The 24th of November 2016 marked the first Ironbark Community Development Programme Showcase and Christmas Market held at Aboriginal Bush Traders in Lyons Cottage, and it was a huge success!! 

There was a fantastic array of clothing, fabric, textiles, jewelry, paintings, arts and crafts, as well as sculpture and mahogany furniture pieces. Participants and supervisors from the Ironbark Community Development Programme (CDP) activities came from Acacia, Amangal, Holtz and Daly River to set up their stalls showcasing work produced during the course of the program. 

There was a fantastic turn out from the local and business community who picked up some beautiful handcrafted Christmas gifts. Popular items included these Indigenous designed and produced earrings by Stephanie Daly from Knuckys Lagoon. 

The day was kicked off with a Welcome to Country by Larrakia Elder Tony Duwan Lee and short presentation by Ironbark CEO Shaun Pearce. The crowd enjoyed a free BBQ and entertainment on the beautiful heritage lawns of Lyons Cottage. 

The CDP Programme was established by the federal government to help people find work, allow them to contribute to their communities and gain skills while looking for work.

The CDP has also expanded to allow for activities which generate income for individuals and community. Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation successfully administers the Community Development Program throughout the greater Darwin Daly Region on behalf of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. 

“The CDP is an essential part of the Australian Government’s agenda for increasing employment and breaking the cycle of welfare dependency in remote areas of Australia” says Shaun Peace Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation CEO.

“Our Market is an opportunity to showcase the ways we are delivering tangible outcomes through this initiative... We want to bring these products to the broader community and show them what great things are happening on the ground”.

 

Aboriginal Bush Traders and Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation will be holding another maket day during the dry season of next year, along with a range of other exciting events. 

To stay uptodate with what is happening in at Aboriginal Bush Traders keep an eye on our website and like us at https://www.facebook.com/aboriginalbushtraders/

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