Fogg Dam first step to new career
Husband and wife members of a Community Development Programme CDP Work for the Dole programme at a popular conservation reserve are enjoying their surroundings while gaining important skills and qualifications and increasing their future job prospects.
Fogg Dam is a significant conservation area in the Top End, attracting tourists from all around the world to see native birds and other wildlife, so when one married couple heard their Community Development Programme (CDP) activity would be looking after Fogg Dam they jumped at the chance.
Ian Panchaud and Trudi Seagrott are part of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation’s CDP Work for the Dole activity in Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, seventy kilometres east of Darwin. Ian and Trudi have been working closely with local Parks and Wildlife rangers, gaining skills and qualifications in fencing, chemical spraying, quad bike riding and construction, and thoroughly enjoying the experience.
“We are learning all sorts of skills and improving our knowledge,” Ian said.
“Now we get to do conservation and land management, so this is a great opportunity to step into that sort of employment,” he said.
Along with their fellow CDP participants, Ian and Trudi have constructed outdoor benches for visitors, maintained boardwalks, assisted in weed removal, constructed fencing and installed firebreaks. The firebreaks later saved an estimated $2 million worth of damage to boardwalks when a wild fire swept through Fogg Dam.
While Ian and Trudi did not know what to expect when they started, Trudi, the only woman currently working on the Fogg Dam CDP activity, is really enjoying the experience and can see the difference they are making to Fogg Dam through their work.
“We’ve got some knowledge and we’re contributing to keeping this place in good condition,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ian feels like the work he is doing is giving back to the community.
“I’m happier with the situation at Fogg Dam,” Ian said.
“The area is open to the general public and can be used for all different types of people. We’re enjoying the work so much,” he said.
Find out more
Having a job helps people build the future they want for their families and their communities. The Australian Government’s Community Development Programme (CDP) is creating better opportunities for Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander job seekers in regional and remote Australia.
To find out about CDP activities in your area, contact your local Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Regional Network office.
The Fogg Dam activity is one of a range of activities conducted by Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation that are developing skills and work experience of programme participants and providing direct benefit to local communities.