Local CDP teams support APY Communities during COVID-19

Community Development Program (CDP) teams across the APY Lands of South Australia played an important role in protecting community members during community closures resulting from the introduction of COVID-19 biosecurity measures.

Mark Jackman is the General Manager of Regional Anangu Services Aboriginal Corporation (RASAC).

‘APY communities have expressed their sincere thanks to the RASAC CDP teams in their communities for staying in community during the initial COVID-19 shut downs and for their swift and effective actions to support the close downs, provide assistance with hygiene and cleaning around communities and supporting community education on COVID-19,’ Mark said.

During the community biosecurity measures, RASAC CDP teams assisted with:

• setting up handwashing stations at stores, churches and sorry camps
• cleaning of public phones and public areas
• deliveries of goods, clothes and cleaning supplies
• facilitating flu vaccinations with SA Health and Royal Flying Doctor Services
• making blankets
• supporting art centres.

The biosecurity measures also impacted normal community operations which impacted the lives of local Anangu residents.

‘As RASAC has established excellent working relationships with other Anangu organisations, our CDP staff were able to keep supporting local employers such as stores, waste management, community patrols, health services, community offices and others who needed to recruit new workers during this time,’ Mark said.

‘Our CDP teams are seen as an integral service within their communities and communities turned to our teams for support across a range of areas.’

One of the Anangu CDP participants who was assisted to find work over the past few months was Michael Young from Pipalyatjara Community. He said CDP has helped him change his life.

‘I have a job with Aged Care cooking and delivering meals for old ones. I go to work every day,’ Michael said.

‘I learnt about working in a team and the good feeling from working. CDP took me to the community kitchen and showed me how to do the job. Now I am a proud and good man.’

CDP activities ceased during the shutdown but as of 19 October, full servicing arrangements have resumed.

‘Our CDP teams are excited to recommence full servicing and to welcome participants back to activities at our sites and have a range of projects ready to gradually rebuild engagement with our participants,’ Mark said.

Michael Young said that the older members of the community are happy that young ones are working.

‘They pretend they are not watching us but we can feel them. The young ones are proud they do the work. The CDP team are good because they teach us right way,’ he said.