Indigenous Painting Team – pride and confidence for the Galiwin’ku community.

The enthusiastic Indigenous Painting Team in Galiwin’ku, Arnhem Land, awake early each morning and put on their brightly coloured uniforms, eager to continue their work painting houses in the community’s new housing subdivision.

The Indigenous Painting Team, led by local painter, Garry Baker, is supported through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the NT Government through the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing.

Garry said the program has increased employment opportunities in the community and instilled confidence in the young men.

“The team that has formed is a strong team. I identify them as workers and people that are conscientious and know what they want in their futures,” Garry said.

“The men are confident in what they do and their families benefit from the incoming wages.

“Throughout the community, there is a belief that Indigenous people can take care of their communities,” he said.

The busy team, responsible for painting 90 new houses in the sub-division, have learnt new skills such as rolling, cutting and mixing paints, and they are proud of their work.

Luke Bukulatjpi has been part of the Indigenous Painters Team for three years and is grateful for the opportunity to learn new skills.

“Learning how to paint and gaining more skills and experience is very good. It is very good for our people to work in jobs and learn new things,” Luke said.

“I want to go on and learn more skills and make the Indigenous Painting Team grow.”