) was a finalist in the prestigious Wynne Art Award, and sold to art collectors in Sydney.

Tiwi Designs

At Tiwi Designs, Covid restrictions also had an impact. Fortunately, restrictions lifted in time for the Annual Grand Final Art Sale in March, which was well attended, and Tiwi Tours art tours began running again. Once again, they attended the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair virtually.

Bima Wear returns

TITEB is supporting Bima Wear to get re-established post-Covid. With a new manager, the centre will soon be hosting CDP activities, which will enable local artists, designers, and seamstresses to work at Bima Wear.

Foundation Skills

TITEB’s Foundation Skills training provides basic computer skills and allows the participants to learn at their own pace in a culturally safe environment. Local trainer, Theresa Puruntatameri guides the participants through a variety of topics increasing their computer skills and confidence.

Melville Island

Munupi Arts, Pirlangimpi

This year we worked in partnership with Munupi to create more opportunities of interest for CDP participants. Our CDP Men’s Group assisted in tidying up the pottery shed and collecting timber, bark, and ochre for the artists. This kept Munupi artists busy with enough materials to create some incredible works for their exhibitions and art fairs.

Jilamara Art, Milikapiti

Despite Covid, Jilamara continued to be well attended by CDP participants. Most participants are talented artists and work on commission, which provides extra incentive. In addition, Jilamara participants joined in TITEB training and workshops, and many of the women came along and enjoyed the CDP Women’s pamper day.

Milikapiti Farm – Tiwi Enterprises, Milikapiti

While initially impacted by changes to Mutual Obligations, attendance at Milikapiti Farm steadily increased towards the end of the year. The farm continued to produce quality fruit and vegetables and fresh eggs for the community, and some were sold at the Welcome Centre operated by Tiwi Enterprises at the Wurrumiyanga Ferry Terminal.

This hosted activity has now expanded to include TITEB Nursery, located adjacent to TITEB’s main office. Tiwi Enterprise employee, Wendy Petherick, who started at the farm as a CDP participant, is now based at the nursery, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion and inspiring the community to get involved. We look forward to seeing the nursery expand to include a community garden and plants for sale to community members.